Gov. Cooper and other Leaders Announce Clean Energy Grant in North Carolina

The Biden-Harris Administration has awarded a $57 million grant to North Carolina to improve a key electric transmission line in preparation for transmitting the power from 1,600 MW of solar electric generation and 260 MW of battery storage capacity. The project will strengthen North Carolina’s electric grid and help reduce the number and length of power outages during extreme storms.

The Announcement and Its Significance

US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and NC Governor Roy Cooper jointly announced the new grant, awarded through a program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Speaking at a Raleigh news conference August 6, Biden-Harris senior advisor John Podesta said, “When President Biden and Vice President Harris took office, they set out a vision to tackle the climate crisis and reach 100% of clean electricity by 2035, but in order to get there, we needed to invest, especially in transmission. We needed to double our current transmission capacity.” 

“This funding means cheaper, cleaner and more reliable electricity for our homes and businesses,” said Gov. Cooper. “Not only will these investments from the Biden-Harris Administration help provide more electricity, it will support our growing industries and create quality jobs for people across our state.” 

The grant comes through the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program. 

Experts have consistently identified more transmission capacity as an essential component of the transition to a clean and renewable energy economy.  We need more transmission capacity to carry the electricity generated by renewable energy sources to where and for when it is needed.

Bringing Clean Energy to Your Home

In collaboration with many environmental groups, we have put together a toolkit to help you save money and save energy. Whether you’re a home owner, renter, business owner, landlord, tribal government, or local government, learn about and get access to funding to upgrade your space and reduce your carbon footprint. Learn more at energyfundsforall.org.

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