Power generators ensure supply meets demand on grid

The demand for power is surging, and generators are stepping up to meet the challenge to ensure reliable supplies.

Regional grid operator PJM Interconnection, which includes Pennsylvania, regularly holds auctions to ensure it has the capacity to meet demands across the entire grid.

Right now, artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers, along with a push for broader electrification and the onshoring of manufacturing, are driving significant load growth. At the same time, older power plants are coming offline, leaving capacity gaps on the grid.

To address these issues, PJM launched its Reliability Resource Initiative (RRI), which attracted 94 applications totaling 26.6 GW of nameplate capacity. RRI is a one-time opportunity for generation resources to be fast tracked through the interconnection queue, meaning they get approval to connect to the grid so they can come online quickly and contribute to reliability.

From those 94 applications, PJM selected 51 “shovel-ready” electricity projects to move up in the interconnection queue within the next five years. The new projects would add 11,793 megawatts from a combination of new projects and upgrades to existing plants — all aimed at providing an influx of reliable generation needed to help meet demand growth to strengthen the grid.

The RRI projects, along with about 550 other projects totaling approximately 50 GW, will be studied in PJM’s Transition Cycle # 2 (TC2) of the new interconnection process by which new capacity comes online.

Electricity generators are ramping up efforts to meet rising electricity demand by enhancing generation capacity, investing in flexible energy sources, and integrating advanced grid technologies.

Taken together, these projects are giving a big boost to the grid’s power supply.