US DOE funds $2.2b grid overhaul to combat climate change

The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $2.2 billion investment in the nation’s grid for eight projects across 18 states to enhance resilience against extreme weather, reduce costs, and increase grid capacity.

This investment, part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda, is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Programme.

The projects will leverage nearly $10 billion in total public and private investment to deliver reliable, affordable, and clean energy to Americans.

These initiatives will add 13 GW of grid capacity, including 4,800 MW of offshore wind, creating 5,000 jobs and upgrading over 1,000 miles of transmission infrastructure.

“The first half of 2024 has already broken records for the hottest days in Earth’s history, and as extreme weather continues to hit every part of the country, we must act with urgency to strengthen our aging grid to protect American communities,” said US Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm.

Over $300 million will be invested in community workforce development, scholarships, apprentice programmes, and grants to community organisations across the eight projects.

Six out of eight projects will involve local partnerships with labour unions, with at least five partnering with local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

Attribution: US Department of Energy (DOE) announcement