Emma Nicholson, a senior economic advisor with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, emphasized the urgency of addressing new load growth from AI and data centers, noting, "nothing has come on the scene faster than this new load growth from AI and data centers in computing loads." This rapid demand highlights the critical need for efficient permitting to deploy clean energy infrastructure.
The Goldman Sachs Research report anticipates a staggering 160% growth in data center power demand due to AI by 2030. Such growth, combined with other electricity demands, poses challenges for regulatory measures that need to keep pace with these escalating power needs.
Nicholson stressed the importance of streamlining the permitting process, stating, "We'll have to do a lot of streamlining of permitting". This emphasizes the need for a more collaborative approach involving stakeholders to ensure that energy infrastructure deployment aligns with both regulatory standards and the nation's pressing energy demands.
With AI driving increased power consumption, it also represents an opportunity for optimizing the permitting process. President Biden's executive order encourages the development of models that can enhance the efficiency of permitting while also considering environmental and social impacts.
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