PJM is setting slightly lower targets for renewable power in its 2013 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan.
PJM’s Mark Simms briefed the Transmission Expansion Advisory Committee Thursday on the three scenarios the 2013 plan will evaluate for meeting state Renewable Portfolio Standards.
The 2013 study envisions PJM generating and importing between about 38,000 and 41,000 MW of renewable power for planning year 2028, a reduction from the 2012 study, which projected up to approximately 43,000 MW in planning year 2027.
PJM spokesman Ray Dotter said the changes reflected updates to PJM’s load forecast, renewable capacity factors, and calculation methodology.
This year’s study tightens the range for the onshore wind scenarios to less than 10,000 MW (ranging from about 21,500 to 31,300) and reduces the low end of the range for offshore wind (to about 1,100 from 1,500 MW). The high end of offshore wind remains at 7,000 MW.
As in 2012, one of the scenarios envisions significant wind imports from MISO, though the amount is reduced to less than 13,000 (from 14,000 in the 2012 study), 40% of the RPS requirement for the PJM states.
Solar power is considered in all three scenarios, though in a reduced role in this year’s study, with a projected 5,600 MW, a 20% reduction from last year’s assumption.
