The U.S. DOE Established the Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X)

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) and Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) have established the Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) to address the challenges associated with integrating clean energy resources into the national electric grid. This initiative aims to streamline the interconnection process, which is currently plagued by dated procedures and regulations. These increasingly have been unable to handle the growing influx of renewable energy projects necessary to meet the nation’s decarbonization goals.

Challenges in Current Interconnection Practices

The interconnection of new energy resources to the electric grid is governed by a diverse set of regional, state, and utility-specific regulations. These regulations were not originally designed to manage the scale of renewable energy integration required to achieve the 2035 decarbonization targets. As a result, many renewable energy projects face extended delays in the interconnection queues, awaiting the completion of reviews and approvals necessary for grid connection.

Strategic Initiatives of i2X

i2X is facilitated by a partnership between the DOE and several national laboratories, including the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The program promotes a collaborative approach involving utilities, grid operators, and state and local governments. The goal is to develop a unified strategy to enhance the interconnection process through shared data and innovative solutions that address both technical and regulatory challenges.

Call for Stakeholder Engagement

The DOE encourages a broad range of stakeholders to engage with the i2X initiative. This engagement is crucial for gathering diverse insights and expertise, which are vital for developing effective solutions to the complex problems of energy interconnection. The initiative seeks to create an environment where collaborative efforts can lead to significant improvements in the processes and infrastructure required for efficient and timely grid integration of renewable resources.

i2X is an important effort to adapt the nation’s energy infrastructure and regulatory environment to the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape. The initiative's success depends on active participation from all sectors in the energy ecosystem.

For additional details, visit the i2X: The Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange site.