Unlocking a Cleaner Energy Future: The Potential of Transatlantic Interconnection
As the world transitions to a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape, innovative solutions are needed to tackle the growing complexities of electricity grids. One such solution with significant potential is transatlantic interconnection, a concept gaining traction as decarbonization efforts accelerate on both sides of the Atlantic.
The urgency for this interconnection stems from two major trends: the rise of renewable energy and the soaring demand for electricity.
The Push for Decarbonization
Both Europe and North America are making strides toward decarbonizing their power grids. Northwest Europe, the Northeast US States, and Eastern Canada have set ambitious targets, aiming for near-zero carbon electricity production within the next two decades. Much of this clean electricity will come from variable renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, which are inherently reliant on weather conditions.
This increasing reliance on renewables brings challenges. As the sun sets or the wind dies down, electricity supply fluctuates, necessitating innovative approaches to ensure grid stability and reliability.
## A Growing Appetite for Electricity
Simultaneously, electricity demand is projected to surge in the coming years. This growth is driven by the electrification of transportation, heating, and industries, alongside the increasing energy needs of data centers and air conditioning systems. Weather patterns will exacerbate this demand as well; hotter summers will necessitate more air conditioning, and colder winters will increase the use of electric heating.
This confluence of factors – a growing dependence on weather-dependent renewables and a rapidly increasing demand for electricity – demands greater grid flexibility.
## Interconnection: A Double-Edged Sword
Interconnection offers a powerful solution, making grids more secure and efficient. It can help mitigate price spikes caused by supply and demand imbalances and, importantly, prevent the curtailment – or wastage – of clean energy when renewable generation outpaces local demand.
In 2023, for instance, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that 8% of variable renewable electricity generation in Ireland and 4% in the UK had to be curtailed simply because the grid couldn’t use all the available clean energy. Interconnection presents an opportunity to redirect this wasted energy to where it’s needed, maximizing the benefits of renewable sources and accelerating the transition to a clean energy future.
## One-Way versus Two-Way Interconnectors
Currently, two intercontinental interconnectors are in the early stages of development. Both are designed as one-way systems, transporting renewables from one continent to meet demand on the other – essentially acting as long-distance transmission lines.
However, the true potential of interconnection lies in two-way systems. These would enable a dynamic exchange of electricity, allowing both continents to leverage each other’s strengths and balance out their respective supply and demand fluctuations.
This bidirectional flow would not only enhance grid resilience and stability but also facilitate greater integration of renewable energy, ultimately paving the way for a more secure, efficient, and sustainable energy future for both Europe and North America.
