Oklo recently filed an emergency complaint asking FERC to order PJM Interconnection to reinstate its 750 MW Ohio hybrid project into the current study queue. PJM dropped the facility, which pairs advanced nuclear, natural gas, and fuel cells, over allegedly missing technical data regarding voltage-drop responses. Oklo argues PJM misapplied standards meant for inverter-based resources, bypassed proper defect-notification procedures, and created a selective roadblock that threatens a 14-month delay and higher costs for queue participants.
Oklo maintains that any outstanding technical modeling can be resolved without disrupting PJM's broader study timeline. The conflict exposes a fundamental friction point: legacy RTO queue frameworks are ill-equipped to process multi-fuel hybrid configurations, leaving PJM’s rigid administrative process at odds with the fast-evolving generation mix attempting to connect to the grid.
It's FERC's move, and once again, PJM appears to be dithering. In fairness to PJM, Oklo is screaming that the project is "unique" (maybe, maybe not) and "of critical national importance" (very doubtful) and that's just the kind of strange creature PJM isn't used to interconnecting. And in its complaint, Oklo didn't even specify which project it's complaining about. Oklo DID say PJM didn't respond to ITS response to PJM's Deficiency Notice of May 15. So, it's not clear who's on first, but it is clear that PJM's queue process isn't working. And this isn't working for ratepayers and, well, regular people who want to know their AC will come on when they turn the thermostat.
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/pjm-oklo-advanced-nuclear-ferc-interconnection/829150/