PJM Fast-Tracks 2.1 GW of Storage and Gas Uprate for 2029
PJM approved 2.1 GW of grid interconnections on Oct. 8 for two Engie storage projects and an LS Power gas uprate, with all three expected online by mid-2029, Utility Dive reports.
Market Impact
The three projects are the first approved under PJM’s Expedited Interconnection Track. Engie IR Holdings plans an 860-MW storage project in Crawford, Pennsylvania, and an 800-MW storage project in Morrow, Ohio. An LS Power unit will add 455 MW to its 810-MW Hunterstown combined cycle plant in Adams, Pennsylvania. LS Power bought that plant from Platinum Equity in 2024.
Utility Dive notes the approvals come as PJM faces tight supply, with little generation added in recent years and data centers pushing demand forecasts higher. That has sharply raised capacity costs and driven up utility bills in some areas. FERC approved the fast-track process in June, and PJM opened applications July 31.
The track is limited to projects larger than 250 MW that have a primary siting authority behind them and can begin operating within three years. PJM will consider up to 10 interconnection requests a year for new or uprated capacity. The process is set to expire at the end of 2027. PJM is also working on a reliability backstop procurement, surplus interconnection service rule updates and a reformed generator interconnection process.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Construction timing (our inference): A mid-2029 online date points to construction in 2027 and 2028. Civil, electrical and interconnection scopes at Crawford, Morrow and Adams would fall in that window. The source gives no construction start dates.
- Procurement stage is unknown: The source does not name EPC contractors or say whether subcontract packages are out. Check Engie and LS Power project announcements and county permitting records in Crawford, PA, Morrow, OH and Adams, PA to identify the EPCs. Those are the firms to approach.
- Hunterstown is a brownfield job: The 455-MW uprate adds to an operating 810-MW plant. Mechanical, piping and electrical tie-in crews should expect work inside an existing facility. The source does not describe the scope, so confirm what equipment is being added.
- Two large storage sites: At 860 MW and 800 MW, the Engie projects are big enough to need heavy site work and electrical installation. Civil, foundation and medium-voltage electrical contractors with Pennsylvania and Ohio crews should prepare capacity for 2027-2028.
- More approvals are possible, with a deadline: PJM can take up to 10 requests a year, and the track expires at the end of 2027. Watch PJM announcements through 2027 for additional approvals, since each one starts a similar construction clock.
- Eligibility favors ready projects: Projects must be backed by a siting authority and able to operate within three years. That favors sites that are further along in permitting, which usually means contractors see work sooner.
