The United States Needs Data Centers, and Data Centers Need Energy, but That Is Not Necessarily a Problem

Key Takeaways 1
Introduction 3
Peak Demand and the Electricity Grid 4
Demand Growth 7
Meeting Demand 8
Demand Side Solutions: Demand Management, Data Centers, and More 10
 Data Centers as Grid Assets 10
  Creating a Flexible Partner for the Grid 10
  Real-World Examples 11
 Other Demand-Side Options 13
  Efficiency and Grid-Interactive Buildings 13
  EV Charging 13
  Rethinking Load Growth: Peak Load Curtailment 14
Supply-Side Solutions 14
 Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR) 14
 Reconductoring With Advanced Conductors 15
 Power Flow Control and Topology Optimization 15
 Integration and Stacking Benefits 16
 Batteries 16
 Virtual power plants 16
Economics of Supply-Side Innovation 17
Conclusions 18
Recommendations 20
 FERC: Actions to Accelerate Adoption of Alternatives to New Transmission Lines 20
  Correcting the Capital Bias 20
  Planning Reforms 21
  Operations and Markets 22
  Cross-Cutting Support: Data, M&V, and Compliance 23
 DOE 24
 Data Center Activity 25
Appendix A: A Roadmap for FERC 27
Appendix B: Comparing costs 28
Endnotes 30