AI news story

The Download: energy transmission and US threats against Chinese AI

This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the…

  • AI
  • Source: MIT Technology Review
  • Published: 2026-07-23

Editor's take

A critical transmission line upgrade aimed at bolstering New York's grid capacity has encountered significant delays, jeopardizing its ability to deliver much-needed renewable energy.

This infrastructure bottleneck directly impacts the state's ambitious climate goals and its reliance on clean energy sources to meet surging demand, particularly during peak periods like the July 3 heat wave. The project's struggles highlight the broader challenge of modernizing aging energy grids to accommodate a cleaner, more electrified future.

Future progress will hinge on regulatory approvals and construction timelines for similar large-scale projects nationwide. Observing whether this specific line, or others like it, can overcome permitting hurdles and community opposition will be key to understanding the pace of decarbonization.