The International Energy Agency’s report emphasizes a critical challenge in the transition to clean energy: the need to significantly expand and upgrade electric grids worldwide. Around 50 million miles of power lines must be built or improved by 2040 to support the growing adoption of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and electric heating systems. Investment in grid infrastructure is lagging, except in China. The expansion is crucial as renewables, mainly wind and solar, which require extensive transmission networks, are expected to make up 80% of new power capacity by 2040. Challenges include community opposition to new power lines, regulatory hurdles, and the need to upgrade urban infrastructure. Additionally, climate change-induced extreme weather increases blackout risks, requiring further grid fortification. The report warns that failing to enhance grid capacity could severely impede efforts to combat climate change, leading to increased reliance on fossil fuels and higher carbon emissions.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/17/climate/electric-grids-climate-iea.html