According to a study published by PJM Interconnection on August 10, 2021, an estimated $627.3 billion to $3.2 billion of transmission upgrades will be necessary to help states in the region meet their offshore wind goals and renewable procurement standard (RPS) requirements over the next decade and a half.[1] The study is in response to a 2019 request by the Organization of PJM States, a group of regulators that represents the 13 states[2] within PJM’s footprint. The study aimed to identify the cost and location of the transmission upgrades needed to support the renewable energy buildouts required to meet states’ clean energy goals. The PJM study simulated the transmission investments required to meet state goals in 2027 and 2035, with six scenarios overall.

The study does not quantify the benefits of transmission upgrades, but it does mention that the transition to cleaner energy will reduce greenhouse gases and lead to consumer benefits through lower energy costs. PJM also noted that while the study includes the costs of onshore transmission, it does not include lead lines or other offshore facilities. PJM highlighted that transmission investments increase significantly between the 2027 and 2035 scenarios in line with state RPS requirements.

[1] https://www.pjm.com/-/media/committees-groups/committees/teac/2021/20210810/20210810-item-10-offshore-transmission-study-group-phase-1-results.ashx

[2] PJM is in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.