States participating in the Federal-State Modern Grid Deployment Initiative have committed to supporting the adoption of advanced grid solutions that expand capacity and add capabilities to existing and new transmission and distribution lines.

DOE initiatives aimed at expanding EV charging networks have become more urgent as the November election looms and growth in EV sales has slowed.

The administration’s focus on growing a healthy, competitive solar supply chain combines Biden’s drive to stimulate private investment in clean tech manufacturing and jobs and bipartisan concerns about Chinese trade practices.

DOE is looking to boost interregional transmission with its announcement of 10 proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors, where projects could be eligible for a share of $2 billion in federal loans and special permitting under FERC’s backstop siting authority.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the slow-down in EV sales could be a sign that "EVs are almost mainstream cars in parts of the country. Segment growth typically slows as volume increases."

Streamlining and accelerating permitting is just one of the potential uses DOE envisions for AI to accelerate the U.S. power system’s transition to 100% clean energy and the modern, efficient, secure grid needed to reach that goal by 2035.

Under the Coordinated Interagency Authorizations and Permits program, DOE will lead permitting transmission projects and coordinate environmental and permitting processes between federal agencies.