Data centers

Transmission

Lots of demand, too little grid: The state of the US power sector

An underbuilt power grid is preventing the U.S. from meeting surging demand with new clean energy. These charts show why that’s the case.

By Jeff St. John . 2 January 2025
Nuclear

Nuclear power had a strong year in 2024, but uncertainty looms for 2025

From VC funding to planned reactor restarts, the U.S. nuclear industry notched wins this year. But the winning streak could end if Trump revokes government support.

By Eric Wesoff . 30 December 2024
Geothermal

Was 2024 a breakout year for next-generation geothermal energy?

Geothermal startups hit funding and project milestones this year, buoyed by growing demand for carbon-free energy from data centers, factories, and EVs.

By Maria Gallucci . 20 December 2024
Clean energy

Google plans to build gigawatts of clean power and data centers together

Can tech giants overcome grid bottlenecks by locating data centers near new wind, solar, and battery projects? Google and Intersect Power intend to give it a try.

By Jeff St. John . 10 December 2024
ENN

Massive data centers consuming large amounts of energy have eyes on South Dakota

The state's cold climate, which can cut down on cooling costs, and abundant wind power make it an attractive location, a developer says.

By Joshua Haiar . 10 December 2024
Utilities

Data centers are driving US power demand to hard-to-reach heights

Big Tech wants massive amounts of energy to fuel their AI ambitions. That could strain utilities, ratepayers, and efforts to decarbonize the grid.

By Jeff St. John . 9 December 2024
Utilities

Xcel Energy says data centers won’t delay Minnesota clean energy target

At a regulatory workshop, a utility exec said Xcel can serve data centers and meet its 2040 clean energy mandate, but it might need to extend the life of gas plants.

By Frank Jossi . 5 December 2024
Virtual power plants

Google Nest spinout picks Texas for 1GW virtual power plant

NRG Energy and Renew Home think Texas is the place to use millions of smart thermostats to build the country’s biggest virtual power plant. Here’s why.

By Jeff St. John . 19 November 2024
Nuclear

Feds deal blow to dream of data centers connected to nuclear plants

Amazon and Talen Energy can’t fast-track expansion of a data center connected to a Pennsylvania nuclear plant. Will other nuclear "colocation" deals fall through?

By Jeff St. John . 6 November 2024
Nuclear

Google signs deal to use small nuclear reactors to power data centers

The tech giant is in search of a lot of 24/7 carbon-free electricity. It’s betting that a fleet of advanced reactors from Kairos can provide some of it — eventually.

By Eric Wesoff . 14 October 2024