The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that up to $30 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will be used to speed up the process of connecting new energy projects to the grid by using artificial intelligence.
The new Artificial Intelligence for Interconnection (AI4IX) program looks to create partnerships among software developers, grid operators–like regional transmission operators and power marketing administrations–and energy project developers. This program will modernize the application process for interconnection, helping to drastically cut down the time needed to review, approve and connect new energy projects across the nation.
RELATED: DOE announces $2 billion in grid hardening, resilience funding through GRIP Program
“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,” Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said.
The process of connecting new energy projects to the grid is falling behind the grid’s demands, as it can take up to seven years to complete a new generation interconnection. According to the DOE’s recent Queued Up Report, the capacity of projects waiting for connection is double that of the capacity already connected to the grid.
The review of interconnection applications is typically done manually, making it a time-consuming process, especially as many applications are incomplete or inadequate. Some organizations report that more than 90% of the applications they receive have deficiencies, and addressing them is a major factor behind delays in analysis and development.
Artificial intelligence can make the application process more efficient and improve the review system. Supported by funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the AI4IX program will focus on utilizing existing AI algorithms to streamline the interconnection application process. AI can quickly spot incomplete or incorrect applications and notify applicants to fix the issues.
For instance, AI software trained with a database of accurate documents and application examples can check for necessary site control documentation and highlight mistakes in the submitted materials. Site control is often a difficult part of the process for project developers due to multiple stakeholders, differing property laws and varying grid facility access requirements for each energy project.
Once application errors are identified, the software would alert the applicant and explain why their documentation is insufficient, enabling the applicant to address specific issues more quickly. By using AI, the process of identifying documentation problems and giving clear reasons for corrections can become faster and more accurate over time. Using AI technology and current algorithms can help speed up every step of the interconnection application process.
The DOE’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP) Program is backing a multistate project led by GridUnity. It uses AI-powered software to streamline the interconnection process with multiple Regional Transmission Operators covering around 210 million people.
The department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is also leading the Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) Transmission initiative, bringing together stakeholders in energy interconnection to promote best practices and spur innovation. In October, i2X released a draft roadmap outlining strategies for utilities, grid operators, regulators, governments, clean energy developers and other groups to improve interconnection and build more reliable and resilient electric infrastructure over the next decade.
ConnectWerx will oversee the technical assistance partnerships within the AI4IX program through a unique Partnership Intermediary Agreement established by the DOE’s Office of Technology Transitions. This agreement allows ConnectWerx to expand DOE’s collaboration with organizations and non-traditional partners, helping accelerate the development, scaling and implementation of clean energy solutions.
Applications for the first round of AI4IX funding are due Jan. 10 by 1 pm ET. An informational webinar and objective strategy session will be held on Dec. 5 at 2 pm ET; registration is required. Additional informational office hours will be held Dec. 17. DOE expects to make selections by March.
Photo by Pixabay
The post DOE allocates $30 million for AI to accelerate renewable grid ties appeared first on Government Market News.