There’s no transition without transmission. How can we make it easier to build?

To go from an electricity system based on coal and gas to one based on solar and wind, the US needs a very different power grid. On some estimates, annual installations of new transmission capacity need to double. To help build the grid that a new clean electricity system will need, the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has been working on regulatory reforms, intended to smooth the path for new investments in transmission lines.

Ed Crooks is joined by Amy Myers-Jaffe of New York University and Shanu Mathew of Lazard Asset Management, to unpack the latest orders from FERC. What are the regulators trying to do, and why do some people object to their plans? And what will the proposed reforms mean for the energy transition in the electricity sector in the US?

It has been a busy few weeks for big announcements in energy. A new round of tariffs on clean energy products from China was announced this month by President Biden, with rates of 100% on electric vehicles, 50% on solar modules, and 25% on lithium-ion batteries. The goal is to revive clean energy manufacturing in the US, but critics say the tariffs could be counter-productive, because they will drive up the cost of low-carbon technologies for American businesses and consumers.

One important gauge of the state of the energy transition is the health of investment in low-carbon stocks. The news on that over the past couple of years has not been great. So, what are the markets telling us about the future of clean energy? Shanu gives us his analysis, and joins Amy and Ed to debate investor sentiment and what it means.

For more analysis and to keep up-to-date with everything that happens with the Energy Gang, sign up for the newsletter at woodmac.com/the-inside-track . Or subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, out every second Tuesday. Join the discussion on X – we’re @theenergygang.

Event: 2024 Global Energy Transition

The energy transition is a multi-trillion dollar opportunity. Decarbonising global energy systems is an essential task, but it will require total cooperation between governments, industry and financial institutions to achieve.

From 25-27 June, the 2024 Global Energy Transition event will take place in New York City. The summit will unite policymakers, industry leaders and investors, to forge strategies and partnerships to bring us closer to net zero. The Energy Gang podcast will be there to bring you into the discussion.

We’ll be recording a daily podcast from the event, featuring a look behind-the-scenes and interviews with keynote speakers and media commentators.

Secure your ticket now and use offer code ENERGYGANG500 to discount US$500 from the pass price. Find out more. 

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