US Regional Transmission Organization PJM Partners with Google to Develop AI System for Grid Interconnection PJM has partnered with Google to develop an artificial intelligence system designed to speed up the process of grid interconnection. The goal is to make it easier for new renewable energy sources and energy storage projects to connect to the grid. Google's data center energy team developed the AI system, which uses machine learning algorithms to analyze large amounts of data related to the grid and identify potential bottlenecks. This information can then be used to improve the design and operation of the grid, allowing for more efficient and reliable interconnection of new projects. Amanda Peterson Corio, Google's head of data center energy, stated that her company is committed to clean energy and aims to develop technologies that provide firm, reliable capacity around the clock. She emphasized that Google remains committed to its goal of decarbonizing its electricity footprint by 2030. The partnership with PJM aims to address issues with the organization's fast-track interconnection process, which has been criticized for high costs and limited capacity. The new AI-powered platform will analyze data related to wind and solar resource maps, transmission line information, and weather patterns to identify potential bottlenecks in the grid and suggest design improvements. The project is expected to be completed within the next year or so. In addition to improving grid interconnection efficiency, the partnership also aims to reduce costs associated with building new transmission lines by using advanced technologies such as drones and satellite imaging. This collaboration has the potential to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy by making it easier for renewable energy sources to connect to the grid. By developing advanced technologies that can efficiently integrate new projects into the grid, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

FERC Actions: Recent Orders and Key Developments A review of recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) actions reveals several key themes involving natural gas infrastructure, hydropower development, and grid interconnection. These actions, categorized by Order type (Enforcement/Orders, Certificates, Hydropower), offer insights into current trends and regulatory decisions. Enforcement and Order Highlights: Several orders address facility abandonments and sales, notably involving the Venice Gathering System and Cimarron River Pipeline. The Venice Gathering System’s abandonment signifies the relinquishment of ownership of related pipeline infrastructure. Similarly, Cimarron River Pipeline’s sale to DCP Operating and subsequent abandonment of related certificates highlights infrastructure transitions, with FERC issuing a declaratory order confirming DCP Operating’s gathering function is outside FERC’s jurisdiction. Ratts 2 Solar LLC received a waiver to extend a commercial operation deadline for a generator interconnection agreement. York Energy Storage LLC’s preliminary permit for a waterpower project was reaffirmed following a rehearing request. Premium Energy Holdings, LLC received a preliminary permit term extension but had a request for a new preliminary permit for a pumped storage project denied. Ratts 2 Solar LLC again was granted a waiver extending a commercial operation deadline in its generator interconnection agreement. Certificate Order Summaries: Consistent with the Enforcement Orders, the Certificate Orders concerning the Venice Gathering System and Cimarron River Pipeline detail the approvals for abandonment and sales respectively. The declaratory order related to DCP Operating’s acquisition clarifies its jurisdictional status. Hydropower Order Actions: Hydropower developments are reflected in orders pertaining to York Energy Storage LLC, where a preliminary permit was upheld after a rehearing, and Premium Energy Holdings, LLC which secured a preliminary permit extension while a new permit request was denied for a pumped storage project. Overall Observations: The recent FERC orders suggest a pattern of infrastructure adjustments, with approvals for facility abandonments and sales. Extensions and waivers are common, particularly concerning generator interconnection agreements and preliminary permits. Development of hydropower projects, including preliminary permits and responses to rehearing requests, also remains an active area of regulatory oversight.

PJM is Unveiling a Revolutionary Partnership to Accelerate Grid Interconnection in the US A pioneering collaboration between PJM, Google, and Tapestry has been announced, marking a significant step forward in harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to transform the interconnection process for new generation resources with the nation's largest electrical grid. The multi-year partnership seeks to speed up the processing of interconnection requests, catering to the escalating demand within PJM's 13-state service area and Washington D.C. The initiative relies on Google Cloud and Google DeepMind technologies, complemented by Tapestry's advanced AI capabilities, which will enhance PJM's generation interconnection planning process. This project aims to expedite the review of new service applications while maintaining grid reliability. PJM's Executive Vice President Aftab Khan underscored the significance of innovation in meeting future grid demands: "Innovation is key to addressing the evolving needs of our grid, and we're leveraging cutting-edge tools to further reduce completion times for New Service Requests." Tapestry plans to develop AI-driven solutions tailored specifically to PJM's requirements, providing intelligent decision-making support to ensure a seamless interconnection process. The company believes that AI can play a pivotal role in improving the electricity system while maintaining reliability and security. The collaboration represents a landmark achievement in addressing one of the industry's major challenges. Google's Head of Data Center Energy Amanda Peterson Corio highlighted the significance of this initiative: "This partnership brings together our most advanced technologies to help solve one of the greatest challenges of the AI era – evolving our electricity systems to meet this moment." As energy demand continues to rise, PJM's innovative partnership aims to enhance the grid's capacity to effectively interconnect additional resources and sustain the growing energy needs of the region.

FERC Commissioner Willie Phillips recently addressed the WIRES conference, raising serious concerns about the current state of grid interconnection and transmission planning. A key issue identified is a significant misalignment between these processes, leading to bottlenecks, project delays, and potential impacts on competitive electricity markets. This disconnect is hindering the transition to cleaner energy sources and increasing overall costs. A major challenge is the substantial backlog of interconnection requests, largely driven by renewable energy projects. The protracted timelines for completing grid impact studies are significantly contributing to this backlog. Furthermore, the allocation of costs associated with necessary grid upgrades to accommodate new generation remains a complex and often contentious subject. Phillips also pointed to shortcomings in transmission planning, stressing the need for a more forward-looking and proactive approach, rather than simply reacting to individual project requests. Enhanced regional coordination is crucial for effective transmission upgrades across broader areas. A shift toward dynamic system assessment, which simulates various grid scenarios, was also advocated to improve planning accuracy. To address these challenges, FERC is actively pursuing reforms, including a review of interconnection procedures, streamlining grid study processes, and examining cost allocation methods. Collaboration among FERC, utilities, developers, and other stakeholders is deemed essential. The adoption of Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) to bolster grid capacity and flexibility was promoted as a viable alternative to extensive infrastructure construction. Future needs must be considered during planning. Phillips acknowledged that both utilities and FERC are facing limitations in staffing and resources, which are compounding the existing problems. Ultimately, Phillips' remarks served as a call to action, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated efforts to safeguard the reliability and competitiveness of the nation’s electricity grid.

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