Checking In with Energy Central Expert: Dave Bryant, Director Technology at CTC Global [an Energy Central Power Perspectives Expert Interview]

Matt Chester: What’s new for you in 2025? How has your focus shifted and what’s energizing you at work these days?

Dave Bryant: 2025 has already been an exciting year for all of us at CTC Global, particularly with the pace of change in the power transmission sector and changes with the new administration in the U.S. I’m particularly energized by the role Advanced Conductor technologies like ACCC® Conductor play in supporting the incredible growth in electricity use that we see on the grid.  This growth is nationwide, on a historic scale, and the demand is for expanded grid capability as soon as possible as opposed to 10 or 15 years from now. With the release of the DOE’s “Grid Modernization Initiative” and FERC’s ongoing efforts to promote transmission planning reforms (such as through Order No. 1000), it’s clear that the transmission landscape is evolving rapidly. There is also a keen focus on the role that ACCC® can play in mitigating wildfire risk.  States like Montana, California, and sectors like the insurance industry are starting to take notice and focus on immediate steps that can be taken – like the use of ACCC® Conductor for reconductoring and line rebuild projects. 

What motivates me is the ability to contribute to modernizing the grid quickly by providing solutions that improve capacity and efficiency at a cost that is less than alternatives like taller towers, particularly as policy and industry focus converge around these areas.

MC: You mentioned load growth.  As the major headlines for the power sector have largely shifted to impacts of data centers, electrification, and grid modernization/expansion, how do you find that these areas are impacting the demand for high-performance conductors like ACCC?

DB: The demand for high-performance ACCC® Conductors continues to grow as data centers, electrification, and grid modernization take center stage. According to the DOE’s “National Transmission Grid Study,” there is a need to modernize the grid to handle new loads, including from data centers, a rise in new manufacturing, and onshoring. This is compounded by FERC’s Transmission Incentives Policy, which incentivizes transmission investments that improve reliability and resilience, thus furthering the demand for more efficient and advanced transmission technologies. High-performance conductors like ACCC® Conductor offer the needed capacity, lower line losses, and the ability to integrate energy resources more effectively, all of which are critical to meeting the needs of electrified industries and the digital economy.  The use of carbon core advanced conductors like ACCC® is one of the only ways to add 24/7 transmission capacity at scale and do it quickly and at a cost that it less than alternatives like taller towers with larger legacy conductors.

MC: With the rapid expansion of renewable energy and the rise of electrification, how do you think the transmission industry needs to adapt, and what role do advanced conductors play in supporting this transition?

DB: The transmission industry needs to adapt by embracing more flexible, efficient, and sustainable technologies. This is where Advanced Conductors like ACCC play a pivotal role. DOE’s “Grid Modernization Initiative” outlines the importance of using advanced materials to enhance the grid’s resilience and efficiency, particularly as we face the rapid integration of renewable energy. These technologies allow the grid to expand and handle distributed power sources, while reducing energy losses and enhancing overall system reliability.

MC: Transmission projects often face long permitting and regulatory processes, and the policy landscape is getting more muddied these days. What policy changes do you think could accelerate grid expansion, and how can industry players like CTC Global help shape those discussions?

DB: The permitting and regulatory process is undoubtedly a challenge for transmission projects. As a starting point, this is why either reconductoring or rebuilding lines support structures at the same height is so powerful.  It avoids triggering new siting review, and this is what can allow for a doubling of capacity in months, sometimes even weeks, as opposed to seven, ten, or more years.  Policy makers can help meet customer demand, ensure reliability, lower costs, and in the case of data center loads – ensure national security, by making it clear that doubling the capacity of the existing transmission system quickly through the use of advanced conductors like ACCC® is not just a preference, but a priority.

MC: Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for the power transmission industry over the next decade, and what role do you hope to play in that transition?

DB: One of the biggest challenges in the next decade will be meeting the growing demand for electricity due to electrification and the expansion of energy sources, all while upgrading aging infrastructure. The DOE’s recent “National Electric Transmission Congestion Study” highlights the risk of congestion in certain transmission corridors, which could undermine grid reliability as more renewable energy comes online. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity to modernize and expand the grid through advanced technologies, such as high-performance conductors. These solutions are essential for improving the grid’s efficiency and capacity without the need for major overhauls. Over the next decade, I see CTC Global playing a key role in this transformation by helping utilities and system operators integrate these advanced technologies, thus making the grid more resilient and adaptable to future needs.  This isn’t just limited to the United States. CTC has deployed over 120,000 miles of ACCC® globally and this is growing daily in Asia, in Europe, anywhere demand is growing, which is much of the world.  

MC: What would you like to see more of in Energy Central in 2025: how do you hope to engage the platform and your community peers, and what types of stories, content, and engagement do you hope to be a reader of?

DB: In 2025, I would love to see Energy Central continue to highlight existing game changing grid technologies like the ACCC® Conductor, and new technological advancements that directly impact the power transmission industry. I also hope to see more content that explores the role of policy in shaping grid expansion, including insights on how FERC’s policies are influencing transmission planning and new energy integration. On the engagement front, I look forward to discussions with peers on how we can collectively push the industry forward, particularly in advancing the adoption of high-performance technologies. Energy Central is an invaluable resource for connecting with the community and staying informed about the latest trends and policy changes. Thanks!

________________________________________

Thanks to Dave for joining me for this interview and providing a wealth of insights and expertise to the Energy Central Community. You can trust that Dave will be available for you to reach out and connect and ask questions as an Energy Central member, so be sure to make him feel welcome when you see him across the platform.

Other expert interviews in this series can be read here, and if you are interested in becoming an expert, you can reach out to me or  apply here.