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Dec 1 (Reuters) – The U.S. Midwest grid operator will fast-track reviews of 15 more power projects to accelerate the addition of electricity supply, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator said on Monday, as part of a program facing legal challenges from consumer and environmental groups.
Some of the country’s biggest regional grids – MISO, Southwest Power Pool and PJM Interconnection – have approved dozens of power projects this year for speedy review as the operators sound the alarm over rising demand outpacing the addition of new electricity sources.
Some of those fast-tracking processes have faced legal pushback on claims that the grid operators have favored natural gas-fired power projects over renewable energy, such as solar and wind. Groups including the Natural Resources Defense Council and Sierra Club have sued the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over MISO and SPP’s programs, which require FERC approval.
MISO’s second round of project selections includes seven natural gas-fired plants, three battery storage projects, three solar projects and two wind turbines, according to MISO. The fast-track program is aimed at shaving months or years off the time it takes to link the power supplies to the grid.
“These projects are essential to meeting near-term reliability needs and ensuring new resource additions are online to meet load growth,” said MISO Vice President Aubrey Johnson.
The total capacity of the 15 projects is more than six gigawatts, and their startup dates range from December 2027 to August 2028. One gigawatt can power about 750,000 homes.
Reporting by Laila Kearney in New York; Editing by Rod Nickel
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