Big Tech Strains US Grid, DOE Warns Reliability Risks by 2030

The increasing demand for electricity driven by technological growth, including AI and data centers, poses a significant threat to the reliability of America's electric grid, with forecasts indicating a 15.8% increase in demand by 2029. President Donald Trump has issued executive orders aimed at removing regulatory barriers to energy development, emphasizing the need to halt the premature shutdown of coal power plants and prioritize affordable, reliable baseload power sources to avoid widespread blackouts. Similarly, challenges in grid operations have been highlighted by issues such as unexpected drops in demand leading to stress on thermal plants and renewable curtailments. In Europe, rather than eliminating industrial CO2 emissions, there is growing interest in developing “carbon valleys” where carbon capture and storage technologies can trap and repurpose CO2 emissions from industrial processes, especially in regions like Germany's Rhineland. These developments underscore the complex balance between meeting rising energy demands, maintaining grid stability, and managing environmental impacts through innovative solutions. While some advocate for renewable energy, experts warn that reliance on renewables alone is risky without robust baseload support and carbon management strategies.