Data centers can be good citizens. It’s why we’re partnering with Google and Nvidia to create the AI Energy Management Alliance

Two years ago, the president of a major American utility shared his concerns about data centers demanding immediate electricity. Utilities and communities were being asked to act as "foot soldiers" in the AI buildout, and the president believed data centers could serve as foot soldiers themselves. This led to the founding of Emerald AI, which aims to enable data centers to support the grid and their local communities.

By flexibly consuming energy, AI data centers can become good citizens of the power grid, protecting energy affordability and reducing the risk of blackouts.

The AI Energy Management Alliance (AEMA) was formed by Emerald AI, Google, and NVIDIA, along with 18 other member companies in the AI and energy industries, such as Anthropic, National Grid, AES, and NRG. By changing how they operate to support their communities, data centers should be rewarded with faster access to power. Flexible data centers can spare peak demand moments, reducing the need for expensive grid upgrades and lowering electricity bills.

The grid is currently only 50% utilized on average, with much of its capacity unused at other times. If AI data centers were moderately flexible during the grid's worst hours, America could unlock 100GW on its existing grid for flexible data centers. Technologies such as batteries, on-site generation, and software can make AI data centers flexible power users, responding to the needs of the grid.

Google, Emerald AI, and NVIDIA have already demonstrated the potential of flexible data centers. NVIDIA, Digital Realty, and Emerald AI are set to turn on the world's first power-flexible AI factory in Virginia, showcasing a data center that can be a precise, controllable load. State and federal regulators are also recognizing the potential of flexible data centers, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission directing grid operators to make room for large customers willing to limit their draw in return for faster connections.

AEMA is advocating for data centers that commit to flexibility to receive faster and larger grid connections.