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

_Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 12:07 PM EDT · Infrastructure, AI, Tech & Business · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![PJM reports 220GW of new grid connection requests under reformed interconnection process — Primary](https://media.datacenterdynamics.com/media/images/GettyImages-2204120075.2e16d0ba.fill-1200x630.jpg)

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 by 157 natural gas projects at 105.8 gigawatts, 142 solar projects at 14.8 gigawatts, and 65 wind projects at 4.7 gigawatts. The queue also includes 27 nuclear projects at 17.9 gigawatts, some involving small modular reactors and fusion.

PJM used an AI-enabled tool called HyperQ, developed by Google's Tapestry subsidiary, to process the applications. The system analyzes interconnection applications using agentic artificial intelligence and can process entire batches at once, flagging deficiencies or missing elements for grid planners.

The surge in applications is driven largely by data center load growth. PJM has forecast that electricity demand across its footprint will increase by more than 30 gigawatts between 2024 and 2030, much of it from data centers.

## Sources

- [Data Center Dynamics](https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/pjm-reports-220gw-of-new-grid-connection-requests-under-reformed-interconnection-process/)

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Retrieved: 2026-04-30T19:05:06.844Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)