- Google says it plans to break the use of the data center at key moments
- Data centers use huge amounts of energy, tending the grid
- Global energy demand increases while AI is largely adopted
It is not a secret for anyone that AI and data centers consume energy (and water) at an alarming rate, and it has become obvious that current consumption levels are much higher than most energy networks can take care of it in the long term, a problem that will only widen more organizations deploy AI to day.
This unhappy truth is not lost in technology giants, who are now rushing to try to alleviate the heavy burials of sustainability, the increase in AI development has left them – and Google has now announced that it will start to change or reduce power demand for “certain hours or hours of the year”.
This “response to demand” means that data centers are interconnected more quickly, and the need to build new transmission and electricity power plants is reduced – helping network operators manage electrical networks more efficiently and effectively.
Flexibility brings a force
A summer of intense thermal waves and extreme weather conditions has experienced a high demand for energy as the air conditioning units become a necessity.
AI is not yet a necessity for the vast majority of uses, so Google has agreed to take a break or reprogram the non -urgent tasks until the end of the request.
In partnership with Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) and Tennessee Valley Authority, the new agreement will bring Google closer to its 24/7 carbon -free energy ambition, helping to “fill the gap between short -term load growth and long -term energy solutions” and offering immediate advantages.
“While we add new important charges to our system, it is essential that we associate our customers to effectively manage the generation and transmission resources necessary to serve them,” said Steve Baker, president and chief of the I&M.
“Google’s ability to take advantage of the flexibility of the load in the context of the strategy to serve their charge will be a very precious tool to meet their future energy needs.”
