Analysts project that more than 50 GW of data center load could be connected to the grid by 2030. To keep up with the pace and scale of this growth, many utilities are racing to install large gas generators, which carries various risks and runs contrary to climate goals. At the same time, most data centers are expected to invest in gigawatts of backup generation which will sit idle, unused other than in the rare event of a power outage.

 

But this challenge is an opportunity. Tapping into the flexibility of data center operations would more than double existing US utility demand response capability. It could relieve capacity constraints, improve the affordability of data center resilience, bring data centers online faster, reduce bills for all ratepayers, and improve environmental outcomes. This panel will explore those opportunities, address key steps to realizing them, and discuss lessons learned from recent implementation experience.

 

Speakers:
Ryan Hledik, The Brattle Group
Becky Li, RMI
Allan Schurr, Enchanted Rock
Sarah Noll, Arizona Public Service