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Renewable energy supporters want clean energy to power data sources
AP News • • business
Key Points:
- The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly increased energy demand, leading to a surge in fossil fuel power plant construction as renewable energy development struggles to keep pace.
- Several states with strong climate policies, including New York, Michigan, Oregon, and Minnesota, are enacting legislation to require data centers to meet renewable energy benchmarks to align with emissions reduction goals.
- Tech giants like Google are investing billions in zero-emission energy projects and working with regulators to expand grid access, often facing challenges with utilities that control power supply and infrastructure.
- Regulatory programs in states such as Colorado, Nevada, and Georgia are enabling large power users to build and connect clean energy projects to the grid, representing a significant shift in energy procurement and policy.
- Industry groups and environmental advocates view these regulatory innovations as critical to shaping energy policy and ensuring that the expanding data center industry supports climate goals over the next several decades.
