North America’s largest power grid and its stakeholders need to ensure “adequate” electricity supply from thermal power plants, which include natural gas- and coal-fired units, until a substitute is deployed at scale, according to initial results of a study by grid operator PJM Interconnection.

PJM power gen mix

“As the generation mix continues to rapidly evolve in PJM, we must be ready to maintain the reliable, cost-effective delivery of electricity at all times,” said CEO Manu Asthana.

PJM, which serves 65 million people across 13 states and the District of Columbia, said it must work with stakeholders to “ensure that the market structure provides the right incentives to maintain…reliability services” from thermal power generators. 

The conclusion represents one initial...