Google AI and the Electrical Grid: Solving Bureaucracy

Addressing the Grid Connection Bottleneck with AI

Concerns have been escalating within the technology sector and among policymakers regarding a potential power deficit on the electrical grid, largely attributed to the increasing demands of artificial intelligence. However, a significant amount of new generating capacity – measured in terawatts – is currently awaiting approval for grid connection. Streamlining the bureaucratic processes involved could substantially mitigate this issue.

PJM's Significant Backlog and a New Partnership

While all U.S. grid operators grapple with similar application backlogs, the situation faced by PJM Interconnection is particularly substantial. PJM manages the electricity flow across the mid-Atlantic states, Ohio, and eastern Kentucky.

To address this challenge, Google and PJM have announced a collaborative partnership, joined by Alphabet’s innovative “moonshot” project, Tapestry. The aim is to leverage AI models to expedite critical stages of the application process for both parties involved.

AI-Powered Streamlining of the Application Process

This collaboration will provide assistance with data verification and facilitate project submissions through newly developed, centralized planning tools. These tools will also aid PJM in analyzing the optimal methods for integrating variable power sources, such as renewable energy.

The surge in computational requirements driven by AI has prompted technology companies to aggressively pursue securing generating capacity. Companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft have invested in or committed to purchasing considerable amounts of nuclear power.

Simultaneously, these companies have been consistently acquiring large volumes of solar power.

The Scale of the Interconnection Problem

The interconnection process itself is complex, but resolving its inefficiencies could alleviate anxieties surrounding insufficient power for data centers. According to Lawrence Berkeley Lab, a total of 2.6 terawatts of generating capacity is currently awaiting approval nationwide.

This figure is double the total generating capacity of all U.S. power plants combined.

PJM’s interconnection queue is the most extensive. The Berkeley Lab reports over 3,000 active requests to connect 286.7 gigawatts of capacity within the region.

Due to being overwhelmed, PJM suspended acceptance of new connection applications in 2022 and will not resume reviewing new requests until mid-2026.

Renewable Energy Projects Most Affected

The protracted and cumbersome process has disproportionately impacted renewable energy projects.

Nationwide, over 1 terawatt each of solar and energy storage capacity is awaiting permission to deliver electricity to the grid. Even within the PJM region, which isn’t traditionally known as a hub for renewable development, the queue is dominated by these clean energy sources.

Only 2.4% of applicants are proposing natural gas power plants.

Historical Context and Current Grid Composition

Historically, the PJM-managed grid has relied heavily on fossil fuels. Over the past decade, natural gas-fired power plants have largely replaced coal, driven by the reduced costs associated with fracking.

The grid operator recently implemented a new approval process that some critics contend unfairly prioritizes fossil fuel plants over renewable projects.

Commitment to a Diverse Energy Future

During the announcement of the partnership with Google, PJM Executive Vice President Aftab Khan stated that the organization’s grid will remain “fuel agnostic,” as reported by E&E News.

Google spokesperson Amanda Peterson Corio affirmed the company’s dedication to achieving its goals of decarbonizing its electricity consumption.