Three Pennsylvania energy projects, representing 68% of total capacity selected across the PJM region, have been chosen for PJM’s inaugural Expedited Interconnection Track, a fast-track process Gov. Josh Shapiro has championed to speed new generation onto the grid.
The three projects are expected to add a combined 1/7 gigawatts of energy generation and storage capacity by mid-2029, enough to power nearly 900,000 homes, officials said. Two of the three projects are battery storage facilities that will contribute 1.35 GW of clean energy storage capacity, helping to strengthen grid reliability while increasing the supply of energy and putting downward pressure on electricity costs.
“We need to get more reliable energy onto the grid faster to meet growing demand and help protect Pennsylvanians from rising electricity costs,” said Governor Shapiro. “PJM must continue to move faster to bring new energy resources online, strengthen transparency and accountability, and ensure decisions are made in the best interest of the 67 million people who rely on this grid.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) supported projects through PJM’s expedited review process, as well as helping the projects move through permitting efficiently. The projects will help ensure that when electricity demand is highest, reliable power is available for homes, critical health facilities, and public safety buildings across the Commonwealth, officials said.
“The success of Pennsylvania’s economic development strategy is closely tied to its leadership in energy production,” DCED Secretary Rick Siger said. “Increasing the energy supply in the Commonwealth reinforces our leadership as the largest power producing state in PJM — helping us continue to win major economic development projects. By accelerating these three EIT projects, the Commonwealth is taking meaningful action to enhance grid reliability and ensure our energy infrastructure meets the needs of Pennsylvania businesses.”
The projects include French Creek Storage (Crawford County), that will create an 860 MW battery storage facility; Sammis Project (Beaver County), that will add a 500 MW battery storage facility; and Hunterstown Expansion (Adams County), that will update an existing natural gas power plant, adding 367 MW of generating capacity.