Existing US grid can handle ‘significant’ new flexible load: report

AI generated summary

A recent report by the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability at Duke University reveals that the existing U.S. grid can accommodate substantial new flexible loads, such as data centers and electric vehicles, provided these loads can be curtailed during periods of system stress. The study indicates that the largest 22 U.S. balancing authority areas could integrate between 76 GW to 126 GW of new loads with a curtailment of 0.25% to 1% of their maximum uptime. This flexibility, potentially facilitated by virtual power plants, offers a more feasible solution than rapidly increasing generation capacity.

The report highlights the growing electricity demand driven by various sectors, including manufacturing and home electrification, while also noting the lengthy timelines required for planning and constructing new power plants. It identifies key balancing authorities with significant load integration capacity and emphasizes the importance of flexible load strategies in managing existing grid capacity. Additionally, the report suggests that state utility commissions should engage with stakeholders to explore policies that support flexible loads, which could mitigate the need for costly new infrastructure and reduce emissions.