PJM's Fast-Track Interconnection Process Has Attracted 94 Applications Totaling 26.6 GW
- Dan Lee
- Mar 27
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 24
PJM Interconnection’s one-time Reliability Resource Initiative (RRI) has drawn strong participation, with 94 proposed projects totaling 26.6 gigawatts (GW) of nameplate capacity. This fast-track application window was created to address PJM’s urgent reliability needs and accelerate the development of grid-ready resources.
According to PJM’s filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the initiative aims to bring at least 10 GW of capacity online 1.5 years earlier than would otherwise be possible through the standard interconnection process. Projects selected through the RRI will join Transition Cycle #2, part of PJM’s broader effort to reform and streamline its interconnection queue.
What Is the Reliability Resource Initiative?
The RRI is a one-time pathway for “shovel-ready” generation and storage projects to be fast-tracked into PJM’s study process. This approach is designed to:
Help meet near-term load growth, especially from data centers and electrification
Offset the rapid retirement of older thermal generation
Prioritize projects that offer firm capacity and high reliability value
PJM has implemented a scoring system to evaluate applications based on criteria like:
Unforced Capacity and ELCC rating
Commercial operation readiness
Siting, permitting, and equipment procurement status
Project location, especially in constrained areas like BG&E and Dominion zones
What Happens Next?
Out of the 94 applications submitted, only the top 50 projects will be selected based on their scores. These projects must commit to participating in PJM’s capacity market for 10 consecutive years and will face additional requirements to ensure timely delivery and reliability.
This initiative is expected to provide PJM with a near-term injection of capacity while keeping longer-term queue reforms on track.
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