- The US Secretary of Energy is urging data centers to use generators that temporarily turn off grid connections
- Dirty generators risk producing more emissions amid regional heat wave and increased AC demand
- Data centers clearly put a huge strain on local area networks, which are struggling to cope
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has ordered large data centers to switch from the power grid to on-site backup generators during the ongoing East Coast heat wave to ease pressure on the grid.
By using generators, the aim is to free up electricity for residential air conditioning systems, where energy demand increases in the region as a result of the excessive heat.
The directive applies primarily to data centers and other major consumers of electricity connected to the PJM Interconnection grid – a major operator in the region.
Data centers asked to use generators amid heat wave
High consumers, such as data centers, have been allowed to disconnect from the grid and revert to generators that run on diesel or natural gas, despite concerns about sustainability.
The PJM announcement is one of two regarding this heat wave — the Department of Energy also announced similar measures for Duke Energy in the Carolinas.
“The order authorizes Duke Energy to operate specified units up to their maximum output power levels, regardless of air quality or other permit limitations arising under federal, state or local law or regulation or other applicable source of law,” the directive reads.
“Maintaining affordable, reliable and secure power in the Duke Energy service area is non-negotiable,” Wright added, suggesting that residents should not suffer because of the concentration of data centers in the region.
It is believed that 35 GW of backup generation is available nationally, although it is unclear how much grid capacity east coast measures will free up.
What the temporary measures prove, however, is that citizen and commercial demands are too close to the output generated, and that there is not enough of a buffer to allow for increases in demand. Without investment in sustainable electricity, continued data center projects risk more and more scenarios like this, where unsustainable fuels are burned to create power.
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