Is grid interconnection causing project delays & cancellations?

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) adopted major interconnection reforms in 2023 that have not yet taken effect in most regions; project developers continue to cite grid interconnection as a leading cause of project delays and cancellations.

Could a shortfall in grid infrastructure undermine energy security?

Without greater policy attention and investment, shortfalls in the reach and quality of grid infrastructure could put the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C out of reach and undermine energy security, the report warns.

Is grid interconnection still a bottleneck?

“It is promising to see the unprecedented interest and investment in new energy and storage development across the U.S., but the latest queue data also affirm that grid interconnection remains a persistent bottleneck,” said Joseph Rand, an Energy Policy Researcher at Berkeley Lab, and lead author of the study.

Is grid instability a risk?

For investors, grid instability is a risk, but also an opportunity. Companies like NextEra Energy, Dominion, and Avangrid are investing billions in grid modernization and diversified generation. Avangrid alone plans $20 billion through 2030 across 23 states. Independent power producers are also benefiting from the shifting landscape.

Why should we invest in grid infrastructures?

Investing in grid infrastructures also brings significant and extensive socioeconomic benefits that are complex to quantify. Upgraded grids can electrify remote communities, empower rural economies, and support distributed access for emerging industries and users, such as electric transportation, green hydrogen production and data centres.

How big is the energy backlog in 2023?

The backlog of new power generation and energy storage seeking transmission connections across the U.S. grew again in 2023, with nearly 2,600 gigawatts (GW) of generation and storage capacity now actively seeking grid interconnection, according to new research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).