The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in the United States has approved a rule aimed at improving the transmission of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar to the electric grid. The move is in line with President Joe Biden’s goal to achieve a carbon-neutral power sector by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, impacting the country’s energy landscape and infrastructure.
On May 13, 2024, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in the United States passed a rule to enhance the transmission of renewable energy sources like wind and solar to the electric grid. This decision aligns with President Joe Biden’s objective to achieve a carbon-neutral power sector by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions across the economy by 2050.
The rule, which has been in development for two years, aims to revitalize the U.S.’s aging power grid to cope with increased demand from data centers, electric vehicle charging, and other modern technologies. The initiative comes as coal-fired power plants are being decommissioned due to competition from natural gas and stringent pollution regulations.
During the vote at FERC’s headquarters in Washington, the rule was approved 2-1, with support from Democratic commissioners Willie Phillips and Allison Clements. Republican commissioner Mark Christie opposed the rule, criticizing it as overly favorable to wind and solar power operators.
This regulation facilitates the construction of new transmission lines and addresses how transmission costs are allocated across states. This could significantly boost the grid’s capacity for renewable energy. The rule also updates FERC’s planning processes to better accommodate the increasing number of utility-scale renewable projects that currently cannot connect to the grid due to lack of capacity.
This decision has been met with support from Democrats and renewable energy advocates while facing criticism from some Republicans and power companies wary of the financial implications of new transmission infrastructure.