Strengthening the Electric Grid for National Security and Defense Strategy

On March 31, 2025, the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) and Converge Strategies, LLC (CSL) unveiled their new publication, "Unleashing the Grid: Energy Dominance for National Defense," during the significant 2025 Defense Communities National Summit. This pioneering framework is aimed at equipping defense stakeholders with the knowledge necessary to evaluate electric grid vulnerabilities in their regions and to leverage the opportunities that a fortified transmission infrastructure can offer for national security.

As the backbone of the U.S. military's operations, a secure and reliable electric grid is critical for the seamless performance of defense industries. The pivotal role of the electric grid in supporting the missions of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) cannot be overstated, especially as dependence on this infrastructure continues to surge. "Achieving energy supremacy for national defense means ensuring that the resources are in place to carry out essential missions, regardless of any challenges that may arise," explains Wilson Rickerson, co-founder, and president of Converge Strategies.

Rickerson further warns that much of the nation's infrastructure is under tremendous strain and may soon fail to meet the anticipated demands for electricity. Given that nearly all DoD operations rely on the civilian electric grid, it is imperative to integrate the defense perspective into the planning and investment strategies surrounding critical electric infrastructure.

The "Unleashing the Grid" initiative serves as a guiding tool for defense stakeholders, illuminating current trends in electricity infrastructure while identifying opportunities where defense engagement could enhance and broaden the grid’s capabilities. Matt Borron, Executive Director of ADC, emphasizes, "National security begins at home and includes putting resources into the essential energy infrastructure that guarantees the readiness of our military installations and the surrounding communities."

In order to align investments in the transmission grid with the imperatives of national defense, a paradigm shift is required in how U.S. energy infrastructure is funded, planned, and approved. CSL and ADC are dedicated to collaborating with defense communities to explore ways to reinforce grid reliability and effectively integrate transmission planning within the framework of national defense strategies.

The chapter of this initiative titled "What’s Next?" is particularly focused on evolving transmission grid investment to prioritize the security needs of defense operations. This publication builds on foundational concepts outlined in the earlier work titled "Transmission Expansion for National Defense (TREND)," which established a connection between mission assurance and the resilience of transmission systems.

By establishing channels for ongoing communication and updates, the ADC and CSL encourage defense stakeholders to stay informed on transmission developments that have relevance to national security by visiting UnleashtheGrid.org.

In conclusion, the release of "Unleashing the Grid" marks a crucial step towards reinforcing America’s electric grid as a cornerstone of national security. The endeavor highlights the urgent need for an integrated approach to energy infrastructure that is tailored to support defense needs while ensuring the resilience and reliability of services critical to the nation’s security and preparedness.

The convergence of defense requirements with energy infrastructure will play a pivotal role in shaping how the nation secures its future against evolving threats while maintaining the capability to support military readiness and response initiatives effectively.

For additional information and media inquiries regarding this initiative, visit Converge Strategies and The Association of Defense Communities.