Green Hydrogen Holds Promise for Power-Hungry AI, but It’s Not Quite There Yet
The extensive computing power and complex algorithms needed to train AI — not to mention the cooling systems needed to keep data centers running — entail significant electrical consumption. As a result, tech giants like Microsoft are looking for ways to reduce reliance on strained electric grids. Green hydrogen could be the next big thing.
Backup Power and Grid Support Are Key Benefits of Enchanted Rock’s Dual-Purpose Microgrids
Sometime, somewhere, the power is going to go out. Maybe for a few minutes or a few hours. Starting with Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, most Texans have endured a blackout longer than a day. Outages of that length aren’t just inconvenient. They’re expensive, destructive and life-threatening. Texas energy provider Enchanted Rock helps to mitigate the aftershocks of grid failure.
How this tiny town in Maine is keeping the lights on through ferocious storms
A boom in renewable microgrids is helping cities across the country keep the power on. Microgrids can be connected to the larger grid to share and distribute power, but by definition they’re self-sustaining, at least for a certain amount of time. As their popularity grows, sustainability has become an increasingly appealing option for new microgrids, which are “essential building blocks” for a resilient energy system.
Understanding the Imperative for Better Neighborhood Resilience Through Microgrids
Houston is currently in the midst of an unprecedented population boom. Its metro area added nearly 140,000 residents in 2023, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Additionally, the city has become a significant hub for many industries, from data centers to finance institutions to businesses in the energy and healthcare sectors.
Microgrid Projects Offer More than Emergency Relief
With extreme weather conditions plaguing the nation and the world, businesses might naturally worry about their ability to keep the lights on and the doors open. While they can’t prevent hurricanes, wildfires, and snowstorms, some businesses are looking for more reliable options for power supply that can withstand outages on public grids.
A Shining Example of How Backup Generators Are Changing the Conversation Around Energy Resiliency
In recent years, it seems as though unexpected storms and other natural disasters have become a more serious threat than ever to both people and businesses. Luckily, many public officials are starting to understand the importance of prioritizing energy resiliency.
The Growth of AI Drives Power Innovation
Power supply is a hot topic, not only because businesses and individuals are heavily reliant on electricity but because increasingly frequent and extreme weather events are responsible for a growing number of outages.
Microgrids Meet Backup Power Needs
Modern society is heavily dependent on electricity. Nearly a century ago, electricity wasn’t common in homes and people relied on gas or candlelight. Today, individuals and businesses take full advantage of readily available electrical power to aid in daily life.
Transforming Data Centers Into Assets for Regional Power Grids
As vital as data centers are, they’re often seen as a source of serious energy consumption. That’s not an unfounded reputation since many of them consume more than 17 megawatts per year.
Natural Gas: One of the United States’ Most Important Resources
There’s been a lot said about lithium-ion and solar photovoltaic batteries, with many people asserting that they’re the most important advancements in energy technology. While it’s true that these are hugely vital, the most consequential advancement in this area is natural gas.