The 2026 Grid Vision Plan is OpenMinds' full analysis of how the U.S. can optimize the grid it has and build the grid it needs, delivering affordable, abundant and reliable power. Developed with expert input from the OpenMinds network, Grid Vision is a set of solutions designed to help address the Dual Challenge and one of many important efforts.
Key points
- U.S. electricity demand will rise about 40% by 2035, a growth rate about 10x faster than recent decades, and the grid will need 800 GW of additional capacity to meet 2035 peak demand.
- Five solutions can unlock 800+ GW by 2035: in-region transmission (200 to 300 GW), storage and flexible demand (120 to 250+ GW), advanced transmission technologies (120 to 170 GW), solar and gas generation (100 to 200 GW) and links across regional seams (50 to 150 GW).
- Planning, permitting and building the grid happens across 3,000+ utilities, authorities and RTOs, which slows decisions by years.
- OpenMinds and partners are focusing on six projects, including federal and state policy, AI planning and shovel-ready interconnects.
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