Meeting AI data center power needs in North America
Siemens Energy highlights infrastructure and supply challenges as data centers face mounting pressure for faster, reliable power to support AI growth.
Image for illustrative purposes
As AI data centers multiply across North America, power demand is rising at an unprecedented pace. In Virginia, a hub for data centers, one project was delayed due to insufficient grid power; a scenario increasingly echoed across the US. In another case, a southeastern operator was told it would take five years to receive adequate power, with equipment lead times making up nearly half that wait.
Data center operators now face growing strain on the power grid, driven by trends such as AI computing, cloud expansion, and high-efficiency liquid-cooled systems. US power consumption from data centers is expected to rise from 25 GW in 2024 to over 80 GW by 2030.
Meeting this demand is complicated by a shortage of power generation capacity, retiring coal plants, congested transmission lines, and long delivery timelines for essential equipment like transformers and circuit breakers. Workforce shortages further challenge installation and integration processes.
Solutions must include faster, custom-built energy systems such as behind-the-meter generation or hybrid designs using solar, wind, battery storage, hydrogen-ready turbines, or fuel cells. These systems require strategic planning and detailed modeling to ensure performance and resilience.
To stay ahead, data centers need comprehensive support, from power infrastructure and equipment to software, advisory, and maintenance services. Siemens Energy notes that short lead-time power solutions and integrated project delivery can significantly reduce construction timelines while supporting sustainability goals.
Source: Siemens Energy
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