Ben Della Rocca, former director for technology and national security on Biden's NSC, along with Arnab Datta and Tim Fist from IFP, discuss the urgent need for robust AI infrastructure in the U.S. They dive into the challenges of new power generation amidst soaring demand for compute and the implications of a 2025 executive order. The conversation reveals the potential of geothermal energy, the pitfalls of financing green power solutions, and the importance of prioritizing AI lab security against emerging threats.
Next-gen geothermal energy's innovation in artificial reservoirs is crucial for meeting the rising energy demands of AI infrastructure.
Federal executive orders to streamline data center construction may conflict with clean energy mandates, complicating rapid development timelines.
Utilizing the Defense Production Act can expedite essential AI infrastructure projects while navigating legal complexities and environmental regulations.
Deep dives
Basics of Traditional and Next-Generation Geothermal Energy
Traditional geothermal energy relies on the natural pairing of heat, fluid, and reservoirs. In contrast, next-generation geothermal is innovating by creating artificial reservoirs to harness this energy source. This advancement is essential for meeting future energy demands as it allows for a broader range of geothermal sites to be utilized. Alongside this development, the successful implementation of next-generation geothermal efforts depends significantly on strong support from federal agencies in permitting and facilitation processes.
Challenges of Expanding AI Infrastructure in the U.S.
The U.S. currently leads in AI innovation, but maintaining this edge depends heavily on establishing substantial computing and energy infrastructures to support AI training. As the demand for computing power rises, it is projected that gigawatts of electricity will be necessary to sustain next-generation AI developments. To address this challenge, federal initiatives must streamline the construction of large-scale data centers while ensuring that energy production capabilities align with AI’s growing requirements. This involves not just technical solutions but also navigating complex permitting laws and environmental considerations.
Federal Executive Orders and Energy Requirements
Recent federal executive orders aim to expedite the establishment of AI data centers on federally owned lands, which simplifies the permitting process. However, these orders also introduce clean energy mandates that could hinder rapid development. Critics suggest that allowing the initial use of natural gas plants could help bridge the gap while cleaner technologies are put into operation. Therefore, striking a balance between ambitious energy standards and practical implementation timelines will be crucial for meeting both AI and energy infrastructure goals promptly.
Utilization of the Defense Production Act
The Defense Production Act provides significant authority to expedite infrastructure projects deemed essential for national defense. The call for using this act includes improving supply chain infrastructures for energy production and permitting processes to facilitate the construction of data centers. However, there are legal complexities around its application that require careful consideration to avoid conflicts with environmental regulations. Utilizing this act can enable the U.S. to prioritize projects that are vital for maintaining a competitive edge in AI technology against global adversaries.
Future of Renewable Energy Sources
Next-generation geothermal energy presents a significant opportunity for clean energy production; it relies on advanced techniques similar to those used in the shale revolution. Advancements in drilling technology have the potential to bring substantial amounts of energy from beneath the earth, significantly surpassing the output from fossil fuels. Investing in this technology could position the U.S. as a leader in reliable and sustainable energy sources while supporting the demands of AI infrastructure. Furthermore, the integration of diverse energy sources such as solar and small modular reactors will be essential in achieving a robust and adaptable energy solution.
Despite leading the world in AI innovation, there’s no guarantee that America will rise to meet the challenge of AI infrastructure. Specifically, the key technological barrier for data center construction within the next 5 years is new power capacity.
To discuss policy solutions, ChinaTalk interviewed Ben Della Rocca, who helped write the AI infrastructure executive order and formerly served as director for technology and national security on Biden’s NSC, as well as Arnab Datta, director at IFP and managing director at Employ America, and Tim Fist, a director at IFP. Arnab and Tim just published a fantastic three-part series exploring the policy changes needed to ensure that AGI is invented in the USA and deployed through American data centers.
In today’s interview, we discuss…
The need for new power generation driven by ballooning demand for compute,
The impact of the January 2025 executive order on AI infrastructure,
Which energy technologies can (and can’t) power gigawatt-scale AI training facilities (and why Jordan is all-in on GEOTHERMAL),
Challenges for financing moonshot green power ideas and the role of government action,
The failure of the market to prioritize AI lab security, and what can be done to fend off threats from adversaries and non-state actors.
