Backlogs hamper renewable energy projects, industry group says | High five for the weekend

Have a nice weekend everyone.

Recent release by Advanced Energy Management (AEE)The Association of Entrepreneurs from the Energy Industry reported that renewable energy projects across the country – and especially in… Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio – stalled before they could even get started, costing jobs, money and business possibilities.

The AEE release argues that energy projects are stuck waiting – sometimes for years – for government approval PJM Interconnection Limited Liability Company, a regional electricity transmitter based in Norristown that signs off on all regional electricity projects requiring connection to the grid.

IN Pennsylvania himself, “programmers have more than 13 GW of solar energy there are projects waiting in the queue that they would create together almost 45,000 direct jobs“, according to AEE analysis.

How long do you have to wait?

AEE reports that in total 2274 projects “they were waiting for the connection agreement in the PJM queue” for a year or more. Of them third (758 projects) we waited over 500 days, 22% (497 projects) are stuck over two yearsAND 166 projects we waited over three years. Ouch.

From 2017, over 1,000 immaculate energy projects were withdrawn by their creators from the PJM interconnection queue due to the long waiting time for approval. “That covers it solar, wind and battery projects worth over 77,000 MW that could power over 18 million homes and created 400,000 jobs– reports AEE.

Does this all sound familiar?

Earlier this week, yours truly reported on another renewable energy project that is struggling to get off the ground – albeit for completely different reasons.

So what can be done to address the backlog and get the renewable wheels moving again?

AEE has proposed several possible solutions, which include:

  • Setting dates for necessary tests,
  • Grouping projects to be studied at the same time, not one after the other, holding entities accountable for timely completion of work
  • Requiring higher non-refundable deposits to ensure the commercial viability of projects,
  • Proactively plan and build networks to overcome constraints that hinder immaculate energy interconnections, such as the lack of existing transmission infrastructure in resource-rich regions.
  • Fair distribution of transmission costs among all customers who benefit, not just the connecting generator.

To make up for the backlog, PJM implemented, among others: two-year break on recent applications.

As always, below are our top five stories from this week.

1. Bye. Pennsylvania Supreme Court Selects National Democratic Map as New Congressional Plan

This is what the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said I chose the map presented by voters supported by a national group allied with the Democrats as the next Commonwealth Congress map.

IN order for 5 pagesThe state Supreme Court ordered a 4-3 majority to adopt the map, known as the Carter Plan, as soon as possible. The review was not immediately available. Four of the court’s five liberal justices signed on to the order, while the other, Justice Debra Todd, joined two Republican-elected justices in dissent.

The map was filed in court by plaintiffs linked to the National Redistributive Action Fund, the obscure money affiliate National Democratic Redistricting Commission, while the case was presented by Democratic lawyer Marc Elias.

Acting Secretary of the Department of Health Alison Beam speaks at a news conference. Harrisburg, PA – February 17, 2021

2. Former Health Secretary Beam takes lobbying job at UPMC, raising concerns and hopes

Pennsylvania’s former health secretary is taking a recent job as a top lobbyist for the largest health care system in the commonwealth.

Alison Beam, who was a top staffer for Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf before he took over the state Department of Health in January 2021, will be hired as the next vice president of government affairs for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the health care giant announced last week.

“It is an honor to take on this role as I have experienced first-hand UPMC’s strong commitment to serving the community and advocating for optimal health care for citizens of the state and beyond,” Beam said in Friday’s statement. She left her government job in December last year.

Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin, talks to participants on the capitol steps of a gun rights rally, Sept. 29, 2020. (Capital-Star photo by Stephen Caruso)

3. Corman requests investigation into GOP rival Mastriano’s campaign finances

The top Republican in the Pennsylvania Senate has filed a complaint against rival gubernatorial candidate and controversial Pennsylvania Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin, for filing an incomplete campaign finance report.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, R-Centre, sent a letter to the Franklin County district attorney on Wednesday, asking that the office investigate how and why Mastriano’s campaign raised nearly three times as much funds as previously reported in a revised form filed with the State Department this year. week.

“The revised campaign finance report raises more questions than answers, given the sheer volume of additional transactions,” the letter said. “What is clear, however, is that filing a false campaign finance report “constitutes.”[s] crime of perjury” under Pennsylvania law.

Pennsylvania State Capitol Building. (Capital-Star photo by Cassie Miller.)

4. Retired and Capital-Star’s main follower in Pa. 2022

With 2022 on the horizon, keeping track of legislative turnover in the face of changing lines, dual incumbency and retirements is tough. However, Capital-Star will attempt to track these potential developments in the coming months.

Unless the court raises an objection, the House and Senate maps are in their final form as of February 5. As such, here’s the latest running list of lawmakers retiring next year or set to return to Harrisburg with a colleague.

(GettyImages)

5. Pa. Republicans running for a U.S. Senate seat clash in a debate

The four Republican Party candidates running for Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate seat took the stage Monday night, giving voters a chance to see where they stand on the issues ahead of the May 17 primary election.

Real estate developer Jeff Bartos and conservative commentator Kathy Barnette of Montgomery County, Everett Stern, a West Chester business owner, and George Bochetto, a Philadelphia lawyer, participated in the televised debate at Villanova University.

Meanwhile, Mehmet Oz, a celebrity doctor, Carla Sands, ambassador to Denmark during the Trump administration, and David McCormick, former chief executive of hedge fund Bridgewater Associates, chose not to attend Monday’s public forum with Sands challenging them to a separate television debate.

And that’s a week. We’ll meet here again next week.

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