DOE awards $1.9B to 31 grid upgrade projects to speed data center connections
The Department of Energy's new SPARK program is funding reconductoring and advanced transmission technology across 26 states. With $3.35B in recipient cost share, the projects total $5.25B. DOE expects them to unlock 23 GW of grid capacity by upgrading more than 1,500 miles of lines and adding grid-enhancing technologies to about 21,000 miles.
Why it matters
Utilities that can squeeze more capacity out of existing wires will likely offer faster interconnection than regions waiting on new transmission.
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