How extreme heat and data center demand are challenging grid reliability | ChicagoLIVE
Extreme heat and the growing energy demands of AI data centers are posing significant challenges to grid reliability. Policymakers and communities are seeking ways to prevent blackouts and manage these impacts, with a focus on leveraging moratoriums and demanding sustainable development practices from data center developers.
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation recently issued an alert regarding the immediate risks that energy-intensive AI data centers, coupled with extreme temperatures, pose to grid reliability. Keery Duggan, founder and CEO of ESP.earth and a former Department of Energy official, discussed these challenges on FOX 32 Chicago.
Duggan emphasized that data centers, while essential infrastructure, must be developed responsibly. She highlighted the immense energy and water demands of current data center designs. Duggan advised communities, especially elected officials, to utilize their leverage, pointing to existing moratoriums as a means to negotiate with developers. She referenced a playbook by University of Michigan's Professor Sarah Mills as a guide for communities to understand what to demand from developers.
Key demands include requiring developers to provide their own clean and local renewable energy sources, such as solar and battery storage, and to implement closed-loop water systems, akin to a car's radiator, to minimize water draw. This approach would reduce strain on local grids and water resources, and mitigate issues like noise pollution. Duggan noted that communities around the country are reacting to data center proposals, asserting that there is significant opportunity for negotiation, as developers face substantial financial losses when projects are delayed by moratoriums. She believes that a responsible approach to data center development is a "big win" and a national security issue.