The Biden-Harris Administration, through the US Department of Energy (DOE), has announced $30m funding for the new Artificial Intelligence for Interconnection (AI4IX) programme to boost energy interconnection processes.
The AI4IX programme aims to accelerate the interconnection of new energy projects to the power grid using advanced AI while reducing delays in integrating renewable energy.
Supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the initiative aims to integrate AI techniques to streamline the application process and reduce the time needed to review, approve and commission new generation interconnections across the US.
The programme will foster partnerships between software developers, grid operators - including regional transmission operators and power marketing administrations - and energy project developers.
The goal is to modernise the interconnection application process through the application of existing AI algorithms, which will quickly identify and rectify deficient applications.
AI will be used to review interconnection applications thoroughly, flagging errors within submitted documents, such as those related to site control documentation —a complex aspect for project developers due to varying stakeholders, property laws and grid facility access requirements.
The software will promptly inform applicants of insufficiencies, enabling swift responses and corrections.
As an intermediary, ConnectWerx will be responsible for managing the technical assistance partnerships under the AI4IX programme through a partnership intermediary agreement established by the DOE's office of technology transitions.
ConnectWerx is a DOE platform designed to accelerate the formation of partnerships, driving the development and deployment of essential energy solutions.
US Secretary of Energy Jennifer M Granholm stated: “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.”
