The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a new $30 million investment through its Artificial Intelligence for Interconnection (AI4IX) program. With the project, DOE aims to transform the way new energy projects, including solar and wind farms, are connected to the national power grid.

The DOE seeks to significantly speed up the grid integration process, which has historically been slow and inefficient.

“Artificial intelligence is an energy solution capable of helping clear an interconnection backlog that will free up new energy sources to ensure consumers have power when and where they need it,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said.

The AI4IX program will aim to develop partnerships between software developers, grid operators (including Regional Transmission Operators (RTOs) and Power Marketing Administrations), and energy project developers to modernize the interconnection application process and significantly reduce the time required to review, approve, and commission new generation interconnections across the country.

Earlier this year, it was reported that the DoE is exploring whether AI can accelerate clean energy production. With an investment of nearly $20 million, the department is developing and testing AI-driven tools aimed at expediting lengthy permitting processes, the media reported.

These tools are designed to help government employees access and analyze historical permitting and environmental data as part of a three-year initiative called VoltAIc. The goal is for AI to enhance decision-making and speed up the construction of clean energy infrastructure.

Called PolicyAI, the initiative focuses on creating AI-powered software to enhance federal reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This landmark environmental law mandates agencies to evaluate the significant environmental impacts of major actions, including the issuance of permits.