Shift Key with Robinson Meyer and Jesse Jenkins A Beginner’s Guide to the Interconnection Queue
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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!
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Massive Interconnection Queue
- Connecting new energy resources to the grid is a major challenge.
- Over 1,570 GW of generation and 1,000 GW of storage are waiting in the interconnection queue, exceeding current US capacity.
Interconnection Process
- Building a new energy project requires submitting an interconnection request to the transmission provider.
- Studies are conducted to ensure the project won't overload the grid, often leading to required upgrades.
Outdated Interconnection Methods
- Lengthy interconnection delays stem from outdated, sequential processes.
- The influx of smaller renewable projects necessitates a more coordinated approach.