DOE launches i2X partnership to reduce wait times for clean energy sources, lower clean energy transition costs

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) began the Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) this week, tapping funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to kick off a new partnership dedicated to connecting more clean energy to the grid.

Partners include grid operators, utilities, state and tribal governments, clean energy developers, energy justice organizations, and other stakeholders. By uniting them under one umbrella, the Biden administration hopes to reduce wait times on interconnection queues faced by clean energy sources and reduce the costs of connecting them to the grid. Aiding this will be sharing and thus creating better data, developing roadmaps, and offers of technical assistance.

“Eliminating the gridlock that’s slowing down clean energy deployment is critical to increasing access to cheaper electricity for American families and businesses,” Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said. “Funding in the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help DOE, and our National Labs build a coalition of problem solvers to tackle interconnection issues, ensure grid reliability and develop equitable solutions for all communities.”

According to the DOE, current rules, costs, and procedures for connecting to the grid are ill-suited to address the rapid increase of clean energy projects needed to meet current goals. Wait times for interconnection are growing alongside demand, and that, the department noted, demands more efficient processes to streamline.

The i2X program represents a step toward this goal by shoring up human resources needs and lack of data and tackling more complex grid impact assessments. Partners will gain technical assistance as they develop solutions for specific interconnection issues in their regions, states, and localities. The program will also work to lower costs for consumers and families overall while addressing inequities caused by existing interconnection processes.

The DOE and its partners intend to create a 5-year blueprint of goals, research gaps, and milestones.