Data centers

Utilities

One way data centers can help the grid? By being flexible

Data centers could help slash costs and grid-upgrade times by easing off of utility grids during peak hours and finding ways to provide their own power.

By Jeff St. John . 27 February 2025
Utilities

How to build data centers without raising grid costs — and emissions

Building dirty power plants to serve the AI boom could spell climate disaster. Luckily there are ways to meet surging demand that are cleaner, faster, and cheaper.

By Jeff St. John . 26 February 2025
Utilities

Utilities are flying blind on data center demand. That’s a big problem.

How can utilities plan grid and power plant investments for the AI and data center boom when forecasts are so speculative? Some effective strategies are emerging.

By Jeff St. John . 25 February 2025
Utilities

Data centers are overwhelming the grid. Could they help it instead?

The boom in AI and data centers could drive increased reliance on fossil fuels. But there are better, cleaner options. Here's what you need to know.

By Jeff St. John . 24 February 2025
Policy & regulation

Indiana advocates press for data center pause amid rising energy demand

Despite tech companies’ clean energy pledges, data centers are fueling demand for new natural gas–fired generation in the state, customers and advocates say.

By Kari Lydersen . 17 February 2025
Emissions reduction

US emissions barely declined in 2024 amid rising power demand, fuel use

Despite a record year for clean energy, U.S. emissions fell by just 0.2 percent last year. That’s far short of the pace needed to meet climate goals.

By Akielly Hu . 13 January 2025
Transmission

Plans to expand the grid are finally underway. Will Trump drop the ball?

The U.S. needs to rapidly scale up the grid to bolster both clean energy and economic growth. The new administration may stall progress despite bipartisan support.

By Jeff St. John . 9 January 2025
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