The Department of Energy is plugging into the future with big plans to tackle the country's growing thirst for electricity. According to a new report, the DOE spells out how America can keep the lights on by embracing a cocktail of high-tech solutions. These include cutting-edge clean energy and storage, upgrades to the power grid, and smarter electricity use to meet the soaring demand from industries and the rise of electric vehicles.
U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm was charged with the report's findings. "It is undeniable that electricity demand is expected to grow over the next decade as the manufacturing sector experiences explosive growth and artificial intelligence requires more and more energy," said Granholm, as reported by the Department of Energy. The report, dubbed 'The Future of Resource Adequacy,' jump-starts a conversation on maintaining a reliable and sustainable energy supply amidst this expected surge.
As part of President Biden's Investing in America crusade, the nation gears up for an electrifying overhaul of the power grid and a significant shift towards greener energy production. With older, dirtier fossil fuel units heading for retirement, an array of options is laid out for utilities to keep up with the increased demand without missing a beat.
Available strategies include greener methods like building new clean generation and storage systems, squeezing more efficiency from our current infrastructure, and drawing on resources like virtual power plants. President Biden's agenda is lined with carrots, offering tax credits and consumer incentives that could make a transition to sustainable energy sources less of a shock to the system.
Key elements from the DOE report highlight a push for advanced technology such as geothermal power, hybrid renewable storage, and long-duration energy storage solutions. Grid enhancements are also on the table, with ideas like advanced conductors and other grid-enhancing technologies to improve existing infrastructure.
Investments in energy not only aim to keep the power flowing but also seek to supercharge the economy. The report indicates that bolstering the grid and expanding cleaner energy sources are fundamental parts of Biden's plan to create new economic opportunities and confront the climate crisis head-on.
