The Interconnection Bottleneck: How Flexible Interconnections Offer a Way Forward

The interconnection process, crucial for integrating new generation onto the grid, is often a major hurdle. Transmission-level projects endure lengthy impact studies and queue times, while distribution-level resources face hosting capacity studies. The prevailing "fixed" interconnection model, based on worst-case scenarios and full capacity assumptions, results in prolonged queue times and costly grid upgrades for applicants.

Recognizing this challenge, FERC Order 2023 seeks to improve queue management. However, innovative approaches like "Flexible" or "Dynamic" interconnections, being adopted in countries like Australia, offer a more fundamental shift. By dynamically assessing real-time grid capacity of the grid and controlling generation output accordingly, flexible interconnection promises to optimize grid utilization, streamline studies, and minimize required infrastructure upgrades.

This presentation will delve into the current state of interconnection queues and explain the workings of flexible interconnection, including dynamic hosting capacity calculations, operating envelopes, and generation control strategies.