Enverus Intelligence Research Releases Report on Future of ERCOT and 765 kV Transmission Expansion

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Enverus Intelligence Research (EIR) has published a report detailing the future of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), focusing on the expansion of its 765 kV transmission lines and evolving power market dynamics. The report indicates that ERCOT has successfully added 22.5 GW of new capacity since January 2024, with plans to incorporate nearly 100 GW of solar and battery resources by 2030. The approval of a $33 billion 765 kV transmission line is a significant step towards modernizing the system for quicker interconnections and minimizing curtailment risks.

Katherine Paton-Ilse, the report's author, emphasizes that ERCOT's extensive buildout and transmission upgrades aim not only to meet demand but also to transform power delivery in Texas. The 765 kV backbone is expected to facilitate the transport of renewable energy from remote areas to urban centers. Key findings include the rapid operationalization of sub-10 MW projects, the acceleration of battery storage queue growth, and the anticipated elimination of 1,400 miles of upgrades through the Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan (STEP), which will also reduce congestion costs significantly.