The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) has approved a $2.9 billion, 10-year power transmission plan focused on reliability and the impending need for net zero-carbon generation projects.

The plan identified 23 transmission projects for system expansions, upgrades and reinforcements.

“This plan is part of our ongoing commitment to resource adequacy and transmission sufficiency in California,” said CEO Elliot Mainzer.

In its latest annual 10-year outlook, CAISO expects 2,700 MW/year of new power projects would be needed to meet growing electric power demand. However, this figure could jump to more than 4,000 MW/year of new resources needed in the next plan, CAISO said.

This reflects an “escalation in the need for new transmission,” according to CAISO,...