Dive Summary:
- The PJM Interconnection, the biggest power grid operator in the U.S, is now seeking additional resources to help restart the power grid in the event of a system-wide blackout.
- Monday, PJM said it issued a request for proposals as part of its first five-year selection process for black start service. PJM will accept proposals until Sept. 30 from companies that can maintain diesel-fueled generators or massive batteries helping fuel the transmission system to restart other larger-scale generators.
- PJM will lose about 30% of the estimated 200 units making up its black start service by 2015. That’s because older plants that maintained these resources, such as aging coal-fired, are rapidly approaching retirement.
From the article:
"The purpose of the (request for proposals) is to investigate other black start options beyond what we currently have in order to have the most effective balance of black start resources...”