U.S. must enhance power grid for AI demands

The U.S. faces a significant challenge in expanding its power infrastructure to support the growing demand from AI data centers. Recent investments, including $500 billion from a new joint venture and $100 billion from SoftBank, highlight the urgency for enhanced transmission capacity. In 2023, the U.S. constructed only 55 miles of high-voltage transmission lines, while China has built tens of thousands. Projections indicate that the U.S. will need six times more new generation and transmission capacity over the next five years to meet peak demand. To address this, advanced transmission technologies and high-voltage lines are essential. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy are exploring ways to expedite the development of new transmission capacity to support the energy needs of the AI sector.