Google, Nvidia and Anthropic back demand response coalition for data centers

Grid software company Emerald AI has formed an alliance with major tech firms to use demand response technology, potentially enabling 100 gigawatts of additional data center capacity on existing grids.

A neutral summary of Google, Nvidia, and Anthropic want Emerald AI to find space on the grid for more data centers, published by TechCrunch. Summarised for the Ceeve reading list; the original reporting is TechCrunch's.

Emerald AI, a grid software company, has formed the AI Energy Management Alliance with Google, Nvidia, Anthropic, and several utilities including National Grid and AES. The coalition aims to use Emerald AI's software to coordinate demand response, allowing data centers to pause noncritical tasks or shift computing loads during peak grid demand rather than relying on diesel generators. The approach could enable an additional 100 gigawatts of data center capacity to connect to existing grids.

Demand response has been used by utilities for decades as a tool to balance electricity supply and demand, traditionally engaging factories that would reduce production during peak hours. Emerald AI's innovation connects utilities directly to data centers, enabling them to respond quickly to requests by adjusting non-essential workloads. The startup recently raised $150 million in Series A funding and competes with other solutions including Google's own demand response tools and Enel X's systems that use uninterruptible power supplies.

A Goldman Sachs study found that limiting peak grid usage to 90% could free up 76 gigawatts of capacity. Emerald AI's chief scientist acknowledged that demand response alone cannot solve all grid problems and won't eliminate the need for new power generation. Understanding grid infrastructure demands and innovative solutions like this may be important for candidates seeking roles in energy, infrastructure or operations at tech companies, particularly when using Ceeve to tailor applications.

Read the original on TechCrunch

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