Long range transmission refers to the power lines (for example, high-voltage direct current lines) that efficiently carry electricity across long distances. These can help integrate renewable energy into a grid because they make it possible to install solar panels and wind turbines where conditions are best and then transmit that electricity over long distances to places where it is needed, including from one country to another. Balancing the distribution of electricity generation in this way can help address the ‘intermittency’ of wind and solar resources and help ensure a supply of clean energy year round.

Robust, well connected long range transmission lines are also critical for climate reliance. disasters occur. During a record heatwave that hit the western United States in 2022, states in the region were able to handle both power demand and supply by using an integrated, high-efficiency regional transmission grid that allowed them to send electricity where it was needed most and avoid large scale blackouts that could have been devastating to communities in the region.

Building transmission infrastructure that is able to support large quantities of ‘intermittent’ clean energy generation presents a huge challenge. Without a robust transmission system, a transition to energy that is cleaner and cheaper overall will likely be impossible in many countries. Yet this remains a relatively neglected part of the clean energy transition compared to boosting clean energy generation, for example. Combining long range transmission with energy storage and other flexible technologies should help reduce the amount of infrastructure needed, but many grids still need record amounts of infrastructure in a relatively short time frame. Those that are responsible for buildout must be given the resources necessary to keep up with green targets, be adequately compelled to meet those targets, and be held accountable for missing them. At the same time, many countries are exploring how to change their rules to make transmission buildout easier without hurting people or the environment. Some options include allowing people to benefit financially from nearby transmission infrastructure, in order to reduce local opposition.

When you take this action, move up to 2 Clean Energy tokens from your player board to the player board belonging to one (and one only) other player.
You make take this action once per Grid tag in this card's stack each round.
In the Solo game, discard this card and draw a replacement.

• Electric Power Transmission (Wikipedia)

• Modernize power grids, scale energy storage and manage power demand (Systems Change Lab)

• The Great California Blackout that Wasn’t (Natural Resources Defense Council)

• If there is a hearing on building new high-voltage transmission lines in your community, make your voice heard and tell your local representatives to support infrastructure that is important for a renewable transition.

• Ask your political representatives to speed up the buildout of vital green energy infrastructure, and hold those responsible accountable. 

• Conserve energy when possible by turning off lights and electronics that aren’t in use, or adjusting your thermostat. By reducing your overall energy usage, you can help lower demand in your region and ensure energy is getting where it needs to be.