The AI revolution is in full swing, which means more data centers. Industry experts predict 33% Increase In the number of data centers throughout the end of the decade. With this increase, electricity usage will increase. Some states can see data center considerations Up to 36% Based on EPRI’s recent load growth, their total power consumption over the next decade. This AI-powered power demand will increase Huge pressure There is a risk of overweight in the power grid. According to many experts, in fact, artificial intelligence may be responsible Energy crisis.
However, by adopting on-site heat storage systems, this crisis can be avoided, which can make energy use more flexible without having to sacrifice at the always-operational sacrificing of the data center. Thermal systems can immediately reduce the pressure on the grid of data centers, thereby reducing the occurrence of Blunt or power outages, and the need for additional utility-grade infrastructure, which is inevitably going to be used for consumers’ costs of electricity bills. Ultimately, such storage systems could pave online speeds for more data centers to meet the growing demand for AI without having a significant impact on community energy infrastructure.
Thermal systems are mainly because they allow moving loads, or adjust the hours when the data center uses the most electricity in the grid. Data centers can charge these storage systems with grid power within hours when grid demand is low, and then release them to power operations within a time when the utility has a higher overall demand for consumers. Data centers use such systems to store energy only, and using only power AC systems makes a big difference, as the cooling system must run 24/7 to prevent critical equipment from overheating and often constitute About 40% power usage of the center.
Global AI competition will require a lot of energy
Recently announced $500 billion Stargate Projectled by a group of major technology companies, will need Tens of GW electricity. As a Chinese entrepreneur DeepSeek AI has recently shown that AI may indeed become more efficient in terms of cost and energy, but many expert AI is expected to remain an important source of high power demand.
In fact, even before these AI announcements, data centers are expected to increasingly challenge U.S. energy supply. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the power consumption is set to Improve orgasm In 2025 Data center power requirements An important factor.
According to experts, in the next decade, data center power demand will be raised More than half of North America There is a risk of reducing power or even power outages. Even with sufficient power, data centers will have financial impacts on everyone; research shows that data center demand and subsequent resource squeezes may Drive electricity prices up Up to 70%. one Introduction to Bain & Company Emphasizes how data center demand threatens growth beyond utility supply and requires new global energy investment. According to Bain, “speed to market is crucial for data center providers”, but Local Community and Regulatory agencies Worry Grid reliability and Environmental impact.
Thermal storage is a direct solution for all stakeholders
This is where heat storage (the technology available now) can help. Designed to be used with electricity provided by conventional utilities, the energy is stored in water or ice and released when needed to power the cooling system of the data center when it is demanded (and often also requires pricing). The solution does not require significant infrastructure changes; it can be converted into an existing building. Since it is a behind-the-scenes solution, data centers can install them independently of the utilities, meaning this is a fast and effective way to mitigate the grid.
If widely used, such systems can reduce the likelihood of Blunt or power outages over the time of overall demand. This load transfer is particularly important in states where power demand in data centers is particularly high. Solutions such as thermal storage help smooth out the net grid impact, providing the utility with more breathing space to integrate new resources including solar and wind energy and expand the gearbox in an orderly manner. This solution also reduces or at least reduces the need for utility scaling infrastructure, which is reduced costs that will eventually be passed on to consumers through their power bills.
With reliable solutions to relieve pressure on the grid, new data centers are likely to be able to obtain the necessary government approvals and operational permissions against opposition or concerns about dyeing local power sources, allowing the industry to grow faster and keep up with the growth demand brought by AI.
Why data centers should act now
There is also a financial benefit for data centers that combine heat storage systems: use more utilities Tariffs for differential pricing or usage timebased on demand or energy sources, lagging storage can take advantage of these price gaps that will increase in the future, especially in California and other states where people rely more on solar during the day. Data centers can save money by charging the thermal system at cheaper power and releasing it during peak hours, allowing them to reduce their dependence on grid power at more expensive times.
Compared with lithium-ion battery-based storage, thermal energy storage is also a safer choice for data centers. While small batter is common among residential consumers, large buildings like data centers require large batteries Major security issues. Batteries usually cannot hold charges within 12 hours. They also downgraded over time, requiring a large amount of natural resources, including minerals, which are inadequately supplied and are available overseas. Many batteries are also made overseas, including in China, while thermal systems are mainly made in the United States.
Artificial intelligence will bring many benefits, as well as challenges. Research shows that the energy required to run a large data center may provide some 80,000 houses Use electricity. It’s a lot of new data centers that have a big impact – it can drive everyone’s price increase, as well lead to Energy shortage, Blunt, and even power outages. AI is set to Bring trillions of dollars Add value to the economy – but the power issue May be injured That expected productivity. It doesn’t have to be that way; by adopting thermal solutions, the data center industry can reduce its spending and reduce the chance of power outages.
