WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Biden-Harris Administration has officially unveiled a significant investment of up to $30 million, allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed at streamlining the interconnection process for new energy generation projects. By harnessing cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques, the new Artificial Intelligence for Interconnection (AI4IX) program is set to forge collaborations between pivotal stakeholders such as software developers, grid operators—including Regional Transmission Operators (RTOs)— and energy project developers. This initiative seeks to revolutionize the existing interconnection application process, drastically cutting down the time it takes to evaluate, approve, and commission new generation interconnections across the nation.
“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,” remarked U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI in the energy sector.
Interconnection queues currently lag behind the pressing demands of the grid. The process for connecting new energy generation can stretch to an incredible seven years, and DOE’s recent Queued Up Report indicates that the active, but unconnected capacity now eclipses the total current connected generation by a factor of two.
Application reviews are traditionally handled manually, resulting in a labor-intensive and time-consuming workflow, particularly since many applications submitted are found lacking. Reports suggest that over 90% of interconnection applications received by several organizations are deficient, and addressing these inadequacies has become a notorious source of delays in analysis and development timelines.
Artificial intelligence stands poised to enhance both the quality of applications and the efficiency of their review. The AI4IX initiative will utilize established AI algorithms to systematically analyze interconnection applications, swiftly pinpointing deficiencies and promptly informing applicants, thereby facilitating resolutions. AI systems trained on extensive databases of accurate documentation and application formats will be able to scrutinize submissions for necessary site control documentation and highlight inconsistencies in additional supporting papers. Notably, ensuring site control for interconnections is a complex hurdle for project developers due to varying stakeholder requirements, property regulations, and access conditions pertaining to different grid facilities.
Once application errors are detected, the innovative AI software will alert the applicant about specific documentation shortcomings and the underlying reasons for these issues, thus allowing for rapid responses and corrections. By implementing AI, the precision in recognizing documentation flaws and delivering tailored feedback for timely resolutions can significantly enhance over time. The adoption of AI technology can substantially speed up every phase of the interconnection application process, paving the way for a more efficient infrastructure.
The AI4IX program is in alignment with DOE’s ongoing commitment to refining interconnection queues nationwide. Under its Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP) Program, DOE is backing a multi-state initiative spearheaded by GridUnity, which aims to implement AI-driven software solutions to boost the efficiency of the interconnection process among various RTOs serving approximately 60% of the U.S. population—about 210 million individuals—ultimately strengthening energy reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness. In addition, the Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is actively leading the Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) Transmission initiative, which brings together a broad spectrum of participants in energy resource interconnection to foster best practices and inspire novel ideas and capabilities in the field. Recently, in October 2024, the i2X program revealed a draft roadmap outlining actionable solutions for the interconnection community over the next decade, aimed at building a more reliable and resilient electric infrastructure.
The AI4IX program further aligns with DOE’s enduring efforts to enhance interconnection queues across the nation and supports its comprehensive 2024 AI for Energy report, which was developed in response to President Biden’s Executive Order concerning the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of artificial intelligence, issued on October 30, 2023.
ConnectWerx will serve as the Intermediary, tasked with overseeing the technical assistance partnerships established under the AI4IX program through a groundbreaking Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) facilitated by the DOE’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT). This collaborative framework will enable ConnectWerx to expand DOE’s outreach to progressive organizations and unconventional partners, thus accelerating the development, scaling, and deployment of innovative clean energy solutions.
Applications for the inaugural round of AI4IX funding must be submitted by January 10, 2025, by 1:00 pm ET. A critical informational webinar and strategic session is scheduled for December 5, 2024, at 2 pm ET. Registration is required.
Additional informational office hours are set for December 17, 2024. DOE anticipates making funding selections in Winter 2025.
Learn more about the Grid Deployment Office.
What specific technologies will the AI4IX program employ to streamline the interconnection process for new energy projects?
**Interview with U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm on the New AI4IX Program**
**Editor:** Welcome, Secretary Granholm. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the newly announced AI4IX program aimed at streamlining energy project interconnections. Can you start by explaining the purpose of this $30 million investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law?
**Secretary Granholm:** Absolutely! This investment is crucial for addressing the challenges we currently face with interconnection processes in the energy sector. The AI4IX program is designed to leverage artificial intelligence to drastically reduce the time it takes to evaluate, approve, and commission new energy generation projects. Right now, these processes can take up to seven years, which is far too long. By utilizing advanced AI technologies, we aim to not only expedite these applications but also improve their quality from the outset.
**Editor:** That sounds promising. Why has the interconnection application process been so slow historically?
**Secretary Granholm:** The bottleneck largely arises from the manual review processes that are both labor-intensive and prone to errors. In fact, studies show that over 90% of interconnection applications contain deficiencies that delay their approval. These inadequacies can stem from diverse stakeholder requirements and varying regulations across different regions. Our new AI initiative addresses these issues by analyzing submissions and rapidly identifying any errors or omissions, allowing applicants to correct them quickly.
**Editor:** How exactly will AI enhance the interconnection application process?
**Secretary Granholm:** The AI4IX program employs algorithms that can analyze vast amounts of data effectively. This technology will allow us to spot deficiencies in applications related to critical components like site control documentation much faster than a human reviewer could. By informing applicants about specific issues in real-time, we provide opportunities for rapid resolutions, thus streamlining the process significantly.
**Editor:** The initiative seems to target a wide range of stakeholders. Can you elaborate on who will be involved in this program?
**Secretary Granholm:** Certainly. The program seeks collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including software developers, grid operators—particularly Regional Transmission Operators (RTOs)—and energy project developers. This collaborative approach is essential because it brings together diverse expertise to refine the interconnection process and ensure it meets the needs of the entire energy ecosystem. Our goal is to bolster energy reliability and security for all Americans.
**Editor:** what broader impact do you hope this program will have on the U.S. energy grid?
**Secretary Granholm:** The AI4IX program aligns with our commitment to modernizing the energy grid in the U.S. By reducing interconnection delays, we can unlock new energy sources faster, which is critical as we transition to a more renewable and resilient energy system. Ultimately, this means consumers will have access to cleaner energy when and where they need it. We’re optimistic that this initiative will not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to our goal of achieving a low-carbon future.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Secretary Granholm. It’s an exciting step forward for America’s energy infrastructure!
**Secretary Granholm:** Thank you for having me. I’m looking forward to seeing the positive changes this program will bring!
