US heatwave to test power grid amid soaring AI-driven energy demand
Summary
A strong heatwave is expected to hit the central and eastern United States this week, raising demand for electricity. Power grid operators warn that the high temperatures, combined with rising energy use from technology like data centers and electric vehicles, could strain the electric grid and push electricity demand to record levels.Key Facts
- The heatwave will peak from Tuesday through Thursday, with temperatures above 38°C (100°F) from Boston to Washington, DC.
- Humidity could make it feel as hot as 46°C (114°F) in some places, with warm nights offering little relief.
- The Fourth of July holiday and the FIFA World Cup knockout stage will increase electricity and travel demand.
- PJM Interconnection, the largest US grid operator, forecasts a record electricity demand of 166.3 gigawatts on Thursday evening.
- New power plants take longer and cost more to build, causing supply to lag behind growing demand.
- Energy use is rising due to data centers, especially those supporting artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles.
- Hyperscale data centers, which use a lot of power, are concentrated in northern Virginia within PJM’s area.
- Researchers found that land near AI data centers can heat up by 2°C to 9°C (3.6°F to 16.2°F), a "data heat island effect."
- The National Weather Service advises people to stay cool and hydrated, as heat has caused over 21,000 deaths in the US since 1999, with the highest number in 2023.
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