Google AI Powers Up PJM Grid to Combat U.S. Energy Connection Backlogs

​Google recently partnered with PJM Interconnection, the nation’s biggest grid operator, on a groundbreaking endeavor to make the U.S. electrical grid more modern through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for hasten the pace at which new power sources are integrated.

The first application of AI to manage an interconnection queue (which means to manage queue of companies that want to connect to the power grid) is a result of this collaboration, as the demand for electricity, including from the ramp up of data centers that are a byproduct of this push to artificial intelligence, grows.

Addressing Grid Connection Delays

Connect new energy such as wind, solar, and natural gas to the grid, and the U.S. power sector has been facing previously unheard of delays. The delays have worsened electricity shortages and caused higher power prices and greater danger of blackouts.

Google and PJM hope to automate tedious and manual tasks typically executed by grid planners, including the review of whether connection applications are possible. This automation is to expedite the grid integration process and enhance grid reliability and efficiency. ​

The Role of Tapestry

This initiative is centered on Tapestry, an Alphabet backed company that deals with AI solutions. Over several years, PJM and Tapestry will roll out with AI tools, and models developed by Tapestry in 2025. First, these tools would be aimed at automatically reviewing applications for project projects seeking grid connection on their feasibility.

In the long run, the collaboration will eventually result in a detailed digital model of the PJM grid, similar to Google Maps, to help in making better decisions for efficiently managing the grid. 

Implications for the Energy Sector

The US power grid has been put under significant duress due to the surge in electricity demand, partly because of the growing number of data centers necessary for AI computing. Nearly half of 13 major U.S. electric utilities said they have been asked by data center companies for power volumes exceeding their current peak demand or generation capacity, and some are attracted to the industry because of the revenue it generates.

The unprecedented demand is driving utilities to boost capital spending and come up with creative means to satisfy tech clients while keeping grids intact. 

Google’s Commitment to Clean Energy

Aside from this collaboration, Google has put plenty of stock on promoting clean energy solutions. The firm has started investing in numerous renewable energy projects and also worked with utilities to create different schemes for clean energy integration.

For its operations in Ohio and Virginia, Google has worked with Energix Renewables and Swift Current Energy to develop, respectively, one of the largest solar energy projects in the PJM region, helping to decarbonize electricity supply. 

Future Outlook

Tapestry in collaboration with Google and PJM is an important step towards modernization of the U.S. electrical grid utilizing AI. This is already a growing trend and with automation and optimization of the process of connecting new power supplies it can be enhanced to help the grid be more reliable, shorten integration times, and provide the growing energy needs of the digital age.

Over the coming years, as these AI technologies become embedded, they could provide other grid operators with an example of how technology can aid in infrastructural and service delivery improvements.​