The outdated power grid is nearing a crisis point. Here’s how to prevent it

New transmission lines take years to build, and that’s slowing down renewable energy projects. But technology can help make better use of existing infrastructure now.

More than 10,000 proposed solar, wind, and battery projects are currently waiting in line to connect to the U.S. electric grid—more than enough to hit a target of 90% clean energy by 2035. But many of the projects won’t get built, in part because the grid doesn’t have enough capacity to handle the new power. Getting the permits to build a new transmission line can take as long as 15 years.