How can the power industry meet the challenge of rising demand? | In a special live episode recorded at the American Clean Power association, we discuss how to meet America’s growing need for electricity
Apr 4, 2025
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Chris Shelton, Chief Product Officer at AES, discusses the crucial role of batteries in addressing the electricity demands of hyperscalers. Travis Kavulla from NRG Energy sheds light on regulatory policies and the challenges with grid interconnection for data centers. MJ Shiao of the American Clean Power Association highlights the growing electricity needs driven by AI and manufacturing. Together, they explore how renewable energy and efficient gas plants can meet future demands, alongside navigating the evolving political landscape impacting energy infrastructure.
The anticipated 35-40% increase in electricity demand by 2035 primarily stems from onshoring manufacturing and the growth of AI data centers.
Balancing renewable energy with traditional baseload generation is crucial, as solar and battery capacity is expected to surpass gas generation soon.
Deep dives
Surging Electrical Demand
A significant increase in electricity demand is anticipated in the coming years, driven by factors such as the onshoring of manufacturing and the expansion of data centers. Predictions suggest a growth of 35-40% in electricity demand by 2035 or 2040, contrasting sharply with recent stagnation. This upsurge points to an urgent need for the energy sector to adapt and meet the rising demands spurred by technological advancements like AI. Industry leaders emphasize the importance of understanding the various factors contributing to this deluge of demand to ensure adequate power supply.
Demand Accountability and Transparency
Discussion around regulatory policies highlights the necessity for clearer accountability in power demand projections. There is concern about the issue of double counting as various utilities report their demand figures, leading to inflated expectations of growth. Enhancing transparency in demand reporting could help accurately gauge future power needs and align resource allocation accordingly. Regulatory measures requiring capital commitments from large consumers could also help filter out speculative demand, ensuring that only serious projects advance.
Rethinking Energy Generation Sources
There is an ongoing debate about the balance between renewable energy sources versus traditional baseload generation to meet the new power demand. While the administration has focused on ensuring reliable, continuous power access via fossil fuels and nuclear energy, rapid growth in renewables and battery storage is evident. Analyses reveal that solar and battery capacity is projected to far outrun that of gas generation in the near future, prompting a shift toward cleaner energy solutions. As the energy landscape evolves, understanding the economic implications of these generation choices becomes increasingly critical.
Challenges in Infrastructure and Policy Reforms
Efforts to facilitate energy infrastructure development face significant hurdles due to regulatory delays and political disagreements. Current administration initiatives aim to streamline permitting processes, which could catalyze quicker energy supply adjustments. However, concerns remain regarding the potential regulatory rollback on existing environmental standards, potentially slowing down progress. The future of federal policy influencing manufacturing, tax credits, and infrastructure development is closely tied to bipartisan cooperation and the ability to navigate these complex challenges effectively.
If President Trump’s tariff strategy succeeds in sparking a revival in US manufacturing, one consequence will be surging demand for power. We are already seeing electricity demand starting to pick up after 15 years of stagnation, driven by new data centers for AI and a wave of factory-building for semiconductors and batteries that is already under way. How can the electricity industry increase capacity to meet that growing demand and provide the power that the country needs?
That’s the question for this special episode of the Energy Gang, recorded live in front of an invited audience at the headquarters of the American Clean Power association in Washington DC. Host Ed Crooks talks to Chris Shelton, the Chief Product Officer at AES, Travis Kavulla, the Vice-President for Regulatory Affairs at NRG Energy, and MJ Shiao, the Vice President of Supply Chain and Manufacturing at American Clean Power.
They discuss whether electricity demand growth is really happening, which technologies are best placed to provide new supply, and who will end up paying for the investment needed to increase capacity. The Trump administration’s focus has been on “baseload” power, particularly new natural gas power plants. But there are reasons why they cannot be a complete solution. Renewable energy and battery storage also have important roles to play.
The group also assess the impacts of changing energy policies under a Republican administration and Congress. What will be the fate of tax credits for low-carbon energy under the Inflation Reduction Act? And will moves to expedite permitting and environmental approvals make it easier to build all kinds of new infrastructure, including power and energy facilities, in the US?