Shift Key with Robinson Meyer and Jesse Jenkins
A Beginner’s Guide to the Interconnection Queue
Sep 11, 2024
Discover the tangled world of the interconnection queue, the notorious bottleneck for renewable energy projects in the U.S. Delays can stretch over a decade, hampering the shift to wind and solar. Experts break down the urgent need for reform and innovative solutions like automation and AI to streamline connections. The conversation also highlights challenges posed by Texas's unique electricity market and competition with data centers for clean energy resources. Tune in for insights on overcoming these obstacles to unleash the potential of carbon-free energy!
01:09:08
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Quick takeaways
- The interconnection queue is critically clogged, causing significant delays in connecting renewable energy projects to the U.S. power grid.
- Developers face daunting costs and lengthy approval processes that can lead to project withdrawals, exacerbating existing queue congestion.
Deep dives
Understanding the Interconnection Queue
The interconnection queue is a crucial process where new renewable energy projects, like solar, wind, and battery facilities, wait to connect to the U.S. electrical grid. As of late 2023, more than 1,570 gigawatts of new clean energy generation capacity has been queued, which is approximately 2.5 times the current total U.S. generating capacity. This queue is notably clogged, leading to significant delays; average time from request to agreement now stretches to about three years in many areas, with some regions like PJM taking even longer. Delays are compounded by the outdated first-come-first-serve methodology that many utility providers still employ, creating hurdles for projects to progress effectively.
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