What if data center demand projections are overhyped?

GRID: Experts warn that estimates of soaring power demand from data centers could be overblown, with the risk of leaving ratepayers on the hook for new electricity infrastructure that may not be needed. (E&E News)

WIND: The failure of a Vineyard Wind turbine and the resulting pollution aren’t helping with the backlash against the energy resource, even though the break doesn’t seem to be a harbinger of further issues. (Wall Street Journal, subscription)

SOLAR:

• Pivot Energy and Microsoft announce a plan to develop 150 community solar projects totalling 500 MW around the country over the next five years. (Renewable Energy World)
• A Hawaii cooperative establishes a community-owned solar system aimed at bringing down power prices and achieving energy sovereignty. (Grist)

OIL & GAS: 

• Officials in oil and gas drilling states say complying with federal endangered species and historic preservation rules is slowing the cleanup of abandoned oil and gas wells. (Grist)
• The Biden administration appeals a judge’s injunction against its pause on permitting new liquified natural gas export facilities. (Utility Dive)
• U.S. oil producers set a new record for crude production last week, undercutting Donald Trump’s criticism of the Biden administration for trying to ​“get rid of oil.” (Politico)

CLIMATE: A series of reports finds there is little evidence that carbon markets are helping poorer nations as promised, with one such initiative dismissed as ​“a new form of colonialism.” (Grist)

HYDROPOWER: A study finds climate change-exacerbated drought has diminished hydropower production in Western states, leading to billions of dollars in economic losses and increased natural gas generation. (Energy Mix)

COMMENTARY:

• The majority of resources receiving payouts from PJM Interconnection’s recent capacity auction are coal, gas or nuclear facilities, leading to questions of how equipped the grid operator is to navigate the energy transition, a journalist says. (Inside Climate News)
• The rapid growth of data centers for artificial intelligence are consuming a disproportionate amount of power and raising power rates for local residents with few discernable benefits, write a policy analyst and North Carolina conservationist. (Energy News Network)