Unpacking DOE's proposal to transform data center interconnection

Catalyst · 30 Oct 2025 · 40m

What this episode covers

Host Shayle Kann speaks with Allison Clements, former FERC commissioner and partner at ASG, and Tyler Norris, a PhD student at Duke University, to analyze Secretary of Energy Chris Wright’s directive to FERC to fast-track interconnection for large loads like data centers. The guests discuss the proposal's assertion of federal jurisdiction over load interconnection, the concept of 'hybrid facilities' co-locating generation and load, and the requirements for curtailable loads to qualify for accelerated 60-day study periods. They also debate the adequacy of 2-hour battery storage versus longer-duration resources and the risks to 'bring-your-own-VPP' models.

Mentioned

Companies
ASG, 804 Advisory, EnergyHub, Iron Mountain, Calibrant, Align Data Centers, E3, Google, American Wind Association
Also
FERC, DOE, Duke University, Southwest Power Pool, PJM, Order 2003, Order 1920

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