The investment will fund four transmission projects across multiple states. Credit: dongfang via Shutterstock.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has committed $1.5bn to enhance the country’s power grid infrastructure.

This investment will fund four transmission projects across multiple states, facilitating nearly 1,000 miles of new development and adding 7.1GW of capacity.

The funds will be allocated to the Aroostook Renewable Project in Maine, which will see the construction of a new substation and a 111-mile transmission line capable of handling 1.2GW, linking to the ISO-NE system.

The Cimarron Link in Oklahoma will establish a 400-mile HV DC line to transmit 1.9GW from wind and solar sources, potentially creating up to 3,600 construction jobs.

The Southern Spirit line will bridge the ERCOT grid with south-eastern US power markets, enhancing reliability and offering 3GW of bidirectional capacity.

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Lastly, the Southline Project’s second phase in New Mexico will extend by 108 miles to deliver 1GW of capacity.

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The DOE’s investment aligns with the findings of the final National Transmission Planning Study, which underscores the need for significant transmission system expansion to meet future demand and reliability requirements in the US.

This strategic move by the DOE is expected to not only enhance grid reliability but also support the integration of renewable energy sources.

US Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk said: “The US transmission network is the backbone of our nation’s electricity system. Though our grid has served US energy needs for more than a century, our country’s needs are changing.

“DOE’s approach to deploying near-term solutions and developing long-term planning tools will ensure our electric grid is more interconnected and resilient than ever before, while also supporting greater electricity demand.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to bolstering our power grid to improve the everyday life of Americans through affordable power, fewer blackouts, more reliable power, and additional jobs across our country.”

Last month, Nuclear power company Oklo completed a memorandum of agreement with the US DOE to conduct site inspections for its proposed nuclear reactor in Idaho.