Duke University’s New White Paper Highlights 100 GW of Headroom and Enchanted Rock’s Role in Accelerating Large-Load Integration

The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability at Duke University has released a new white paper, Rethinking Load Growth: Assessing the Potential for Integration of Large Flexible Loads in U.S. Power Systems. This independent research explores how large, flexible loads—such as data centres and industrial operations—can adapt to rapid electricity demand growth without requiring costly infrastructure expansion.

Enchanted Rock’s Role in the Discussion

While Enchanted Rock did not fund or contribute to this research, the report references the our expertise in onsite flexible generation solutions. Specifically, the paper cites Enchanted Rock in discussions about:

• Flexible interconnection solutions – The paper references Enchanted Rock’s July 2023 article in Data Center Frontier on how behind-the-meter generation can facilitate faster and more efficient grid interconnection and even benefit the local grid and community.
• On-site generation as a grid asset – The report discusses Enchanted Rock’s innovative approach to onsite generation technology, which allows large energy users to provide grid services while maintaining operational resilience.

• Data center flexibility with Bridge-to-Grid – The report cites Enchanted Rock’s collaboration with Microsoft on a renewable natural gas plant for their San Jose data center. The project features Bridge-to-Grid, a behind-the-meter solution that provides interim power until utility service is available, then shifts to flexible backup power.

Key Takeaways from the Report

• Load flexibility can drive economic growth while ensuring grid reliability and affordability. It allows customers to temporarily reduce electricity use by using on-site generators, shifting workloads, or adjusting operations. This offers a cost-effective, lower-emission alternative to expensive grid expansions.
• Balancing authorities could add nearly 100 GW of large loads with minimal impact by leveraging curtailment-enabled headroom—the grid’s ability to absorb additional demand with brief, moderate reductions in usage.
• The estimated annual curtailment time aligns with existing demand response programs, which incentivize industrial and commercial users to adjust electricity use. These programs help reduce peak loads, delay costly grid upgrades, and offset variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

Get the complete analysis from Duke University’s Nicholas Institute and explore how flexible energy solutions—including microgrids, demand response, and distributed generation—can shape the future of power infrastructure.

Citation: Norris, T. H., T. Profeta, D. Patino-Echeverri, and A. Cowie-Haskell. 2025. Rethinking Load Growth: Assessing the Potential for Integration of Large Flexible Loads in US Power Systems. NI R 25-01. Durham, NC: Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Duke University.