DOE looks to reassure industry players the US can help meet AI demands

The Department of Energy released an 11-page list of resources utilities can use to meet the energy needs of data centers as the agency looks to reassure those in the energy and technology sector it has the resources to help meet the electricity demands of artificial intelligence.

The list outlines various programs and subsidies the DOE offers to help utilities and project developers with deployment, grid enhancement and expansion, energy efficiency, demand-side flexibility, and technical assistance.

The resource guide comes as the agency looks to assert it will be able to support the supply needs of AI and its energy-hungry data centers as demand is set to skyrocket with the growth of emerging technologies.

Data centers are expected to use 8% of U.S. power by 2030, compared to 3% in 2022, according to an analysis by Goldman Sachs.

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The DOE has been making moves to signal to utilities, tech companies, and consumers that the agency is able to harness the power of AI and improve the grid. Just last month, the agency announced the launch of the Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence for Science, Security, and Technology initiative — an effort that will leverage the use of the DOE’s 17 national laboratories to help the United States develop capabilities in national security, scientific discovery, and energy.

Energy demand is expected to grow simultaneously alongside the growth of AI. However, the DOE is relatively limited beyond its role as a facilitator and supporter — it’s up to utilities, tech companies, and state regulators to help meet energy demand.