Powering the Future: How Transmission Upgrades Drive Clean Energy and Economic Growth

On this episode of Know Power, we welcome Abe Silverman, our special guest. Abe delves into the world of energy and power, focusing on MISO, the largest US-integrated market ISO RTO, and its challenges with transmission constraints. We also explore the nascent offshore wind industry, the role of regional transmission organizations, and Abe's program for clean energy. Abe shares insights on New Jersey's offshore wind progress and the importance of efficient transmission planning. Join us as we discuss the significance of investing in the transmission system for decarbonization, reliability, and cost reduction, all while transcending political divisions. Don't miss this episode as we unravel the intricacies of transmission infrastructure and its role in the clean energy transition on Know Power!

Guest bio: Abe Silverman is a clean energy advocate who believes that achieving clean energy goals is not solely dependent on technological innovations. With a focus on the period between now and 2030, Abe has been working on identifying the non-technical aspects of the clean energy transition that can accelerate progress. Instead of relying on new technologies, Abe emphasizes the importance of deploying existing solutions on a large scale. In his new program, he aims to prioritize short-term goals that do not require major breakthroughs and pave the way toward a cleaner energy future.

He joined the Center as the Director of the Non-Technical Barriers to the Clean Energy Transition initiative. The Non-Technical Barriers initiative is designed to identify major legal and regulatory bottlenecks to the clean energy transition and then provide state and federal policy makers pragmatic solutions to address those challenges. Major focus areas include Legal and Regulatory Barriers at the state and federal level, Market Rules and Economic Incentives, and Social Acceptance & Just Deployment of Infrastructure. Before joining the Center, Abe served at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities as the General Counsel and Executive Policy Counsel. Abe’s portfolio included developing offshore wind, solar, electric vehicle, energy storage, and interconnection reform programs, along with quantifying and managing ratepayer impacts of the clean energy transition. Abe also led the State’s engagement with PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator for New Jersey, on topics such as implementing New Jersey’s first-in-the-nation offshore wind transmission solicitation, resource adequacy, clean energy market design, and transmission policy.

[00:02:09] Overview of Abe’s professional background

[00:10:12] Policies and regulations delaying the transition to clean energy

[00:12:15] Siding, transmission, and affordability for clean energy transition

[00:19:19] Offshore wind industry in early stages. Value beyond cost is considered for success

[00:27:34] Offshore wind has been around for a while. Learn from past experiences to overcome barriers. New Jersey is building offshore wind infrastructure

[00:33:48] Clean energy transmission is caught up in political debates in the US. More transmission leads to a reliable grid and lower prices. Investing in clean energy promotes energy independence

[00:38:05] MISO is a large market for energy

[00:44:10] Reliability is important; ERCOT lacks transfer capability

[00:49:24] Electric industry must prioritize justice in infrastructure implementation. 

[00:59:24] Efficient ways to achieve social and environmental goals

[01:01:04] Regulators balance markets and political considerations

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