This marks the first group of proposed generation resources to be processed under a new approach designed to reduce speculative projects, improve predictability and increase the overall pace of interconnection.
PJM’s new first-ready, first-served approach requires projects to demonstrate viability before entering the Cycle study process, including meaningful up-front financial commitments and proof of site control.
The applications include a diverse mix of generation resources--
-- 715 total projects, led by storage (314), natural gas (147), solar (117), wind (61), solar-storage hybrids (37), nuclear (24), other (10) and hydro (5)
-- 201.5 GW of nameplate capacity, led by natural gas (99.8 GW), storage (60.0 GW), nuclear (17.3 GW), solar (11.8 GW), solar-storage hybrid (7.5 GW), wind (3.9 GW), other (1.1 GW) and hydro (0.07 GW)
PJM said there were 39.8 GW worth of new generation projects in Pennsylvania, the most of any state.
List of PA Projects
For a list of projects proposed in Pennsylvania: Click here and go to the bottom of the page and Filter for "Generation Interconnection" - C01 - Active - State PA
The application round for this Cycle closed on April 27 and attracted a total of 811 new generation projects. Read more here.
“PJM is encouraged at the number and quality of applications that are proceeding through the study process to help address the long-term shortage of electricity supply that we are facing,” said Jason Connell, Vice President – Planning. “The rigorous process that is now in place is designed to encourage projects that will get built.”
“The number and diversity of projects indicates that developers are eager to build in the PJM region, and we will continue to streamline our processes to meet the speed-to-power needs of the industry,” Connell said. “Bringing new generation online is critical to support grid reliability and control electricity costs by balancing supply and demand.”
PJM is using advanced tools and pathways it has implemented in recent years to improve efficiency at scale.
This includes HyperQ, an AI-enabled tool developed by Google’s Tapestry to help review large volumes of application data. PJM will be evaluating the tool’s impact throughout Cycle 1.
Click Here for the PJM announcement.
Accepting State Suggested Projects
The PJM Interconnection announced on July 31 it is now accepting applications for large generation projects that are backed by a primary siting authority and can commence operation within three years. Read more here.
The PJM Expedited Interconnection Track (EIT) is a temporary, standalone process designed to address the urgent need for more capacity resources.
The EIT aims to enable up to ten eligible large projects per year, sponsored by the state in which they are located, to secure Generator Interconnection Agreements within ten months of application – significantly faster than PJM’s typical process for connecting projects to the grid
On April 3, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it published a Request for Information on March 28 for new energy generation and storage projects in Pennsylvania that will be eligible to quickly enter service, rapidly adding more power to the electric grid and preventing higher energy costs for Pennsylvanians under the EIT process. Read more here.
Examples of energy generation and storage projects that may be eligible include a wide spectrum of all-of-the-above opportunities for new generation, including, but not limited to, solar power plants; wind generation plants; advanced thermal generating units; hybrid facilities; and battery energy storage systems.
Click Here for more information on DEP's information request.
Demand/Generation
Since 2020, PJM has processed more than 300 GW of projects, resulting in over 100 GW worth of projects with signed interconnection agreements. PJM currently has 51 GW of generation with signed agreements, but many of these projects are either not being built at all or are being slowed by hurdles such as state permitting and supply chain backlogs.
PJM, its stakeholders, and state and federal policymakers are united in efforts to solve these challenges.
PJM expects electricity demand to increase by up to 70 GW by 2038, driven largely by data centers and other large load customers.
Backstop Auction
PJM already has a 6.8 GW shortfall in generation below its reliability requirement for the electric grid it operates.
PJM has proposed a one-time backstop general Capacity auction in September with a $555/MW-Day cap on prices (the current cap is $325/MW-Day) to attract new generation to fill that gap. Read more here.
The new price cap means PJM will pay up to $20 billion for new power generation to help supply data centers built through 2027, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. Read more here.
The PJM Interconnection coordinates the wholesale electricity grid and markets for all or parts of 13 states—Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia—plus the District of Columbia.
Resource Links:
-- Independent Fiscal Office Reports Average Cost Of Electricity In PA Jumped 14.6% Over Past Year, Total Average PA Electricity Bill Has Increased 20.6% Since 2024 [PaEN]
-- PJM Interconnection Proposes One-Time Backstop General Capacity Auction In September With A $555/MW-Day Cap On Prices - Nearly 71% Higher Than Current $325 Cap [PaEN]
-- Utility Dive: PJM Files Backstop Auction Plan At FERC To Meet Capacity Shortfall
[Posted: August 3, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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