Interstate Transmission Challenges for Renewable Energy: A Federalism Mismatch

Transmission challenges are a critical barrier for the wind industry: "transmission, transmission, and transmission".
The traditional transmission planning strategies are ineffective for integrating new sources of renewable energy.
Existing transmission lines connect large power plants to demand centers; however, renewable energy generation is dispersed.
There is a complex mix of federal, state, and regional laws impacting renewable energy goals and transmission planning.

The electricity industry consists of four main parts: fuel, power generation, high-voltage transmission lines, and distribution.
Most electricity generation in the US comes from coal (42%), natural gas (25%), and uranium (19%), with only 5% from renewables.
The transmission network includes over 200,000 miles of high-voltage lines connecting the US to Canada and Mexico.
Electricity transmission systems have evolved into three major national networks: Eastern Interconnection, Western Interconnection, and Texas Interconnection.

States adopted their own policies to promote renewable energy due to the absence of comprehensive federal policies.
As of 2011, renewable energy accounted for 5% of US electricity, with significant growth primarily in wind power.
38 states have renewable portfolio standards (RPS) or goals to promote renewable energy, with varying stipulations for participation and accountability.

Wind energy generation is inherently variable, creating challenges in matching electricity supply to demand.
Solutions include: providing backup reserves, developing energy-storage systems, spreading wind power geographically, and improving wind forecasting.
Further expansion of electric transmission lines is necessary to connect dispersed wind resources to demand centers, requiring significant investments.

ARRA allocated $4.5 billion to modernize the transmission grid and establish a smart grid.
Several recent federal initiatives are focused on improving coordination between state and federal efforts in siting interstate transmission lines.

The Federal Power Act grants FERC jurisdiction over interstate electricity transmission but not siting.
PURPA allows independent electricity producers access to the grid.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) created policies for transmission line siting, including national interest electric transmission corridors (NIETCs).

Order 888: mandated open access to the transmission system.
Order 2000: encouraged the formation of regional transmission organizations (RTOs).
Order 1000: emphasized the need for cooperation among states and established regional planning requirements.

The federal government has significant authority over siting transmission lines on federal lands, which is crucial for renewable energy projects.

Solutions to improve transmission infrastructure include:
1. Greater federal preemption of state siting authority.
2. Increased authority for regional siting agencies.
3. Enhanced cost-allocation methods to finance projects across state lines.

The integration of renewable energy into the transmission system requires coordinated policy efforts at federal and state levels, addressing both existing legal frameworks and new infrastructural needs.
Current challenges in transmission are rooted in the structure of federalism and require innovative regional solutions to overcome them.