- 2 months ago
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Grid Utilization: Unlocking the Cheapest Megawatt in America
Political Climate
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Description
What if the fastest, cheapest fix for America’s power grid is hiding in plain sight?
On this episode of Political Climate, we dive into grid utilization — and how to unlock the massive untapped potential of a system that operates at just ~50% capacity (as Secretary Wright noted just last month).
With Ian Magruder (founder and executive director of the Utilize Coalition) and guest co-host Hillary O’Brien (managing director of clean power at ClearPath) we explore how solutions such as advanced transmission technologies and virtual power plants can unlock hundreds of gigawatts and deliver $100+ billion in savings — plus the policy changes needed to scale them.
At a moment of surging demand, is there really a debate between building more or finally using what we already have better?
Episode highlights:
1:38 - Roundup: SF Climate Week, cybersecurity & Chinese EVs on TikTok
9:12 - The case for grid utilization
14:47 - Companies to watch in the utilization space
17:18 - The "build" versus "use" debate
25:25 - Speed to power with DOE's $1.9 billion SPARK program
28:38 - Policy action to accelerate grid innovation & VA case study
39:20 - Better grid use transcends political divides
Political Climate is presented by ClearPath, one of the most influential organizations working to advance American energy innovation while reducing global emissions.
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