PJM reports 220GW of new grid connection requests under reformed interconnection process

PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. regional transmission organization, has received 811 new generation projects with a combined capacity of 220 gigawatts through the first cycle of its reformed interconnection process. The queue represents one of the largest waves of grid connection requests in the organization's history. The reformed process replaced PJM's previous first-come, first-served model with a first-ready, first-served approach that prioritizes projects demonstrating viability before entering the queue. Requirements include meaningful up-front financial commitments and proof of site control. PJM said the changes were needed to reduce speculative projects and increase the pace of interconnection. The project mix is diverse. Energy storage leads with 349 projects totaling 66.5 gigawatts, followed PJM used an AI-enabled tool called HyperQ, developed The surge in applications is driven largely