Data centers

Clean energy

A new way to power data centers: pair clean energy and peaker plants

An RMI report finds that solar and wind energy could connect to rarely used gas plants to meet gigawatts of data center demand, and still share power with the grid.

By Jeff St. John . 18 March 2025
Transmission

After groundbreaking bills on jobs and solar, Illinois tackles the grid

State lawmakers are pushing for more grid-enhancing tech, gigawatts of new energy storage, and the creation of a virtual power plant program.

By Kari Lydersen . 3 March 2025
Fossil fuels

How the data center boom could harm Black communities

Pollution resulting from America’s ravenous digital demands falls disproportionately on the shoulders of Black households.

By Adam Mahoney . 28 February 2025
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