PJM Adds 715 Generation Projects to Interconnection Review

PJM Interconnection said 715 proposed generation projects totaling more than 200 GW have qualified for study in the first cycle of its reformed interconnection process, announced in a press release.

The projects include 314 storage projects, 147 natural gas projects, 117 solar projects, 61 wind projects, 37 solar and storage hybrid projects, 24 nuclear projects, 10 other projects, and 5 hydro projects. Total nameplate capacity is 201.5 GW, led by 99.8 GW of natural gas, 60 GW of storage, and 17.3 GW of nuclear capacity.

PJM said the new process uses a first ready, first served approach that requires technical information, financial deposits, and proof of site control before projects enter study. The cycle review is expected to take one to two years, depending on each project's grid impact.

PJM is using HyperQ, an AI enabled tool developed by Google's Tapestry, to help review large volumes of application data. The grid operator said it will evaluate the tool during Cycle 1 as it works through applications tied to rising electricity demand from data centers and other large load customers.