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National Grid, Constellation propose options to prioritize grid interconnection requests⚡🔗 TL;DR: National Grid USA and Constellation Energy propose a dual-queue system to tackle the surge in interconnection requests for energy projects, aiming to speed up approvals while ensuring equal access to the grid. Key concerns focus on prioritizing project readiness without compromising grid access fairness. Highlights • Proposals presented at FERC workshop to expedite interconnection approvals • Current backlog has increased by 30% to 2.6 terawatts, raising reliability alarms • Introduction of a priority queue based on criteria like reliability and policy alignment • Emphasis on maintaining competitive access over potential rationing mechanisms • Stakeholder feedback urges a new framework for equitable interconnections #EnergyTransition #GridInnovation #RenewableEnergy #Interconnection #ConstellationEnergy #NationalGrid Article Source https://lnkd.in/gbA4Wqsj

FERC 881 Here’s why FERC Order No. 881 was required: 1. **Modernize Transmission Line Ratings**: It addresses the need for up-to-date ratings for transmission lines, making them more accurate and dynamic by accounting for real-time weather and environmental conditions. 2. **Enhance Grid Reliability and Efficiency**: Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR) ensure that the grid can reliably handle power demands, especially under changing loads, which boosts grid efficiency and reliability. 3. **Support Renewable Integration**: DLR allows for more flexible integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which are variable by nature, reducing curtailments and maximizing green energy transmission. 4. **Reduce Congestion and Lower Costs**: Improving transmission capacity estimates minimizes congestion on power lines, lowering wholesale electricity costs for consumers. 5. **Promote Transparency and Standardization**: FERC 881 mandates consistent and transparent line rating practices across regions, creating a uniform standard that utilities and stakeholders can rely on.

🔌 The most recent AEU study highlights California ISO's proactive transmission enhancements, cost-sharing during the grid interconnection procedure, and transparency. Known for using mitigating measures that accelerate project operations until upgrades are finished, CAISO is a leader in easing the integration of new power supplies and maintaining system dependability. This success highlights CAISO's dedication to promoting grid modernization and aiding in the energy transition.

According to a recent report by Grid Strategies LLC, the US is building less than 1% of the new transmission needed, with only 55 miles constructed last year compared to the required 75,000 miles by 2035. With accelerating load growth and congestion, a diverse set of solutions is crucial to enhancing grid capacity, starting with maximizing the potential of the existing grid. Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR) can unlock up to 40% additional capacity on current lines, and bridge the gap until new transmission projects are completed, which can take over 15 years. In 2023, utilities saw a surge in the deployment of DLR, highlighting its significance as a pivotal tool to optimize grid capacity and meet the escalating energy demands. The full report can be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/eNzHZXY6.

The UK is actively upgrading its electricity grid to support the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Key innovations like Retrofit Insulated Cross Arms aim to increase transmission capacity without new overhead lines, while smart grids facilitate real-time monitoring and integration of variable energy sources. National Grid's Deeside Centre for Innovation is testing advanced technologies, such as 5G for asset management. These engineering advancements are crucial for meeting rising electricity demands and achieving net-zero goals by 2050. Read more in this article: https://heyor.ca/hH62BE #IMECHE #SmartEngineering #Decarbonisation #EnergyTransition

New report reveals strengths and weaknesses in US grid interconnection processes A recent report by Advanced Energy United assessed the generator interconnection processes of regional grid operators in the US. The findings highlight the need for improvement across the board, but also identify some leading practices. Top performers: CAISO: Praised for proactive transmission planning, transparency, and cost-sharing approaches. ERCOT: Recognized for processing a high volume of requests efficiently. Areas for improvement: PJM and ISO-NE: Scored low due to slow progress, lack of regional planning, and cumbersome processes. Nationally: Slow interconnection processes create uncertainty and hinder investment in new generation, posing a risk to grid reliability and the clean energy transition. The report serves as a valuable baseline for assessing ongoing interconnection reform efforts. FERC's recent reforms aim to establish national standards and improve efficiency. As regional grid operators submit their implementation plans, collaboration and best practice sharing will be crucial for a successful clean energy transition. #grid #renewableenergy #cleanenergy #FERC #interconnection #grid #renewableenergy #cleanenergy #FERC #interconnection

🔔 Price Spike Alert: How Grid Backlog is Impacting Your Utility Bills 🔔 Last week, PJM Interconnection's annual capacity auction revealed a shocking 10-fold increase in prices compared to last year. For 65 million customers across 13 states and the Great Lakes region, this means higher electricity bills are on the horizon. 🌍⚡ Why? PJM's outdated rules and grid backlog are delaying the connection of crucial #wind, #solar, and #battery projects. While the auction results signal a need for more reliable energy sources, the real issue lies in PJM's struggle to integrate new #cleanenergy into the grid. This bottleneck threatens to undermine clean energy goals and exacerbate grid reliability issues. As Jon Gordon from Advanced Energy United pointed out, "How do you respond to high prices when PJM can't efficiently connect new projects?" For a deeper dive into this issue, check out the full article on Canary Media Inc.: https://lnkd.in/exaWX4jY 📈💡 Stay tuned as we navigate these challenges and work towards a more sustainable energy future! 🌱🔋 #Energy #Electricity #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #GridUpdate #NXTGEN Tim Montague John Despujols William McCoy AJ Perkins Sophia Hatton Caelan Schaefer Kim Ingram Jade Garrett NXTGEN Clean Energy Solutions

Researchers in Australia have developed a reconfigurable structure of a multi-microgrid to enhance the penetration of distributed energy resources in the presence of vehicle to grid technology (V2G) and found that both technical and economic aspects of the system have improved significantly. #microgrid #linkage #systemdesign #solarpv #ipp #epc #evcharging https://lnkd.in/gyZnVyPQ

PJM Interconnection has announced that President and CEO Manu Asthana has been named the 2024 chair of the ISO/RTO Council, an organization made up of nine #grid operators in the United States and Canada. The ISO/RTO Council, or IRC, was formed in 2003 to develop industrywide collaboration among grid operators and is committed toward working together to advance development of the North American #electric grid. The IRC chair rotates annually among current IRC Board members. Asthana succeeds John Bear, CEO of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, as chair of the IRC. As IRC chair, Asthana will continue supporting the organization’s work of sharing ideas and real-world best practices to maintain a reliable electric grid amid a historic #energy transition. “The collaboration with other ISOs and RTOs has provided invaluable insight as we navigate through these dynamic times in the energy industry,” Asthana said. “I am honored to play a part in continuing that tradition.” Read more at PJM Inside Lines. https://lnkd.in/eG679TG9

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order 1920 aims to address long-term transmission system planning across the US in a bid to improve grid resilience and reliability. But former #FERC Chairman and Voltus's Chief Regulatory Officer, Jon Wellinghoff argues that by addressing transmission planning in isolation, FERC has made little progress on resolving the grid resilience issue in a satisfactory way. “The most important thing is that in resolving Order 1920, this will now allow the Commission to turn to the most important issue facing this country - demand side resources and FERC Order 2222.” Read the full article below. #distributredenergyresources #virtualpowerplants https://lnkd.in/gAs2TvSF