US grid to face transition pressure

Regional grids will struggle with twin challenges of decarbonisation and extreme weather events

The US power grid is under increasing strain from more frequent temperature extremes, just as the country aims to significantly boost electric vehicle (EV) adoption and greater demand for electricity. Regular droughts are placing extra pressure on Californian hydropower. The state’s 14GW of installed capacity produced 21.5 net TWh of power in 2020, down from 38.5 net TWh in 2019 and well below the 28.8 TWh average for the 2010-2020 period. More than 4.5mn homes and businesses were left without power in Texas in February following winter storms, and the state has experienced further problems recently. Texas has its own grid to, with only a small 600MW interconnected with the grid that serves