The continuous evolution of microgrid development is revealing the procedural limits of traditional interconnection study models. Initial Duke Energy developed projects served as critical proving ground, uncovering a first wave of challenges in navigating the state jurisdictional interconnection procedures, such as concerns of preferential treatment, adhering to rigid timelines, lack of standard practice, and acquiring the new expertise required for complex EMT studies. While these foundational hurdles were ultimately overcome, they set the stage for an even more complex environment. 

The next generation of microgrid will require advanced capabilities such as grid-forming operations while grid-parallel in weak-grid conditions, seamless transfer between operating modes, and sophisticated protection and automation to handle fault within the microgrid. The design philosophies are also evolving, largely driven by events like Hurricane Helene, leading to a desire for diverse generation resources and self-optimized microgrid with fluid boundaries. These advancements will further challenge the suitability of traditional study models and demand a more adaptive approach. 

This presentation will discuss lessons learned from the foundational challenges (timelines, standards, resources) of interconnecting the early utility-developed microgrids. It also will provide insight into the present-day challenges of scalability, including the uniqueness of each project and the strategic risks introduced by technical and non-technical variables.