This October 2024 OpenMinds analysis looks at how the Energy Permitting Reform Act (EPRA) could speed interregional transmission and help meet rising electricity demand with cleaner generation. It finds that a lack of transmission is the primary constraint to clean electrification, and that permitting reform would remove key obstacles to building new lines.
Key points
- Preliminary estimates show U.S. electricity demand set to grow 35% from 2023 to 2035, with data centers and AI reaching about 410 TWh by 2035, or 30% of incremental demand.
- Only 10% of the transmission capacity required by 2030 is currently under construction.
- EPRA would simplify FERC's backstop permitting authority, saving 2 to 5 years in approval, and standardize "beneficiary pays" cost allocation.
- Preliminary OpenMinds research on four projects found benefit-cost ratios from 3.2 to 14.4, and emissions cuts from new transmission are projected to far outweigh increases from oil and gas leasing and LNG exports.
.svg)
.svg){kind=icon}
