SPP and Hitachi Energy use AI to accelerate grid upgrades
New partnership will cut interconnection study times by 80 % and boost grid capacity as electricity demand surges across central U.S.
Image for illustrative purposes
USA: As U.S. electricity demand accelerates, Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and Hitachi Energy have launched a major AI-powered initiative to modernize the power grid and speed up generator interconnection. The effort comes amid rising pressure on regional infrastructure, driven by the rapid growth of data centers, manufacturing, and electrification.
The collaboration will deploy an integrated AI solution to reduce the time it takes to complete generator interconnection studies by up to 80 %. These studies are essential for safely connecting new energy sources to the grid but are often delayed by complex analysis and simulation requirements.
SPP, which manages the bulk power system and wholesale electricity markets in 14 central U.S. states, expects the initiative to significantly boost its ability to add generation capacity and improve long-term grid reliability.
The technical solution draws on Hitachi Energy’s broad portfolio, including AI algorithms, grid modeling, software engineering, and infrastructure platforms such as Hitachi iQ, powered by NVIDIA technology.
With over 1.28 TW of new generation capacity stalled in interconnection queues, the AI system aims to eliminate bottlenecks and deliver real-time insights for better, faster decision-making.
“This partnership will help us meet the moment,” said SPP CEO Lanny Nickell. “We need new tools to bring power online at the pace demand requires.”
Phase one, set to complete by winter 2025/26, includes key milestones in simulation modeling, data management, and AI-enhanced forecasting.
The project is part of a larger push to reimagine U.S. transmission planning and ensure that critical energy infrastructure keeps up with growing demand, while supporting a more resilient and flexible grid for the future.
Source: Renewable Energy World
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