Episode 15 - The Critical Need to Modernize the Grid

Perspectives on Sustainable Development

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Anyone who has listened to past episodes likely knows that I am an offshore wind (OSW) energy advocate. I am a renewable energy advocate, and I am an advocate for smart answers to complex problems.
There is no better example than the need to urgently modernize our transmission systems. My guests for this week, are Theodore Paradise (Energy Partner at K & L Gates) and Dane Pehrman (Director of Strategy & Growth - Power and New Energy, Worley Consulting). Both men have been working on major energy and transmission projects for decades, both are leaders in the OSW industry, and both are incredibly sharp minds that understand logistical constraints and critical project processes.
Our transmission infrastructure is well past its useful life, undersized for modern needs, has not been maintained well, and is not designed to support multi-sourced renewable energies. Dane and Theodore cover an astounding amount of information in 49 minutes, taking us from Grid 101 to the intricacies and cost models for upgrading. We also focus on the need for cross state collaboration on this issue and spend some time looking forward to an upcoming RFP in New England.
Critical issue and really fun episode.