USA – WASHINGTON Trends and Developments Contributed by: John Pierce and Patrick Njeim, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton
nectivity, and adopting smart grid technolo- gies to handle dynamic load patterns; • energy storage and load flexibility by invest- ing in large-scale, long-duration energy stor- age solutions that can supplement renewa- bles and reduce dependence on fossil fuels; • encouraging AI data centre operators to implement demand response and time-shift- ing strategies to align workloads with renew- able availability; • encouraging DERs that include decentralised generation models, such as rooftop solar, microgrids and community energy systems that reduce pressure on centralised infra- structure; • advancing forecasting and AI-enabled grid management that leverages AI itself to optimise grid operations, forecast load and generation, and pre-emptively address con- gestion or reliability risks; • promoting policy and regulatory alignment by streamlining permitting processes for new transmission lines and generation assets, modernising interconnection rules, and ensur- ing that energy planning frameworks reflect
the scale and urgency of digital demand growth; • promoting public-private partnerships that foster collaboration between tech compa- nies, utilities and governments, to co-invest in sustainable infrastructure and ensure that benefits are equitably distributed; and • addressing the sustainability and water- energy nexus by designing data centres with efficient cooling technologies and minimal water footprints, particularly in water-stressed regions. Collaborative action will be necessary as no sin- gle actor – be it government, industry or civil society – can address these challenges alone. The major AI players must be transparent about their energy usage, prioritise siting in regions where grid capacity is available or expandable, and contribute to local infrastructure and climate resilience. Utilities and energy planners must anticipate AI-driven growth in their load forecast- ing and resource planning. Policymakers must ensure that climate, economic development and technology strategies are integrated rather than siloed.
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