ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND THE CONVERGENCE OF POWER AND ICT What will be the impact of combining power and data given the evolution of AI in both industries? While AI will provide the capability to manage inform-ation and power semi-autonomously, it will consume a significant amount of power. AI already uses as much energy as ent- ire countries and is expected to continue significantly over the next two years according to the IEA. 1 the impact will be on data centers as well as premise infrastructure. U.S. electricity demand is forecast to grow as much as 20% by 2030 (Figure 3). Goldman Sachs projects that data centers will represent 8% of total U.S. electricity consumption by the end of the decade.
devices in an integrated architecture that will propel our buildings into a whole new era of capability. These Enernet advances can benefit from the lessons learned from the Internet. Modern power electronic solutions enable changes to the power topology to make appropriate and useful power conversion at more logical and effective points in a system. And dc-based platforms make renewable power generation simpler and more efficient to integrate. Additional benefits include increased user safety, low-cost plug-and-play reconfiguration flexibility, and enhanced equipment reliability. New, open standards for FMPS, as well as room and building-level dc and hybrid ac/dc microgrids for commercial buildings, are now available. These standards cover occupied spaces, data centers, tele- communications, building services and utilities, and outdoor power. The standards also define safe low voltages and limited current potential at the user interface to enable plug- and-play device flexibility. They are crafted to facilitate energy savings from efficient lighting and other electrical
“Economic growth, electrification, accelerating data center expansion are driving the most significant demand growth in our company’s history and they show no signs of abating,” opined Robert Blue, Dominion Energy CEO. When it comes to powering the future of AI, a multifaceted strategy will be required. This will encom-pass on-site microgrids, DERs, and traditional central grid resources in order to maintain reliability and afford-ability. An Enernet of power could support the rapidly growing need for IoT solutions, a fast-approaching requirement.
devices by avoiding unnecessary power conversions and maximizing the opportunity for highly articulated digital control. And importantly, they are easier to install using more sustainable cabling and materials. The standards allow direct integration of site-based renewable energy sources and storage devices without the use of costly and inefficient power inverters. Many building owners, engineers, and designers now see dc microgrids as part of a larger strategy that plays a bigger role in their buildings and campuses. These industries are searching for holistic solutions for renewable energy and striving for net zero energy buildings that are an integrated part of regional and national smart grid efforts. Interest has been driven by the demand for flexibility, sustainability, and energy savings. Many believe that now is the time to begin creating the Enernet of power. Some experts see a future world of buildings that (when aided by AI) are autonomously capable of managing the new electro-active living and working environments that are comfortable, safe, efficient, and highly productive.
Summary of GenAI demand forecast
1 Electricity 2024 Analysis and Forecast to 2026, IEA, 2024 https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/6b2fd954-2017-408e-bf08-952fdd62118a/Electricity2024-Analysisandforecastto2026.pdf
FIGURE 3: Projected impact of Artificial Intelligence on electricity demand, Wells Fargo, 2024.
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