Signal Reducing grid demand one percent of the time could absorb data centre growth to 2035

Summary

A small amount of flexibility in data centre power use could allow grids to absorb much of the expected growth in AI computing. CB Insights cites International Energy Agency estimates that current electricity systems could accommodate planned data centre additions through 2035. That would require operators to reduce their draw from the grid during just 1 percent of hours. The estimate also shows how much new capacity smaller flexibility levels of 0.1 or 0.5 percent of the time could support. Data centres can do this by shifting between grid supply and backup power when the system is stressed. The finding recasts data centres from a strain on the grid into a potential source of support.