This paper puts forth the argument that growth of large central station wind and solar farms, a national priority, will be stymied until existing transmission capacity is increased using new technology (FACTS, optimized transmission dispatch, high capacity conductors, advanced storage, etc.) along with the addition of new high capacity high voltage direct current (HVDC)—800 kV—and high voltage alternating current (HVAC)—765 kV lines. Bottom line: while it is true that today’s transmission is more advanced than distribution, the transition to a smart grid requires much more transmission capability and now is the time to make the required investment.

Feb 4, 2010