Google aims to boost transmission capacity with advanced conductor upgrades

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Google is collaborating with states, utilities, and transmission developers to enhance transmission capacity in the U.S. by replacing existing wires with advanced conductors. This initiative aims to facilitate the interconnection of renewable energy projects near upgraded transmission lines. Theodore Paradise from CTC Global emphasized that Google is ready to fund these projects, which could significantly reduce the timeline for adding transmission capacity from years to just months, addressing the urgent reliability strains reported across the U.S.

A study by UC Berkeley and GridLab indicates that replacing current transmission lines with advanced conductors could potentially enable 764 GW of solar energy by 2035. While some utilities have successfully implemented advanced conductors, others, like the Bonneville Power Administration, are taking a more cautious approach, requiring extensive testing before adoption. Google's solicitation process is progressing quickly, with plans for project selection and construction to begin soon.