Image courtesy Google
Hyperscaler Google has announced a collaboration with CTC Global Corporation, a developer and manufacturer of high-capacity advanced conductors, that aims to accelerate the deployment of next-generation transmission technology for the US power grid.
Together, Google and CTC Global will scale the use of the latter’s high-capacity, domestically manufactured advanced conductors to rapidly boost grid capacity and reliability.
The tandem will work together to identify high-impact transmission lines through a Request for Information (RFI) issued to states, utilities, and transmission developers interested in collaborating on solutions to unlock grid capacity.
The US Department of Energy believes mass deployment of advanced conductors could double transmission capacity in just a few months, as opposed to the 7- to 10-year (or longer) timeline associated with constructing new transmission lines. Ultimately, the initiative is designed to accelerate regional economic growth and development, add capacity, improve grid reliability and performance, and lower energy costs for all.
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How will this work?
As a part of this collaboration, transmission lines across the US will be selected based on their potential to accelerate grid capacity with CTC Global’s ACCC Conductor. The partnership will prioritise projects that can deliver the greatest immediate impact and that support load growth where Google operates.
Those selected through the RFI will gain access to a combination of Google and CTC Global resources designed to accelerate deployment, including:
- Cost Assistance: Funding will be available to accelerate deployment of CTC Global’s high-capacity ACCC Conductors and accelerate capacity growth.
- Future-Ready Workforce Development: Utilities will be eligible for training to equip their workforce in the deployment of ACCC Advanced Conductors.
- Technical Analysis: Support for technical project studies will be available to validate the technology’s integration and impact.
RFI responses are due on July 14, 2025, with a full RFP to shortly follow. Applications are encouraged from areas where Google has existing or announced data centres, as well as their associated wholesale markets.
“Expanding transmission capacity presents a significant opportunity for the power system today, and Google is committed to being a catalyst for a stronger and more reliable US power grid. Expanded grid capacity will enable responsible data centre growth underpinning the modern digital world, while also increasing affordability for consumers, boosting energy reliability, and accelerating key industries like manufacturing,” said Amanda Peterson Corio, Google Global Head of Data Center Energy.
“Working with CTC Global, this partnership aims to dramatically cut the time and cost of adding and moving electricity to reliably power American homes and businesses.”
California-based CTC Global manufactures and assembles its advanced conductor technologies in the United States and has supplied the ACCC Conductor to projects in more than 30 states. Utilising US suppliers of carbon fiber from Alabama, fiberglass from Texas, and other key domestic components, CTC has deployed 124,000 miles of its technologies over the last two decades.
“This groundbreaking partnership with Google marks a positive turning point to lower electricity costs, generate economic growth, and advance US energy dominance,” added CTC Global CEO J.D. Sitton.
“Our solution uniquely delivers significant electric grid capacity with unparalleled speed. This coordinated partnership with the innovators at Google will help ensure that the US invests in cost-effective solutions for the long term that help the US continue to lead the AI revolution.”
Originally published by Paul Gerke on Factor This.
