The Great Transmission Build Out
Energy Innovation Hub TX, in Partnership with Power House Texas Presents:
The Great Transmission Build Out
Challenges & Solutions to Re-architecting the ERCOT backbone
The Texas grid is entering a new super-cycle, driven by industrial electrification, data center proliferation, and population growth. With peak demand forecasted to nearly double to 150GW by 2030, a massive in transmission capacity must be mobilized. Meeting this demand is expected to require ~6000 miles of new lines and upgrades, deployment of a new 765kV backbone, and over $30 billion in capital.
The challenges to execution over the next 60 months are significant. Global supply chains, work force shortages and other technical hurdles are compounded by regulatory complexities, permitting and siting issues. While the implications for the Texas grid, energy costs, reliability and the continuation of the Texas “Economic Miracle” are existential.
Texas is responding to the challenge with material policy, planning and funding interventions, like the 2024 Regional Transmission Plan, 765 kV Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan and the Texas Energy Fund. But a comprehensive tool kit will be needed to meet the capacity gap and urgent timelines. Various Grid Enhancing Technologies, policy reforms and refinements market design are all under consideration.
This panel will convene key leaders from across policy, technology and industry to discuss the challenges, opportunities and emerging solutions to meeting Texas’s critical transmission infrastructure needs
Distinguished Panelists:
+ Barry Smitherman, former Chairman of both the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Railroad Commission of Texas, founding Chairman, Texans for Affordable Transmission
+ Jason Ryan, EVP, Regulatory Services & Govt Affairs, CenterPoint Energy
+ Frank Kreikebaum, Chief Engineer, SmartWires
+ Michael Lee, founder, Distributed Grid; former NA CEO, Octopus Energy
As always, come for the content, stay for the connection, open bar and menu. This evening affair will be hosted at East End Ballroom, Austin's hippest new restaurant, bar and venue. Big thank you to our anchor sponsor, Smart Wires Inc. for helping make this event possible.
Timing, agenda:
5:30 – 6:15pm: Drinks, apps and snacks, networking
6:15 – 6:20: Welcome and opening remarks
6:20- 7:15 pm: Panel discussion
7:15 – 8:30pm: More drinks, apps, snacks and networking