Data Centers
Objective
Forecasting data center loads in medium- (10-year) and long-term (30-year) planning horizons. Data centers’ massive and growing energy needs place high demands on reliable energy. Utilities must balance support for economically beneficial loads with the risk of stranded assets.
Approach
A categorization process based on three dimensions to represent 15 data center industry segments, including business model, location preferences, and growth aggressiveness. Our multi-factor methodology ensures credibility, transparency, and traceability, with a proven record of technical use. It analyzes and forecasts load and growth trends by amount and location.
Results
Key takeaways include:
- Future data center loads will likely develop near existing facilities.
- New data center clusters may emerge based on available transmission capacity, incentives, and other factors.
- Forecast indicates continued robust growth of data center loads for the next 10+ years.
- Interconnection queue does not adequately capture future new load after year five.
