As the federal government reimagines American energy policy this year, support for projects hinges on a new metric — density.
The concept of density in energy production echoes throughout recent regulatory changes and funding rescissions across the Trump administration, leading to a demonstrably increased federal preference for fossil fuels and nuclear power over renewable generation sources such as wind and solar.
Broadly speaking, relying on density metrics prioritizes greater energy outputs for less investment of money and land. Density is a driving force in the administration’s energy decisions right now, a senior official in the Department of Energy’s Office of Policy said last week. The official spoke on background for the purposes of engaging in a more candid discussion of the administration’s energy policies.
