Kirk Busch

DOE proposes ten “national interest” transmission corridors (my latest for PV Magazine USA) Eight of the ten transmission corridors proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy would facilitate transmission between grid regions; one would expand transmission within the Mid-Atlantic’s #PJM grid region; and one would expand transmission in the Northern Plains.

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As part of a coalition of 40+ clean energy-focused organizations, ACP is urging Congress to make certain the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget provides robust funding for electric transmission. America needs a stronger power grid. https://bit.ly/3QpMo1g

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To receive federal GRIP grants from the DOE, utilities must follow strict rules and create new processes. Utilities need to make sure they have proper policies in place to meet these requirements. Adapting internal systems, training staff, and using new tools are crucial to stay compliant and successful. By using solutions like Adlib’s document automation, utilities can streamline reporting, track progress accurately, and manage compliance documentation efficiently, ensuring successful project execution. https://lnkd.in/gdd2PpBh #DOE #GRIP #grants #compliance #utilities #documentautomation

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Think Microgrid | State Scorecard 2023 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY "Microgrids have the potential to play a pivotal role at a transformative moment for the electric grid. As communities and consumers seek solutions for the resilience, climate and equity challenges they face, the combination of advanced technology and market interest provide the opportunity for the widespread commercialization of microgrids. The U.S. Department of Energy has advanced a vision that by 2035, microgrids will be the core building block of a transformed grid where 30-50% of electricity generation comes from distributed resources. This vision, however, is not inevitable and there remain potentially existential barriers to microgrid commercialization. Over the past two years, Think Microgrid has led conversations with regulators and industry stakeholders about how to best identify and characterize these opportunities and impediments. From these discussions, a robust and extensible methodology was articulated that considers policy and market conditions in each state across five critical dimensions – deployment, regulation, resilience, market access and equity. The resulting State Scorecard is at once disappointing and encouraging. On the one hand, only a few states receive even a “B” and far too many receive a “C” or “D”. On the other hand, the results suggest how states can proactively and creatively begin to immediately take action to reform outdated policies and collaboratively move toward the coordinated action that this moment deserves." Our Combined Heat and Power products are at the heart of a microgrid. Source: Think Microgrid Visit our website to learn more and to reserve your systems today: https://lnkd.in/e-EQSR8 #enginuitypowersystems #microgrid #simplyefficient #resiliency #naturalgas #propane #hydrogen #sustainablesolutions #sustainablesolution #privategeneration #cogeneration #worldcogenerationday Jacques Steve Vince Jay John Xochitl Datta Derek Dan James Brian Pinstripes Media

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Over 25% of U.S. households experience regular energy insecurity, as the Residential Energy Consumption Survey reported. This challenge is particularly seen in rural America, where communities frequently struggle with reliable access to power. One promising solution is the use of microgrids. These systems provide critical power distribution during outages, ensuring that even the most remote areas stay connected. Learn more about how microgrids can help rural communities by reading our latest blog post below: https://lnkd.in/eAsGmFVM #RuralCooperatives #Microgrid #ReliablePower

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💡 The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ordered grid operator PJM Interconnection to plan for future transmission needs, a necessity for the advancement of solar, wind, and storage projects. 💡 Over 167 GW of large-scale solar, wind, and storage projects are awaiting interconnection studies by PJM due to the lack of transmission capacity. 💡 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed plans for a major “national interest” transmission corridor in the PJM region for a clean energy grid. As changes in the world of solar power pave the way for a greener future, the FERC has called for a transmission planning process that will satisfy the future needs of our ever-growing energy grid. With an impressive 167 GW of large-scale solar, wind, and storage projects currently awaiting interconnection studies, the need for a well-organized plan is clear. This step will ultimately support the rising momentum of solar home usage. As a consumer, you stand to gain from these advancements in the form of better reliability and lower costs. The DOE's plans for a major transmission corridor in the PJM region ensures a streamlined transition towards a clean energy grid catering for future growth. Despite some apprehension, PJM has shown a readiness to adapt to the unique circumstances and regional demands to fully implement FERC’s order. Together, these shifts indicate an encouraging future for those considering solar power. Stay tuned for more updates on this promising sector. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com. 🌞

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In a step forward in energy independence, Solar United Neighbors (SUN) has unveiled a groundbreaking model policy for Distributed Power Plants (#DPPs), also known as Virtual Power Plants (#VPPs). These innovative systems coordinate small-scale solar and battery setups to provide flexibility when the electric grid needs it most—helping to prevent power outages and reducing reliance on power plants. “Distributed Power Plants are a game-changer for utilities grappling with rising energy costs and the need for more resilient energy…SUN’s recommendations provide a framework that, if implemented, could save consumers billions in energy costs over the next decade.”—Meghan Nutting, Sunnova EVP, Government and Regulatory Affairs Discover how DPPs can reshape our energy future by creating a more reliable, affordable, and cleaner grid. Read the full article in Solar Power World.

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💡 Really important messages in this short brief for decision makers: National harmonization of standards will expedite interconnection queue processing and reduce costs to interconnection customers, transmission providers, and customers. However, regulatory bodies are not actively adopting IEEE 2800-2022, which has and will continue to be a core component of IBR standardization in the coming years (decades). Therefore, it is more important now that ever for transmission providers (utilities, ISO/RTOs, etc.) to adopt IEEE 2800-2022 in as standardized a manner as possible. Our recent work shows there has been some uptick in 2800 adoption but nothing widespread and comprehensive. ⏩ Next Critical Step: Support transmission providers in their adoption of IEEE 2800-2022, providing clear guidance on decision points and implementation methods to help streamline and standardize adoption where possible. Thanks Julia Matevosyan and Jens C. Boemer, Ph.D. for the important collaboration and teamwork putting this together.

