How DOE is Powering America’s Manufacturing Growth with Clean, Affordable Energy

As the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda ushers in a manufacturing boom, the United States faces a rapidly growing electricity demand driven by the rise of data centers, EVs, and advancements in AI. This surge underscores the importance of ensuring the nation’s power grid remains clean, reliable, and affordable. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced a resource hub, a comprehensive suite of tools designed to assist public and private stakeholders, including utilities and data center operators, manage this increasing demand while maintaining system security and affordability.

“A nation powered by clean energy is a reality being shaped by the Biden-Harris Administration,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “With a record amount of carbon-free power already being generated and more to come, DOE is well-positioned to help industry partners meet this moment with clean energy solutions while ensuring an affordable and reliable power grid for all consumers.”

Powering AI and Data Center Infrastructure

In a notable move, the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board recently released the Powering AI and Data Center Infrastructure report, which provides 16 key recommendations to help the DOE support the growing electricity demands of data centers and AI infrastructure. The report addresses AI model training, operational flexibility, and emerging technologies, offering a roadmap for meeting load growth while enhancing reliability and affordability.

The DOE regularly researches to support these recommendations, collaborates with stakeholders, and explores promising technologies. Among the various resources and announcements on the new Electricity Demand Growth Hub are several significant initiatives, including:

• Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Clean Energy Development at DOE’s Savannah River Site: As part of DOE’s Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative, this RFQ calls for proposals to generate at least 200 megawatts (MW) of carbon pollution-free electricity. Data center loads are particularly encouraged to participate.
• Clean Energy Resources to Meet Data Center Electricity Demand: This resource provides insights into data center load growth during the clean energy transition, outlining over 30 DOE resources and funding opportunities for utilities and data center operators. It offers technical assistance for managing increased demand effectively.
• Pathways to Commercial Liftoff Topic Brief: The brief details opportunities to unlock hundreds of gigawatts of capacity by commercializing clean energy technologies and deploying advanced grid solutions and virtual power plants, which are key to meeting rising electricity demand.
• VoltAIc Initiative Milestones: This initiative focuses on AI-driven tools for environmental permitting to accelerate clean energy deployment. Key achievements include the development of AI testbeds for environmental reviews and the creation of a comprehensive dataset to improve public engagement during assessments.

Investing in a Clean Energy Future

Through funding programs provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, the DOE is equipped with various tools, incentives, and assistance programs. These resources address the evolving landscape of electricity demand growth while prioritizing equitable energy distribution.

The DOE is actively expanding its Electricity Demand Growth Resource Hub, ensuring stakeholders can access the most up-to-date research, resources, and tools to capitalize on load growth opportunities. This commitment extends to the continued development of pathways that support utilities, data centers, and other stakeholders in navigating the complexities of rising electricity demand.

DOE Resources for Data Centers and Electrification

DOE offers several targeted programs and resources to address electricity demand growth across industries. Key programs include:

• Grid Scale Clean Energy Deployment: Focused on integrating clean energy solutions at the grid level to accommodate increasing demand.
• Grid Infrastructure Enhancement and Expansion: Programs designed to bolster the resilience and capacity of the grid to meet new challenges.
• Maximizing Energy Efficiency of Data Centers: A program that aids in optimizing energy use in data centers, a major driver of increased electricity demand.
• Demand Side Flexibility: Resources aimed at enhancing flexibility in energy use to prevent overloads and ensure stable grid operations.
• Technical Assistance Programs: DOE offers programs to help state and local officials, energy professionals, and large energy users adapt to demand growth challenges.

Clean Energy as the Solution

A central component of the DOE’s strategy involves accelerating the commercialization of clean energy technologies. The department’s Pathways to Commercial Liftoff report emphasizes the potential to expand system capacity by advancing clean energy solutions and integrating virtual power plants, which aggregate distributed energy resources to meet the growing electricity needs.

As the nation continues to experience an increase in electricity demand, DOE’s approach remains rooted in collaboration with stakeholders.

With the rise of AI, data centers, and EVs, the United States faces both the challenge and opportunity of a rapidly growing electricity demand. The DOE’s resources and assistance programs ensure this demand is met with clean, reliable, and affordable power. As the Investing in America agenda takes hold, these tools will be crucial in advancing a net-zero emissions future while fostering innovation and maintaining grid security.