Ultra-Compact Transmission Lines for our Electric Energy Infrastructure
We must modernize our electricity infrastructure, replace outdated sections, and improve resiliency against extreme weather events.
Electricity demand is growing rapidly and our electricity infrastructure is not keeping up. Permitting for new transmission lines takes too long, often 10 – 15 years. Tall transmission line towers and overhead wires are an eyesore. No one wants an ugly transmission line within eyesight of their property.
We need more electricity and additional transmission lines to support electric cars, heat pumps, and data centers. Wind farms are most productive in the windy States of the Great Plains, and in the mountains.
Solar farms are most productive in the southwest deserts. Nuclear is best located away from urban areas. They all need high-capacity, low-loss, long-distance, transmission of electricity.
Our new, Ultra-Compact transmission lines are low to the ground and can use existing rights-of-way, alongside existing transmission lines, highways, or rail lines.
With a little landscaping, Ultra-Compact lines are not an eyesore. Thus, permitting time can be greatly reduced.
In addition, Ultra-Compact lines feature 4.5 times more capacity and 2.7 times less power loss—at lower cost than conventional lines.
“This proposal … has the potential to become a cornerstone of the nation’s future energy infrastructure, enabling rapid integration of renewable energy sources and supporting a reliable, efficient, and resilient grid.”
— From our reviewers at DOE