To\u00a0meet historic projections, we need\u00a0to\u00a0generate abundant, reliable and affordable energy at a massive scale.\u00a0But new generation won\u2019t be enough. We must dramatically\u00a0modernize\u00a0the\u00a0country\u2019s electrical\u00a0grid\u00a0infrastructure<\/a>,\u00a0the\u00a0invisible backbone of our entire energy system.<\/p>\n Transforming this aging infrastructure \u2013 which has been built up over a century \u2013 into a state-of-the\u00a0art system is critical if\u00a0the\u00a0U.S. is\u00a0to\u00a0maintain its competitive lead on\u00a0the\u00a0global stage.<\/p>\n This electrical grid issue was front and center at\u00a0the\u00a0Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, where President Donald Trump, members of his Cabinet and industry leaders discussed\u00a0the\u00a0key steps we must prioritize across\u00a0the\u00a0energy industry. <\/p>\n It is hard\u00a0to\u00a0overstate\u00a0the\u00a0urgency:\u00a0America\u2019s\u00a0economy\u00a0is only as strong as\u00a0the\u00a0grids that\u00a0power\u00a0it.<\/p>\n CHINA IS EXPLOITING OUR GOVERNMENT’S TECH WEAKNESS. WE NEED A RAPID REBOOT<\/a><\/p>\n The\u00a0Energy Department<\/a> reinforced this view last week, saying in a report: “Electricity demand from AI-driven data centers and advanced manufacturing is rising at a record pace.\u00a0The\u00a0magnitude and speed of projected load growth cannot be met with existing approaches\u00a0to\u00a0load addition and\u00a0grid\u00a0management.”<\/p>\n Energy Secretary Chris Wright added a more personal view\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0issue, saying, “We produce energy for one reason, which is\u00a0to\u00a0better people’s lives. So having a reliable\u00a0grid\u00a0that’s as affordable as possible and that can grow so we can bring industry and more job opportunities\u00a0to\u00a0our states and communities is just critical.”<\/p>\n I couldn\u2019t agree more. Boosting investments in\u00a0the\u00a0grid\u00a0will expand high-tech U.S. manufacturing, create jobs and develop a stronger domestic supply chain. For\u00a0the\u00a0U.S.\u00a0to\u00a0truly lead\u00a0the\u00a0world in energy, manufacturing electrification infrastructure here at home is just as important as increased generation.<\/p>\n WE HAVE TO ACT NOW TO KEEP AI FROM BECOMING A FAR-LEFT TROJAN HORSE<\/a><\/p>\n This issue was front and center at\u00a0the\u00a0Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit earlier this week, where President Donald Trump<\/a>, members of his Cabinet and industry leaders discussed\u00a0the\u00a0key steps we must prioritize across\u00a0the\u00a0energy industry.<\/p>\n The\u00a0grid\u00a0we have\u00a0today wasn’t designed for\u00a0the\u00a0world we’re building. Originally conceived in\u00a0the\u00a0early 20th\u00a0century for electricity\u00a0to\u00a0travel in one direction,\u00a0the\u00a0grid\u00a0now faces volatile, multi-directional energy flows. Peak demand is higher. Extreme weather more uncertain. Sources are more distributed.<\/p>\n While our systems are strong,\u00a0the\u00a0pressures we’re putting on it are unlike anything earlier generations ever imagined.<\/p>\n But this challenge can be a historic moment for huge progress, not just incremental improvements. It\u2019s why we are adding $100 million in investments and 700 new jobs over\u00a0the\u00a0next two years and expanding capacity at our leading\u00a0grid\u00a0solutions factories in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n SILICON, STEEL AND MEGAWATTS: CAN AMERICA CREATE THE INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED TO WIN THE AI RACE?<\/a><\/p>\n The\u00a0new roles and added manufacturing volume<\/a> will help support building more high-voltage switchgear products, critical components for stable and reliable operation of\u00a0the\u00a0nation\u2019s electrical\u00a0grids.<\/p>\n Energy-intensive, next-gen industries like high-tech manufacturing and AI will locate where\u00a0they can access reliable, efficient\u00a0power. Communities and countries that\u00a0modernize\u00a0their\u00a0grids will attract investment and jobs, and those that don’t will watch opportunities move elsewhere.<\/p>\n The\u00a0bottom line \u2013 if we build a smarter, stronger electrical\u00a0grid, our\u00a0economy\u00a0will grow faster, we will create more jobs<\/a> and\u00a0American families will save money.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION<\/a><\/p>\n So what can we do?\u00a0The\u00a0first step is\u00a0to\u00a0recognize\u00a0the\u00a0urgency that drives bold, sustained investment, since\u00a0the\u00a0International Energy Agency estimates we must\u00a0double\u00a0grid\u00a0investment by 2030\u00a0to\u00a0meet demand.<\/p>\n Second is stronger public-private partnerships. Smart policies from\u00a0the\u00a0federal government are crucial, but companies like ours must be prepared\u00a0to\u00a0make\u00a0the\u00a0investments\u00a0to\u00a0build\u00a0the\u00a0factories and hire\u00a0the\u00a0workers that are needed.<\/p>\n Third is accelerated permitting reform. Right now, it takes longer\u00a0to\u00a0get approval\u00a0to\u00a0build a transmission line than it does\u00a0to\u00a0actually build it, delaying access\u00a0to\u00a0bringing more\u00a0power\u00a0online, slowing job creation and holding back communities from modernizing\u00a0their energy systems. We need\u00a0to\u00a0supercharge\u00a0grid\u00a0upgrades, not bury\u00a0them in red tape.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Trump](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/trump-ai-data-centre-2.jpg\")
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