New Initiative Will Utilize Artificial Intelligence to Help Shorten Interconnection Application Process Timelines
* * *
, through the (DOE), today announced up to available from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to accelerate the interconnection process for new energy generation through the introduction of artificial intelligence techniques. The new Artificial Intelligence for Interconnection (AI4IX) program
will develop partnerships between software developers, grid operators (including Regional Transmission Operators (RTOs) and Power Marketing Administrations), and energy project developers to modernize the interconnection application process and significantly reduce the time required to review, approve, and commission new generation interconnections across the country.
"Artificial intelligence is an energy solution capable of helping clear an interconnection backlog that will free up new energy sources to ensure consumers have power when and where they need it," said Secretary of Energy .
Interconnection queues to connect new generation are not keeping pace with the needs of the grid. Currently, new generation interconnection can take up to seven years and recent Queued Up Report (https://emp.lbl.gov/sites/default/files/2024-04/Queued%20Up%202024%20Edition_1.pdf) shows that active, but unconnected capacity is twice the amount of current connected generation.
Interconnection applications are often reviewed manually, creating a labor-intensive process, particularly given that many applications are incomplete or insufficient. Some organizations have indicated that over 90% of interconnection applications they receive are deficient and correcting these applications is a significant cause of long analysis and development delays.
Artificial intelligence can help improve applications and improve review. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, under AI4IX, projects will work to apply existing AI algorithms to the interconnection application process to more quickly identify deficient applications and rapidly notify applicants for resolution. For example, AI software trained on a library of accurate documentation and application materials can review interconnection applications for the required site control documentation and flag errors within submitted supporting documents. Documenting site control for interconnection is a particularly challenging issue for project developers due to the different stakeholders, property laws, and grid facility access requirements for each generator project.
After identifying application errors, the software would then notify the applicant that their documentation is not sufficient and why, enabling them to quickly respond to the specific issues. By deploying AI, the precision and speed in identifying documentation issues and providing specific reasons to enable timely resolutions or correction can improve over time. Applying AI technology and existing algorithms can accelerate each phase of the interconnection application process.
The AI4IX program aligns with continued support for improving interconnection queues across . Under the Department's (GRIP) Program, is supporting a multi-state project led by GridUnity to deploy AI-enabled software to improve the efficiency of the interconnection process with multiple RTOs covering approximately 60% of the population--around 210 million people--to enhance energy reliability, security, and lower costs. In addition, is leading the Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) Transmission initiative, which convenes diverse groups involved in the interconnection of energy resources to facilitate adoption of best practices and inspire new interconnection ideas and capabilities. In , the i2X program released a draft roadmap (https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/Draft%20DER%20Interconnection%20Roadmap%20for%20RFI.pdf) that identifies solutions the interconnection community (including utilities, grid operators, regulators, state and local governments, interconnection customers, energy justice groups, nonprofits, clean energy developers, solution providers, public interest groups) can take within the next ten years to create more reliable and resilience electric infrastructure.
The AI4IX program also aligns with continued support for improving interconnection queues across and supports its 2024 AI for Energy report that was prepared pursuant to Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and and Use of Artificial Intelligence, issued .
ConnectWerx as the Intermediary will manage the technical assistance partnerships under the AI4IX program, via an innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) set up by the (OTT). This agreement enables ConnectWerx to broaden engagement with innovative organizations and non-traditional partners, facilitating the rapid development, scaling, and deployment of clean energy solutions.
Additional informational office hours will be held on (https://www.connectwerx.org/event1/grid-deployment-office-gdo-office-hours/). expects to make selections in Winter 2025.
Learn more about the Grid Deployment Office (https://www.energy.gov/gdo/grid-deployment-office).
* * *
REPORT: https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2024-04/AI%20EO%20Report%20Section%205.2g%28i%29_043024.pdf