In the U.S., a substantial portion of the best wind and solar resources are far from where most of the nation’s electricity is consumed. That fact has spurred development of new transmission lines to efficiently and cost-effectively move large volumes of wind and solar power long distances.
For example, Clean Line Energy Partners, Houston, is in various stages of developing five wind-focused transmission projects, most of which will move power from the Great Plains—where winds are strongest and most reliable—to the energy-hungry Midwest, Southeast and West Coast (see map).