Tag: data centers

American Energy Powers AI

The current messaging on AI has an undercurrent of fear and uncertainty, however if we focus on the improved human experience, we can reshape the narrative both in the media and in the minds of the general public. AI has the potential to significantly improve our lives in many industries including medicine, public safety, transportation, retail, education, sports and entertainment. AI will play a major role in allowing us to collect, process and analyze large amounts of data faster than we ever have before.

From Watts Up With That?

By Derrick Hollie

The current messaging on AI has an undercurrent of fear and uncertainty, however if we focus on the improved human experience, we can reshape the narrative both in the media and in the minds of the general public. AI has the potential to significantly improve our lives in many industries including medicine, public safety, transportation, retail, education, sports and entertainment. AI will play a major role in allowing us to collect, process and analyze large amounts of data faster than we ever have before.

Many experts agree that energy and the continued development of AI are critical to America’s national security. In order to compete with our allies and adversaries, we must advocate and call upon Congress and policymakers to act immediately in developing legislation in support of American technology and innovation throughout the AI sector. This should also include reducing regulations that have prohibited new on and off-shore energy production.

Tailored, targeted messaging will need to be developed for both the public and elected officials on the benefits and drawbacks that come with emerging AI technology. The messaging will need to zero in on putting an emphasis on how the lives of Americans will be vastly improved if AI is used responsibly. We have the potential to make our lives easier and more convenient by pioneering scientific breakthroughs in the fields of medicine, air traffic safety, metropolitan traffic flow and leading the way in adopting safe, autonomous vehicle policy.

We must also recognize the vast amount of energy to produce the terawatts (TW) needed to digest, process and analyze data that AI requires. This includes data centers like Meta, who recently disclosed their plans to open another hyperscale data center in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The amount of energy required for this particular center would be enough to power over 770,000 homes – more households than the city of Philadelphia.

The immense load of power needed for Meta and other data centers coming online like Google, Amazon and other American tech giants will require an all-of-the-above energy approach, including renewables, nuclear and fossil fuels. We must continue to advocate for sensible energy policy with lawmakers that allow us to develop necessary energy needed while still protecting the environment.

With the new administration and agenda, lawmakers will need to set aside differences associated with AI and emerging technology to make America’s energy independence a priority with the ultimate goal of having energy security. This will be critical in allowing America to lead the way in AI innovation without being interrupted by a global crisis such as the invasion of Ukraine by Russia or any other political turmoil. With the amount of energy needed for the data centers driving the growth of AI, we cannot afford to be beholden to any other country for our energy sources or the whims of OPEC. In 2019 the US became the number one exporter of oil & natural gas in the world – surpassing Saudi Arabia and Russia in those sectors. In much the same way, we need to ensure we outperform our adversaries in exploiting the use of and broadening the development of AI technology in America.

We can look forward to AI making it less necessary for young Americans to have to attend college and consequently falling victim to the debt associated with student loans. Many will now be able to take advantage of the jobs and opportunities associated with the growth of AI. This would include careers in energy, manufacturing, public safety and industrial trades – all essential as we build out these massive data centers.

We must eliminate fear and take advantage of this opportunity to usher in positive discussion of how AI will increase job creation, support innovation and improve lives across broad communities.

Derrick Hollie is founder of the Energy Poverty Prevention Project. The organization was founded to expand awareness of energy poverty and is committed to changing energy regulations that fail to provide American citizens with access to affordable and reliable energy needed to maintain personal health and economic security.

This article was originally published by RealClearEnergy and made available via RealClearWire.

Georgia proves it: Stable electricity markets attract business and growth

When considering factors that spur a state’s economic development and growth, how a state regulates its utilities is too often overlooked. That could not be more important now that the needs of AI and data centers have created the highest power demand in a generation, requiring a buildout of at least $50 billion just for new generation and another $250 billion for data centers.

Fresh peaches growing on branches in garden outdoors, closeup. Space for text

From CFACT

By Kevin Doyle

When considering factors that spur a state’s economic development and growth, how a state regulates its utilities is too often overlooked. That could not be more important now that the needs of AI and data centers have created the highest power demand in a generation, requiring a buildout of at least $50 billion just for new generation and another $250 billion for data centers.

The states which can provide stability and predictability to utilities will be the winners in this race. Georgia proves it: Atlanta is already among the top 10 data center markets, and construction grew 76% year-over-year to 1,281 Megawatts in the first half of this year.

A big ingredient in this success is Georgia’s utility regulation structure and the advantages it affords Georgians, especially when compared to deregulated states in the Northeast. The Peach State’s well-regulated energy market not only ensures affordable rates and reliable service, but actively supports economic growth in ways that deregulated states struggle to match.

Georgia’s stability and predictability are a long-term competitive advantage in the eyes of businesses seeking sites for new plants or facilities across the country. In contrast, the deregulated energy markets in states like New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts usually face higher rates plus price volatility and reliability issues that are a big part of the equation guiding where businesses locate operations—especially large industrial consumers.

The proof is in the pudding. Georgia consistently ranks among the best states for business. Between July 1, 2023, and June 30 of this year, the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Global Commerce team supported 429 facility expansions and new locations, resulting in more than $20.3 billion in investment and the commitment of 26,900 new, private sector jobs statewide.

Georgia’s Public Service Commission oversees the Peach State’s investor-owned utilities, while the state’s cooperatives and municipal utilities are regulated by their member-elected boards of directors and their citizen-elected city councils, respectively. This structure regulates utility rates and oversees infrastructure investments, ensuring energy prices remain affordable and predictable for families and businesses. This steady foundation allows businesses to forecast energy costs accurately, which makes for better-informed long-term investment decisions.

Data centers are not the only investments that result. Take the case of the Hyundai Motor Group’s recent decision to build a $5.5 billion electric vehicle plant in Bryan County. Highlighting the state’s appeal to major investors, the plant is expected to create 8,000 jobs and stimulate significant economic activity in the region.

Consider the case of Plant Vogtle, a nuclear joint venture among the state’s utilities. Vogtle Units 3 and 4, one of the largest construction projects in the United States, would not have been possible without Georgia’s regulatory framework. Plant Vogtle generated thousands of construction jobs and permanent positions and represents a significant investment in the state’s energy infrastructure, providing reliable, emissions-free electricity. That is an attractive option for employers that prioritize clean energy.

Georgia’s regulatory framework also supports sustainable economic growth by encouraging investments in renewable energy and clean technologies. Georgia ranks among the top seven states for solar capacity as a result of its rapid expansion of solar power.

This focus on sustainability not only addresses environmental concerns but also creates new economic opportunities. The growth of the universal solar industry in Georgia has led to the creation of numerous jobs and has attracted investments from major solar companies. In deregulated states, the fragmented approach to energy regulation can hinder the development of renewable energy projects, limiting both economic and environmental benefits.

As other states, especially those with deregulated energy markets, look to enhance their economic development efforts, Georgia’s approach provides valuable lessons. A focus on stability, infrastructure investment, and support for innovation drives economic growth, jobs and ensures affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner electricity for decades.

Georgia’s families and businesses are the winners, and that is a model to which every state should aspire.

This article originally appeared at Real Clear Energy