USA: PJM Interconnection has resumed reviewing applications for new power generation projects seeking to connect to its electricity grid, marking the first intake of proposals since 2022.
The grid operator, which manages the wholesale electricity market across Ohio and 12 other states, announced that more than 800 projects have entered the latest review cycle. The proposals include natural gas-fired plants, battery storage systems, solar and wind projects, nuclear developments and, for the first time, a proposed fusion power facility in Virginia.
PJM paused new applications four years ago while it worked through a growing backlog and updated its interconnection process. The revised system now uses a “first-ready, first-served” approach, giving priority to projects that have demonstrated financial commitment and site control.
According to PJM, the new queue contains 157 natural gas projects representing nearly 106 GW of capacity, 349 energy storage projects totalling around 67 GW, and 27 nuclear projects accounting for 18 GW. Additional proposals include solar, wind, hydroelectric and other generation technologies, bringing the total proposed capacity to approximately 220 GW.
The organisation expects electricity demand to rise by nearly 70 % over the next two decades, driven largely by the expansion of data centres and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
PJM said the updated review process is designed to reduce speculative applications, improve predictability and accelerate project assessments, helping bring new generation resources onto the grid more efficiently.
Source: The Highland County Press
