LS Power, a key player in North America’s power and energy infrastructure sector, has applied to build around 700 MW of new generation capacity under PJM’s Reliability Resource Initiative (RRI). This initiative aims to fast-track the connection of shovel-ready, high-reliability projects to the grid, addressing rising electricity demand.
PJM launched the RRI process to tackle the urgent need for new energy resources due to surging demand from data centers and the broader push for electrification. LS Power’s projects stand out for their ability to come online faster than large-scale greenfield developments, offering a swift response to growing reliability needs.
Nathan Hanson, President of LS Power Generation, said in a statement, “With surging demand across the region, LS Power is answering the call for more dispatchable generation to support reliability and resource adequacy, and at a cost less than greenfield new build. Our proposed capacity projects are well positioned to meet the requirements of PJM’s RRI and help ensure electric reliability.”
The company’s proposals focus on upgrading existing facilities. Key projects include converting two peaking plants — the Troy facility in Ohio and the Armstrong facility in Pennsylvania — into base-load combined cycle plants, adding about 600 MW of capacity through steam cycle installations and other enhancements. Additionally, capacity uprates at LS Power’s Doswell facility in Virginia, and Hummel and Hunterstown facilities in Pennsylvania, would contribute another 100 MW.
With a total investment exceeding $1 billion, these projects represent a significant step in strengthening grid reliability. PJM plans to select up to 50 projects of various types, evaluating proposals based on “market impact criteria,” which include their reliability contributions and the feasibility of their commercial operation timelines.