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Alaska local governments who need support addressing their energy needs should consider joining the webinar tomorrow to learn more about the technical assistance available via ETIPP.

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A new report from Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) includes recommendations for state policies for Grid Enhancing Technologies and other Advanced Transmission Technologies. They see opportunities for state policy to: 1) Direct utilities and relevant state authorities to study GETS and high-performance conductors in state-level planning or permitting processes. 2) Where legally sustainable, provide financial incentives for investments in transmission modernization. 3) Create an environment that encourages the implementation of ATTs, for example by exempting such action from permitting requirements or through setting operational standards in wildfire safety policies. https://lnkd.in/eskTiN6a

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This new report from Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) highlights the pressing need to modernize and expand the U.S. transmission system to meet rising energy demands, with a focus on Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) and Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs). The aging grid is a major bottleneck, with unprecedented congestion delaying the interconnection of new generation and storage projects. At Prisma Photonics, we believe addressing these challenges is more than just a policy discussion - it’s about leveraging real-time insights and finding solutions. While state policies can direct utilities to explore GETs and high-performance conductors, real-time data on grid conditions is equally crucial for maximizing the impact of modernization efforts. Our technology uses existing fiber optic lines to continuously monitor transmission across thousands of miles, helping utilities enhance grid reliability without the delays often caused by traditional upgrades. The grid is the backbone of the energy transition, and innovative solutions like #PrismaPower are key to tackling the challenges of an outdated infrastructure. #EnergyTransition #GridModernization #PrismaPhotonics #AI #GridResilience #TransmissionSolutions #CleanEnergy

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Want the inside scoop on the modernizing grid? If so, then Grid Forward Chats is the podcast for you!💡 This season, industry leaders join us, including regional and national experts from utilities, grid operators, government, and technology providers. Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts or subscribe below to get notified whenever a new episode drops! 🎧 🎙️ https://lnkd.in/dWsgU5k #gridmodernization #energy #podcast #futureofenergy

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NEW COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT: "Interconnection of Utility-Scale Solar PV to Transmission" - https://lnkd.in/eexd22Uv It seems like every time news outlets report on new utility-scale solar projects coming online, the megawatt (MW) capacity keeps getting bigger. With an increasing number of high-capacity solar projects in development, many industry professionals are finding themselves in need of rapidly expanding their knowledge related to transmission interconnection. To help bridge the knowledge gap for solar professionals, HeatSpring instructor Tim Taylor has launched the "Interconnection of Utility-Scale Solar PV to Transmission" course. This course, along with its optional prerequisite "Introduction to Electric Transmission", make up the "Electric Transmission and Solar PV Interconnection Bundle," a comprehensive program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge needed to navigate the complex world of utility-scale solar PV interconnection to transmission systems. Go here to learn more and enroll in the "Electric Transmission and Solar PV Interconnection Bundle" - https://lnkd.in/eR2m-Zwc

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Grid analysts challenge Bonneville Power’s pace in adopting advanced conductors--my latest for PV Magazine USA. As the White House encourages utilities to use advanced conductors to help interconnect new renewable generation, the federally-owned utility Bonneville Power is moving slowly to use the high-capacity conductors, analysts said. Mike O'Boyle, Casey Baker, Michelle Solomon #AdvancedConductors

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"Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA7) introduced the Securing Community Upgrades for a Resilient Grid Act, or SECURE Grid Act, which will empower states to fully assess the risks posed to the electric grid by weather, physical and cyber-attacks, and other vulnerabilities." One easy way to start reducing the risks to the grid is by unleashing the free market. No "design" has ever beaten the power of a free market to provide the best products and services at the lowest cost. After a century of heavy regulation, it's time to allow for the creation of new unregulated utilities. And wait - it gets better! The government doesn't have to use taxpayer money. We call it Consumer Regulated Electricity (CRE). Contact us to learn more. https://lnkd.in/gpKTrzjT

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Aspen Power's Kristy Zaragoza will be on GridTECH Connect Forum's upcoming panel: "Community solar: A California dream?" Expect an interesting discussion on the heels of the recent California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) decision to adopt a flawed community solar program. If you have questions or would like to connect in advance let us know! By siding with utilities, the CPUC has made a choice that not only undermines the interests of ratepayers but also poses a significant setback to California's ambitious climate goals. Distributed energy generation supports the equitable and sustainable growth of community solar initiatives, and our progress toward a cleaner and more resilient energy future. Learn more about the panel here: https://lnkd.in/eAw87QMP #GridTECH #Sustainability #Solar

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Grid United CEO, Michael Skelly, will moderate a panel at the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) Grid Forum on Grid Innovations: Leveraging Grid-Enhancing Technologies, High-Performance Computing, and Other Advanced Technologies to Meet Growing Power Demand. Join us on October 10th to hear industry leaders discuss how advanced technologies are transforming the energy grid to meet future demand! Be part of the conversation. Learn more at: acore.org/GridForum #GridInnovation #EnergyTransition #GETonthegrid #GETtingonthegrid #electricity #demand #ACORE #power #grid

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Calling all Grid Forward members and industry friends! ⚡️ Join us for our annual member meeting in ONE week on June 27th. Get the inside scoop on the latest federal funding opportunities for grid modernization projects and how Grid Forward is supporting it all. Check out those guest speakers! Not a member? Don't worry, this event is open to everyone! Learn how Grid Forward can connect you with a network of experts, valuable resources, and ongoing grid modernization efforts. Register below! #EnergyInnovation #GridModernization

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