In formation
The electricity system is a backbone of U.S. economic activity, enabling peoples’ health and livelihoods, and is a key pathway for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the grid is at an inflection point. Aging infrastructure, growing demand, and increasing extreme weather and climate stressors are all straining the system. Simultaneously, there are changing expectations for grid security and low-cost, low-emissions operation. To meet the grid’s objectives of providing safe, affordable, clean, and reliable electricity, investments need to be made in the coming years. This workshop will explore future visions and discuss opportunities to build an improved electricity system.
Description
A planning committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will convene leading electricity system experts for a workshop to envision steps for strengthening the electricity system. Strategies for meeting growing electricity demand and modernizing the U.S. electric grid will be explored through this workshop’s discussions. Specific topics will include:
- Near-term strategies for strengthening the electricity system within the existing grid structure and current financial and regulatory system.
- Larger-scale systemic changes that could increase the deployment rate of new generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure, including potential market and regulatory changes.
The planning committee will identify specific topics to be addressed, develop the agenda, select and invite speakers and other participants, and moderate the discussions. A proceeding-in-brief summarizing the presentations and discussions at the workshop will be prepared by a designated rapporteur in accordance with institutional guidelines.
Contributors
Sponsors
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Blue Horizons Foundation
Clean Economy Project
Staff
Brent Heard
Lead
Catherine Wise
Rebecca DeBoer