PJM Interconnection approved three initial projects totaling 2.1 GW in its Expedited Interconnection Track process on October 8, Utility Dive reported: two energy storage projects from Engie IR Holdings, an 860 MW battery project in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, and an 800 MW project in Morrow County, Ohio, plus a 455 MW uprate by LS Power to its 810 MW combined-cycle Hunterstown plant in Adams County, Pennsylvania, which LS Power bought from Platinum Equity in 2024. PJM expects all three online by mid-2029.
The approvals come as the grid operator faces tight supply conditions with little generation coming online while data centers drive its demand forecasts higher, pushing up capacity costs and retail utility bills. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the expedited track in June; the process covers projects over 250 MW backed by a primary siting authority that can begin operating within three years, considers up to 10 requests a year, and expires at the end of 2027. Single-sourced to Utility Dive reporting of PJM’s announcement.