Tag

Electricity Demand

All articles tagged with #electricity demand

environment11 hours ago

Coal Rebound Pushes U.S. Emissions Higher in 2025

U.S. greenhouse gas emissions rose 2.4% in 2025, driven by a coal-power rebound as electricity demand climbed (notably from AI data centers) and colder weather boosting heating use; coal burn rose about 13% from 2024, while solar surged 34% and wind grew modestly. Transportation emissions remained flat thanks to hybrid and electric vehicles, though Trump-era policy changes could slow future declines. Methane leaks per barrel fell about 62% since 2015, but EPA rules have been delayed. Emissions are ~18% below 2005 levels and far from Biden’s 2030 target, with Rhodium Group forecasting slower declines ahead due to policy shifts.

environment2 months ago

The Environmental and Energy Impact of the Growing Data Center Boom

The rapid expansion of datacenters in the US to support AI growth is raising environmental concerns, including increased energy consumption, water use, and reliance on fossil fuels, which could significantly impact the climate and lead to higher electricity bills for households. The trend also has political implications, with debates over energy sources and regulation.

technology6 months ago

The Manufacturing of Global Deep Sea Power Cables

The article discusses the manufacturing and deployment of high-capacity undersea power cables, crucial for global energy infrastructure, highlighting Prysmian's Finnish plant and the use of specialized ships like the Monna Lisa to lay cables for international power transfer and renewable energy projects, amid rising demand and supply chain challenges.

technology6 months ago

AI Data Centers Drive Demand for Clean and Innovative Energy Solutions

AI data centers are expected to increase their electricity consumption from 4 GW to 123 GW by 2035, posing significant challenges for power infrastructure, with obstacles like regulatory delays, labor shortages, and supply chain issues. Despite these hurdles, major investments are planned by utilities and tech companies, emphasizing the need for better collaboration and innovative infrastructure solutions.

energy6 months ago

Heat Wave Sparks Surge in Eastern U.S. Electricity Demand

The electricity demand in the Eastern US surged to multi-year highs due to a heat wave, with peak loads in the PJM Interconnection and ISO New England reaching their highest levels since 2006 and 2013 respectively, driven by increased use of natural gas, imports, and other energy sources, and resulting in significantly higher wholesale electricity prices.

energy6 months ago

The Rising Power Demands of AI and Data Centers

The US faces significant challenges in powering the booming AI data centre industry due to strained interconnection queues, the need for new infrastructure, and market structures that may not incentivize sufficient supply, risking blackouts and higher costs. Industry leaders suggest that a large-scale, coordinated effort similar to the space race is necessary to meet the extraordinary growth in data centre energy demand, with innovative solutions like off-grid power and small modular reactors being explored.

energy1 year ago

"Preparing for the 2024 Solar Eclipse: Impact on Power Grid and Peak Times in Texas"

The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8 will significantly reduce solar power production across the US, posing a critical test for the power grid. Grid operators are preparing for the eclipse's impact, which will require careful coordination to match electricity supply with demand. Challenges include rapid fluctuations in solar power generation and potential congestion in transmission. As the US faces growing energy demand and relies more on intermittent renewable sources, grid operators must navigate a delicate balance to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.

energy-technology1 year ago

"AI-Powered Solutions for America's Looming Electricity Crisis"

The United States is facing a power crunch as demand for electricity skyrockets due to the proliferation of data centers and clean-technology factories, leaving utilities and regulators struggling to expand the aging power grid. The surge in demand, driven by factors such as artificial intelligence, crypto-mining, and the Biden administration's industrial policy, is leading to battles over who will pay for new power supplies and threatening the transition to cleaner energy. As the grid struggles to keep up, companies are exploring off-the-grid solutions and alternative energy sources, while officials are grappling with the challenges of building new transmission lines and addressing the strain on the overtaxed grid.

energy-and-environment1 year ago

"Ontario Commits C$2 Billion for Pickering Nuclear Plant Refurbishment"

Ontario announced a C$2-billion refurbishment of the aging Pickering nuclear power station near Toronto to extend its life by 30 years, aiming to meet the province's projected surge in electricity demand driven by clean technologies. The project is expected to create 11,000 jobs during construction and 6,400 jobs after completion, with the plant set to produce 2,000 megawatts of electricity. While nuclear energy is a key part of Canada's emissions reduction plan, environmental groups emphasize the need to consider other non-emitting sources for future projects.

technology2 years ago

"Rising Electricity Demand: AI, Crypto, and Data Centers"

A new report from the International Energy Agency predicts that data centers' electricity consumption, driven by cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence, could double by 2026, equivalent to adding an extra country's worth of electricity demand. Cryptocurrency mining alone is estimated to account for nearly a quarter of this electricity consumption. The rapid expansion of data centers poses challenges for electricity systems, with concerns over environmental impact and strain on power grids. While renewable energy is forecasted to grow, improving energy efficiency is crucial to manage the increasing electricity demand.

energy2 years ago

"US Natural Gas Supply Suffers Amid Winter Freeze and Soaring Demand"

Sub-zero temperatures in the U.S. have caused a significant drop in natural gas production, leading to record-high electricity demand in some states, particularly Texas. The state's grid regulator issued a conservation call due to freezing temperatures and low operating reserves. With gas and oil production declining in North Dakota, gas prices have surged, potentially setting the stage for a repeat of the 2021 winter power outages.

weather2 years ago

"ERCOT Issues Cold Weather Alert for Texas Power Grid"

ERCOT has issued a Weather Watch for Jan. 15-17, alerting Texans about an anticipated increase in electrical demand due to an Arctic blast of cold air expected to hit the state on Sunday, bringing extreme cold temperatures. The agency advises the public to pay attention to changing conditions and has not issued a Voluntary Conservation Notice at this time. Last year, ERCOT launched the Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS) to provide advanced alerts and voluntary conservation requests during peak times.