What Is an Interconnection Queue? Why Clean Energy Projects Wait Years

How the process works

A developer submits an interconnection request to the regional grid operator or utility. Engineers then run studies to determine whether the grid can absorb the new project and which upgrades, such as new substations or reinforced lines, are needed. The developer typically pays for those network upgrades. Only after signing an interconnection agreement can the project connect.

Why queues grew so long

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory reports that the capacity waiting in US queues has grown to well over a terawatt, more than the entire existing US generating fleet, dominated by solar, storage and wind. Causes include:

• Speculative requests filed early to hold a place in line.
• Serial "first-come, first-served" studies, where one dropout forces restudies of later projects.
• Limited transmission capacity, so each new project triggers expensive upgrades.
• Staffing and modelling bottlenecks at grid operators.

Reforms

FERC Order 2023 requires US transmission providers to move to "first-ready, first-served" cluster studies, higher deposits and readiness requirements, firm study deadlines with penalties, and consideration of alternatives such as advanced transmission technologies. Some operators also use surplus interconnection and fast-track processes for projects at existing sites.

Why it matters

Queue delays raise costs, slow emissions cuts and can threaten reliability when retiring plants are not replaced on time.