DOE Cable Undergrounding Projects Receive $34 Million in Funding
Theย U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)ย has launched newย DOE cable undergrounding projectsย to strengthen the nationโs electricity grid. The agency is investingย $34 millionย inย 12 projects across 11 states. Each project develops innovative ways to move power lines underground. As a result, the DOE expects fewer outages, better safety, and stronger resilience to severe weather.
DOE Cable Undergrounding Projects Aim to Build a Resilient Grid
The U.S. power network stretches overย 5.5 million lineโmilesย and includesย about 180 million poles. However, frequent storms still make overhead power lines vulnerable to damage. To solve this, theย DOE cable undergrounding projectsย focus on robust underground systems that protect vital infrastructure. These projects will improve longโterm grid reliability and help communities recover faster after major weather events.
GE Vernova Drives Robotic Undergrounding Innovation
Among the selected companies,ย GE Vernova Advanced Researchย will create aย robotic tunneling toolย for power cable installation. The machine mimicsย earthworm and tree root movementย to dig and place conduit in a single step. It can installย 1,000 feet of cable within two hoursย and deploy directly from a pickup truck. Because of its design, this tool minimizes surface disruption and lowers cost. In turn, utilities can expand underground infrastructure more efficiently.
Melni Technologies Speeds Up Cable Splicing
Inย Idaho,ย Melni Technologiesย plans to developย mediumโvoltage cable splice kitsย that install inย just 10 to 15 minutes. Traditional splicing methods take three to four times longer. These new kits simplify the process and reduce human error. Therefore, Melni expects to cut cable failures by up toย 90%, providing faster repairs and better reliability.
Prysmian Group Develops HandsโFree Splicing Machines
Meanwhile, inย Kentucky,ย Prysmian Group USAย leads anotherย DOE cable undergrounding project. Theirย handsโfree splicing machineย will operate safely in underground vaults. It aims to reduce splicingโrelated failures fromย 60โ80% to under 5%. Additionally, it will shorten the time crews spend in confined spaces, improving worker safety. This innovation supports safer, quicker installations with fewer disruptions.
DOE Cable Undergrounding Projects Enhance Grid Resilience
Together, theseย DOE cable undergrounding projectsย showcase Americaโs commitment to upgrading energy infrastructure. By partnering with innovators like GE Vernova, Melni Technologies, and Prysmian Group, the DOE continues to push for aย smarter and more resilient grid. With underground lines, communities will have stronger protection and more reliable power for the future.
Learn more atย energy.gov.
