After years of stalled transmission buildout, there are new signs of progress. Earlier this month, SPP approved $8.6 billion in transmission projects across 14 states. Major plans are emerging in MISO, PJM, and ERCOT. Despite the DOE canceling its loan guarantee, the Grain Belt Express is still moving forward. And regardless of court battles, so is the New England Clean Energy Connect.

Are these signs that the U.S. could start building transmission at scale again?

In this episode, Shayle talks to Rob Gramlich, founder and president of Grid Strategies. He and Shayle cover topics like:

Why Rob says the DOE’s efforts to fast-track large-load interconnection is a positive sign for transmission buildout

The recent buildout of 880 miles of transmission and why it may look better than it is

Why transmission hasn’t benefited from data center investment

Specific projects, including SPP’s transmission backbone and the Grain Belt Express

Rob’s outlook on buildout over the coming year

The uncertain future of permitting reform despite bipartisan support

Resources:

Catalyst: Unpacking DOE’s proposal to transform data center interconnection

Latitude Media: How the Grain Belt Express lost its LPO loan

E&E News: Data center growth cited in defense of MISO transmission plan

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Credits: Hosted by Shayle Kann. Produced and edited by Daniel Woldorff. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is our executive editor.

Catalyst is brought to you by EnergyHub. EnergyHub helps utilities build next-generation virtual power plants that unlock reliable flexibility at every level of the grid. See how EnergyHub helps unlock the power of flexibility at scale, and deliver more value through cross-DER dispatch with their leading Edge DERMS platform, by visiting energyhub.com.
Catalyst is brought to you by Bloom Energy. AI data centers can’t wait years for grid power—and with Bloom Energy’s fuel cells, they don’t have to. Bloom Energy delivers affordable, always-on, ultra-reliable onsite power, built for chipmakers, hyperscalers, and data center leaders looking to power their operations at AI speed. Learn more by visiting BloomEnergy.com.

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