Introduction: In this episode of Unlocking the Energy Trilemma, hosts Jose A. Martinez and Ravi Krishnan chat with Mike Bryson, Senior VP of Operations at PJM, about what lies ahead for the U.S. power grid as it undergoes major changes. They unpack everything from the planned retirement of 40 gigawatts of generation by 2030 to growing summer energy demands and the increasing strain from data centers. The conversation explores big-picture questions around how we keep the grid reliable while adding more renewables, updating market structures, and adapting to new energy policies. It’s a thoughtful, engaging look at the challenges—and opportunities—shaping our energy future. Click the link above to catch the full episode.
Please share with us a fact or figure related with the energy trilemma and with the topic today, grids and RTOs.
Do you believe that the PJM's current capacity market structures and interconnection processes need to evolve to better support such additions or dispatchable resources, given that there is a growing and shifting demand patterns? Do you believe that there needs to be some evolution to that?
How do you foresee the grid and the generation sources in the years to come?
Are there any concerns about resource adequacy in the near future? Do you believe that some of these coal plants that were scheduled to retire perhaps may be called upon to run for a few more years to provide the grid reliability that you need?
How do you see the impact in the grid and the behind the meter supplies with data centers?
Are our current load forecasting models adequately capturing the rapid growth and continuous operating profiles associated with these new data centers and AI-related power demands?
How do you foresee the entrance of renewables? Is just like a complement or do you really think, despite of the new administration, that this is going to be a replacement of these fossil fuels?
How do you keep track of ensuring that these announced projects will really happen and not get delayed any further? What are typically the backup plans in case they get delayed or just fall off the radar?
How do you see PJM with energy storage or particularly battery energy storage? Is this something that will be helpful? Another complement on the grid?
If you were to look back 12 months and compare today's market scenario from what it was 12 months ago, what do you think is the biggest change, both in terms of market requirements and perhaps policy?
If you had the magic wand and you try to unlock the energy trilemma with that wand, what would you ask?