National Transmission Planning Study
The National Transmission Planning Study (NTP Study) seeks to understand the transformation needed to ensure the U.S. transmission system continues to reliably serve the nation’s electricity customers.
The NTP Study is led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE's) Grid Deployment Office and conducted in partnership with NREL and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The study aims to better understand the scope of interregional transmission needs as the power sector continues to evolve and transition to cleaner resources.
Since the NTP Study launched in 2022, the team has conducted extensive stakeholder engagement and developed a novel approach that links long- and short-term power systems models. Additionally, the team is developing national grid-scale planning tools and practices necessary to address those interregional transmission needs. The NTP Study and its key findings will be released later this year.
Analyses and tools developed through the NTP Study have led to additional interregional planning studies, reports, and white papers. That includes two NREL technical reports (listed below) on interregional renewable energy zones and barriers and opportunities for interregional transmission. Together, the forthcoming NTP Study and its companion reports will identify interregional transmission solutions that, according to DOE, improve reliability, resilience, and affordability as the grid transitions to a decarbonized future.
Interregional Renewable Energy Zones
NREL studied the economics of long-distance, high-voltage transmission lines that are anchored to interregional renewable energy zones, or areas with very high concentrations of the lowest-cost developable renewable energy potential. The report, Interregional Renewable Energy Zones, seeks to:
-
Bridge the Gap: The analysis acts as a bridge between the technical modeling in the NTP Study’s national transmission scenarios and the practical decision-making processes at the state and regional levels. By aligning with national results, an interregional renewable energy zones corridor becomes a tangible example of achieving the benefits outlined in the national analysis.
-
Inform State Decision-Making: The study offers a preliminary analysis to assist state decision makers in determining whether to delve into more detailed examinations of relevant interregional renewable energy zones corridors. While this report may not encompass all case-specific details influencing transmission projects, it provides a foundation. If a corridor examined here showcases a high benefit-to-cost ratio primarily based on energy cost savings, further studies can expand the economic analysis to include local factors.
Barriers and Opportunities for Interregional Transmission
NREL examined issues that prevent existing transmission facilities from delivering maximum potential value and developed a suite of options that power system stakeholders can pursue to overcome those challenges. The report, Barriers and Opportunities to Realize the System Value of Interregional Transmission, groups barriers and opportunities for interregional transmission among all regions, between non-market or a mix of market and non-market areas, and between market areas.
NREL also identified transformative actions that could be applied to all regions to increase the value of interregional transmission. Together, the suite of strategies can help improve the efficiency and efficacy of today’s transmission system, increase grid reliability, and lead to cost savings that are then passed onto customers.
In the News
NREL’s contributions to the NTP Study are featured in the news. Read some of the recent articles and publications that highlight the study.
A Look at the Future of Transmission: Getting Clean Electrons to Where They Need To Be, NREL News (2024)
How to Realize the Maximum Value of Interregional Transmission, NREL News (2024)
Can We Connect Renewable Energy Hubs With Electricity Consumption Hubs? NREL News (2024)
Analysis Details Scenarios for Interregional Renewable Energy Zones, American Public Power Association (2024)
Contact
Share
