DOE to publish RFI on expanding grid capacity

Today The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced Speed to Power and opened a Request for Information to move near-term grid capacity, transmission and generation, faster. If you develop projects or plan for large loads (artificial intelligence/data centers, advanced manufacturing), this is the time to show what’s truly shovel-ready. What it could mean: Faster lanes for projects that are actually ready to build Clearer expectations around commercial readiness Federal support aimed at congestion and interconnection bottlenecks What we’re watching: Which corridors are prioritized to unlock renewable-rich zones and large-load growth Whether independent system operators and regional transmission organizations introduce readiness screens for big new loads How permitting reform intersects with near-term buildouts Federal tools likely in the mix: DOE Transmission Facilitation Program Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships program DOE Loan Programs Office - Title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program Technical assistance from the United States National Laboratories We put together a practical, no-jargon guide- what the U.S. DOE is asking for, how to frame responses, and where these tools can compress timelines: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gYHJZTgN At ZEG, we map near-term capacity and de-risk points of interconnection so teams can move decisively. If you’re weighing sites or large-load interconnections, let’s compare notes. #SpeedToPower #GridModernization #Transmission #Interconnection #DataCenters #AIEnergy #RenewableEnergy #PJM #ERCOT #MISO #SPP #CAISO #ISO-NE #WECC

Today, I want to discuss the assessment of using various techniques to enhance the power transfer capability of large interconnecting links. As we know, the extensive interconnection of large electrical power systems is crucial for enhancing overall system performance and cost-effectiveness. This approach offers numerous technical and economic benefits, including the aggregation of major generation stations, provision of spinning reserve capacity, and utilization of the most cost-effective energy sources. When considering very long-distance interconnections, like those spanning across continents, the focus shifts to the significance of power transmission capability. This aspect becomes particularly critical in ensuring efficient power transfer over extended distances, posing unique challenges and opportunities for global energy connectivity. I invite you to share your insights and perspectives on this topic. How do you perceive the importance of enhancing power transfer capability in large interconnecting links, especially in the context of connecting regions across vast distances? Let's engage in a meaningful discussion to explore the complexities and implications of this crucial aspect of modern energy systems. #PowerTransmission #EnergyConnectivity #GlobalInterconnection

Energy industry experts are raising awareness that the explosive electricity demand - "load growth" - utilities are currently experiencing can't be met by grid expansion alone. Adaptive, dynamic grid management technologies will be needed to proactively manage load across the grid, especially in energy growth areas like Texas, where the proliferation of data centers and other large load customers is leading to changes in both state government policy and business strategy. Read more: 🔗https://ow.ly/KIOj50WSf5L #LoadGrowth #GridManagement #EnergyInnovation #TexasEnergy #FactorThis

Energy industry experts are raising awareness that the explosive electricity demand - "load growth" - utilities are currently experiencing can't be met by grid expansion alone. Adaptive, dynamic grid management technologies will be needed to proactively manage load across the grid, especially in energy growth areas like Texas, where the proliferation of data centers and other large load customers is leading to changes in both state government policy and business strategy. Read more: 🔗https://ow.ly/oWB250WSf5M #LoadGrowth #GridManagement #EnergyInnovation #TexasEnergy #FactorThis

The energy sector is transforming faster than ever - demand for efficient, reliable, and flexible systems is surging. Open source technologies are at the heart of this transformation, enabling collaboration, innovation, and interoperability on a global scale. On October 3 in Montreal, LF Energy Summit North America will showcase real-world solutions: ✅ OSPOs in Grid Operations – Lessons from Hydro-Québec, RTE, and Alliander ✅ TROLIE – An open standard for transmission facility ratings ✅ GridFM – Foundation models for the electric grid ✅ Power Grid Model – Accelerating calculations for planning and operations Join industry leaders to learn, share, and collaborate on the future of energy. 🔗 Secure your spot: https://hubs.la/Q03C5DVH0 #GridModernization #OpenSource #EnergyInnovation #LFEnergy #LFEnergySummit #EnergyTransition

Interconnection backlogs and rapid load growth have become the main operational challenges for U.S. power markets. On one side, thousands of renewable and storage projects are awaiting studies and upgrades, with many facing multi-year timelines. On...

Louisiana Regulators Rush Approval of Entergy, Meta Gas-Powered Data Center Plan Lacking Ratepayer Protections The facility will use roughly three times as much electricity as the entire city of New Orleans annually, according to the Alliance for Affordable Energy. .. https://lnkd.in/eWvmmEWG

The electricity grid is potentially seeing unprecedented growth from electrification and data centers (though the latter will mostly connect at transmission), and a permanent shift in energy density in some areas. Energy density is a key driver of optimal distribution voltage, and proactive planning could therefore result in significant cost savings to meet this growth by making strategic rather than tactical investments. However, standard, conservative approaches favored by PUC's, are at risk of not seeing this due to current 5-year planning and event shorter investment cycles. This was the driver the work we participated in for EdF below, which highlighted the value of longer-term planning, and investing in better forecasting accuracy, which you can see here: https://lnkd.in/gRx5udtU RMI has just released a similarly focused study below, so I'd say that the issue is getting momentum: https://lnkd.in/gZC5qVtq They key, of course, is ensuring that these investment drivers are there for the long-run - something that is not clear when it comes to data centers, which you can learn more about here: https://lnkd.in/gvahXCqr

International Electric Power is planning to develop a 944-MW behind-the-meter, gas-fired plant to power a data center being developed in Greene County, Pennsylvania, according to a project partner’s Wednesday announcement. The data center will be “supplemented by battery storage and back up from an existing interconnection with the electric grid,” the companies said. Greene County Chairman Jared Edgreen told Utility Dive the county is aware of the project and sees it as “a large step forward. ... We need to diversify what we have in the county,” he said. “Energy is at a premium.”

The Southwest Power Pool (SPP), overseeing a 14-state power grid including Oklahoma, has implemented a new policy to manage the connection of large electricity users such as data centers and major industrial manufacturers. This move aims to proactively address the heavy power demands these large users will place on the grid while maintaining energy reliability for the region. The policy, called the High Impact Large Load (HILL), was developed after extensive collaboration between SPP staff and stakeholders. It integrates transmission service, generation, and interconnection studies into a unified framework to facilitate timely and informed decisions. A key element of the HILL process is a 90-day study and approval timeline for connecting large loads, which will be coordinated with new or existing generation sources to ensure grid stability. SPP’s approach also emphasizes early identification of system constraints, improved coordination, and preparedness for real-time operational impacts. For developers, the policy offers increased market efficiency, transparency, faster market entry, clearer price signals, and greater certainty regarding costs and timelines. SPP board members highlighted the policy as a necessary and collaborative response to emerging energy demands in the region. #CloudComputing #UnitedStates https://lnkd.in/gSv4_6VT