PJM Interconnection has qualified 715 new generation projects, with a combined capacity of more than 200 GW, to move into study under Cycle 1 of its reformed interconnection process, PJM said Aug. 3. It is the first group of projects processed under the new system, which PJM built to cut speculative applications, improve predictability, and pick up the pace of interconnection. PJM said no backlog remains from prior queues.
How projects qualified
The application window closed April 27 and drew 811 proposals for new resources. Those proposals went through an initial screening that checks for required technical information and financial deposits. PJM's first-ready, first-served approach also requires projects to show viability before entering the Cycle study process, including upfront financial commitments and proof of site control. Projects that qualified will be reviewed over what PJM designed as a one- to two-year process, with the timeline depending on each project's impact.
PJM said it used AI-enabled tools, including HyperQ, developed by Google's Tapestry, to review the volume of application data, and will evaluate the tool's impact throughout Cycle 1.
Jason Connell, PJM's vice president of planning, said PJM is "encouraged at the number and quality of applications" moving through the study process. He said the new process is "rigorous" and is "designed to encourage projects that will get built."
The project mix
| Resource | Projects | Nameplate capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Natural gas | 147 | 99.8 GW |
| Storage | 314 | 60.0 GW |
| Nuclear | 24 | 17.3 GW |
| Solar | 117 | 11.8 GW |
| Solar-storage hybrid | 37 | 7.5 GW |
| Wind | 61 | 3.9 GW |
| Other | 10 | 1.1 GW |
| Hydro | 5 | 0.07 GW |
Storage led the field by project count, at 314, while natural gas led by capacity, at 99.8 GW of the 201.5 GW total. PJM said the nameplate figures represent each resource's maximum potential output, and that based on historical performance, only a percentage of projects that apply for interconnection go on to sign interconnection agreements and become operational.
Why PJM is moving faster
PJM expects electricity demand in its territory to rise by up to 70 GW by 2038, driven largely by data centers and other large load customers. The grid operator said demand growth is outpacing the addition of new supply, making timely interconnection of new resources important to keeping power on for the 67 million people it serves across 13 states and the District of Columbia.
Since 2020, PJM has processed more than 300 GW of projects, of which over 100 GW have signed interconnection agreements. PJM currently has 51 GW of generation under signed agreements, though many of those projects are either not being built or are being slowed by hurdles such as state permitting and supply chain backlogs.
PJM expects to add significantly to the number of projects with signed agreements when Transition Cycle 2 finishes in early 2027 and when Cycle 1 finishes in 2028.
