By Larry Pearl, Senior Editor, Utility Dive

There is “a clear need for substantial transmission build-out to accommodate new generation,” [FERC Commissioner] Phillips said while highlighting the ambitious renewable energy goals around the country.

“In order to get these necessary transmission projects financed, we must address the continuing barriers to regional and interregional transmission investment,” he added. Read more here.

RELATED READING

Grid operators’ ‘seam’ study paves way for renewable expansion, E&E News

The study identified seven transmission projects along the MISO-SPP boundary that would cost $1.65 billion and enable 28 gigawatts of new generation capacity — and perhaps as much as 53 GW — across MISO and SPP combined. The latter estimate, based on modeling by SPP, would roughly double the combined wind and solar capacity that currently exists in the two regions.

• MISO and SPP complete Joint Targeted Interconnection Queue, Southwest Power Pool
• MISO Plans for a Clean Energy Future, Natural Resources Defense Council
• 2,000 gigawatts of solar power needed for 100% renewables,
  PV Magazine. The modeling made a simplifying assumption of “perfect transmission”—that is, no transmission congestion. The paper cited previous research showing that if long-distance transmission congestion is an issue, “increasing the transmission capacity will relieve congestion with only a modest increase in cost.”

NEW AMERICAN CLEAN POWER ASSOCIATION INITIATIVE

Clean Power Industry Commits to Initiative for Energy Transition that Benefits Workers, Communities, and Those Historically Left Behind

WASHINGTON DC, March 23, 2022 – The American Clean Power Association (ACP), on behalf of its over 700 member companies, today announced its Energy Transition for All initiative – an industry-wide framework to ensure that workers, communities, and those historically left behind stand to benefit from the rapid growth of the clean power sector in the United States. The initiative was launched today with the release of a report containing an outline of multi-year industry objectives to realize those goals.

ALSO IN THE NEWS

• Solar starts strong, growing 40% year over year in January, PV Magazine
  US solar generation reached new heights despite a year of challenges. Plus, pv magazine discusses “renewable” vs. “sustainable.”
• What to know about 5 big plans for U.S. carbon removal, World Resources Institute article reprinted by GreenBiz Group
• Electrify America To Build “Human-Centered” Charging Plazas, CleanTechnica

NEW AT OPPD & LES: TRADE ALLY PROGRAMS

• Approved Trade Allies, Omaha Public Power District 
  Trade allies are companies approved by OPPD to submit business rebate applications. These companies completed OPPD training and are familiar with program requirements. They will complete and submit all documentation.
• OPPD Trade Ally Central
• Shedding light on resources to help when considering solar, Lincoln Electric System
  For additional information, click here and scroll down to Solar contractors/installers.