US DOE offers $30m for AI solutions to break interconnection logjam
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Can artificial intelligence help us manage better manage grid interconnection? The Biden-Harris Administration recognises the value of leveraging the burgeoning tech to get more clean energy generation connected to the grid.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $30 million available from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to accelerate the interconnection process for new energy generation via the introduction of artificial intelligence techniques.
The new Artificial Intelligence for Interconnection (AI4IX) programme will develop partnerships between software developers, grid operators (including Regional Transmission Operators (RTOs) and Power Marketing Administrations), and energy project developers to modernise 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 US secretary of energy Jennifer M. Granholm.
The problem and a potential solution
There is no doubt that interconnection queues to connect new generation are not keeping pace with the needs of the grid. In some places, queues are entirely halted. In others, developers can expect a long wait. As it stands, new generation interconnection can take up to seven years. DOE’s recent Queued Up Report shows that active (but unconnected) capacity is twice the amount of current connected generation.
Interconnection applications are often reviewed manually, creating a labour-intensive process, particularly given that many applications are incomplete or insufficient. Some organisations have indicated that more than 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. 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.
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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.
DOE interconnection initiatives
The AI4IX programme aligns with DOE’s continued support for improving interconnection queues across the United States.
Under the Department’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP) Program, DOE 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 US population—around 210 million people—to enhance energy reliability, security, and lower costs.
In addition, DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 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. The i2X team has been an integral component of the interconnection event GridTECH Connect Forum, for example, conducting workshops and speaking in sessions since its inception.
In October 2024, the i2X programme released a draft roadmap 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 programme also aligns with DOE’s continued support for improving interconnection queues across the United States and supports its 2024 AI for Energy report that was prepared pursuant to president Biden’s Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence, issued October 30, 2023.
ConnectWerx as the Intermediary will manage the technical assistance partnerships under the AI4IX programme, via an innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) set up by the DOE’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT). This agreement enables ConnectWerx to broaden DOE’s engagement with innovative organisations and non-traditional partners, facilitating the rapid development, scaling and deployment of clean energy solutions.
Applications for the first round of AI4IX funding are due by January 10, 2025, by 1:00 pm ET. An informational webinar and objective strategy session will be held on December 5, 2024, at 2 pm ET. Registration is required. Additional informational office hours will be held on December 17, 2024. DOE expects to make selections in Winter 2025.
Originally published by Paul Gerke on renewableenergyworld.com
