The US Department of Energy (DoE) has unveiled a new programme aimed at accelerating the expansion of major power generation and transmission projects. The Speed to Power initiative is designed to ensure the nation’s energy infrastructure can keep pace with surging demand from households, industry, and the fast-growing artificial intelligence sector.
DoE analysis warns that the current rate of project development is not sufficient to support the country’s reindustrialisation and the rapid buildout of data centres. Rising concerns over reliability and capacity have prompted the department to seek input on large-scale projects capable of delivering new generation and strengthening transmission networks.
As part of its launch, the DoE has issued a request for information to identify priority projects and gather feedback from utilities, private developers, and grid operators. The department emphasised the need to address complex transmission challenges while building firm capacity to replace retiring generation sources.
The initiative follows President Trump’s early executive order declaring a National Energy Emergency, which called for the expansion of US energy infrastructure as a matter of security and competitiveness. In line with that directive, the DoE released a reliability assessment highlighting risks of widespread outages if firm energy supply is not expanded. The report warned that without action, the probability of major blackouts could rise significantly by 2030.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the new programme would draw on private sector expertise while ensuring all affordable and reliable energy sources are harnessed. He pointed to the sector’s role not only in powering homes and businesses, but also in supporting the nation’s ambitions to lead in AI development.
By combining federal direction with industry collaboration, the Speed to Power plan seeks to add momentum to grid upgrades and reduce bottlenecks that could hinder economic and technological growth.
