Electricity demand from AI, data centers is skyrocketing in Texas. Can ERCOT keep up?

James Osborne | Source: Houston Chronicle | Posted 04/18/2024

WASHINGTON – The rapid expansion of data centers, fueled by the rise of artificial intelligence platforms and the increasing digitization of the economy, is driving a surge in electricity demand in Texas and across the country that could soon be pushing the limits of what power grids can handle.

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The rapid expansion of data centers driven by the rise of artificial intelligence and increased digitization is leading to a surge in electricity demand in Texas and across the United States. Grid operators like ERCOT are rushing to adjust demand forecasts as projections show that power load for data centers, currently consuming 4% of the U.S. grid's power, is expected to double by the end of the decade.

Concerns are rising about the ability of power grids to handle the increasing demand from data centers and other industries. While there are efforts to improve transmission capacity and increase generation projects in Texas to meet the demand, there are still uncertainties about how long the power grids can sustain this growth. Policymakers are also considering the environmental impacts and energy demands of data centers, with calls for frameworks to track and address these issues as the demand for electricity continues to rise.

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Source Link: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/ai-data-centers-power-demand-19393986.php

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Electricity demand from AI, data centers is skyrocketing in Texas. Can ERCOT keep up?

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