U.S. Grid Faces Challenges Amid Surging Electricity Demand and Infrastructure Constraints
The U.S. national grid is experiencing significant challenges due to a surge in electricity demand and existing infrastructure constraints. According to a report, over 2,500 gigawatts of projects, including renewables and data centers, are stalled worldwide due to connection queue bottlenecks. In the U.S., the aging grid infrastructure is struggling to meet the rising power demand, with investments lagging behind. The International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that global electricity demand is expected to grow by more than 3.5% annually through the end of the decade, driven by increased consumption from industries, electric vehicles, and data centers. Despite a rise in power-generating sources like renewables, nuclear, and natural gas, their integration into the grid remains a challenge. The U.S. accounted for a significant portion of global grid spending, yet supply chain and labor constraints continue to hinder progress.