Big Transmission Planned Around The World

Column: A global guide to electric grid development plans

Gavin Maguire, April 4, 2023 (Reuters)

“…Utilities and power system planners are acutely aware of the vital role that grids will play in the energy transition, and are ramping up spending on grid upgrades and expansions alongside the roll out of green energy production capacity…[But current global spending] on grid upgrades is roughly half the estimated $600 billion required annually through 2030 if net-zero emissions targets are to be accomplished…[The build out] is also uneven, with roughly half of current extra-high voltage transmission lines (eHV) - capable of handling bulk power transfers [at 375,000 volts to 765,000 volts] across long distances - concentrated in China, North America and Europe…

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…[eHV] will be key arteries that will enable transition efforts…These lines already account for 46.4% of the installed global transmission network in 2023…[but will see] an expected 260% rise in installed capacity from current levels…[Installed global capacity of ultra-high voltage (UHV) lines that can carry more than 765,000 volts] will expand by nearly 300% by 2050 to become the second most common line type by mid-century…Roughly 66% of current UHV capacity is in Greater China (36%) and the Indian subcontinent (30%), and around 10% is in North America…

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The Indian subcontinent, home to some of the world's most aggressive green energy supply road maps, will take over from Greater China as the region with the largest UHV capacity from around 2030…Latin America looks also set to rapidly increase UHV capacity, especially after 2035…The Middle East and North African region will become a major hub for eHV capacity by 2040, while Northeast Eurasia and Sub-Saharan Africa will leave it until nearer 2050…Southeast Asia and the Pacific areas also look set to construct a majority of their capacity build outs after 2035…” click here for more

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