Study: Extended Interconnection Queue Times Plague Wind, Solar

David Blackmon | Source: Forbes | Posted 05/08/2025

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In a report likely to be used by interests on all sides of the U.S. power grid picture, big energy data and analytics firm Enverus says developers of wind, solar, and stationary battery projects can expect queue times of 4 to 9 years before they can be interconnected into the various regional power grids. The waiting period for interconnection depends on an array of policy and economic variables, but Enverus finds that developers can gauge expectations based in large part on their project’s geographic location.

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A recent report by Enverus highlights significant delays in interconnection queue times for wind, solar, and battery projects in the U.S., with waiting periods ranging from 4 to 9 years. The report attributes these delays to a surge in investment and development that has overwhelmed the processing capacity of grid operators, leading to project suspensions. The geographic location of projects plays a crucial role in determining queue times, with Texas and New England experiencing shorter waits compared to California and New York, where regulatory environments contribute to longer delays.

The study also points out that the generous tax credits from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act have inadvertently increased demand for renewable projects, exacerbating the backlog. Enverus estimates that around 90% of proposed projects may never progress beyond the interconnection queue, with only about 10% expected to come online in the next three years. The findings underscore the need for streamlined permitting processes across all energy sources and highlight the financial implications for taxpayers funding projects that may never be realized.

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Source Link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidblackmon/2025/05/06/study-extended-interconnection-queue-times-plague-wind-solar/

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Study: Extended Interconnection Queue Times Plague Wind, Solar

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