Energy Department says nearly $2 billion will fund 26 U.S. locations to boost America’s aging power grid
The Energy Department said Thursday that it will spend almost $2 billion to try to squeeze more electricity out of the nation’s aging and stressed power grid , as President Donald Trump’s administration steps up efforts to avoid blackouts amid skyrocketing energy demand spurred by artificial intelligence . The money will go toward 31 projects across 26 states that are expected to produce more…
The Energy Department announced on Thursday that it will invest nearly $2 billion across 26 U.S. states to enhance the nation's aging power grid and meet the growing electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI). The funding will support 31 projects, collectively generating over 23 gigawatts of additional electricity capacity—enough to power 16 million homes.
The projects utilize advanced technologies such as real-time weather sensors to optimize transmission routes and prevent congestion. Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized that these upgrades could improve reliability and reduce electricity costs for approximately 100 million Americans. The administration's move comes amid concerns that AI's increasing energy needs could strain U.S. power supplies, especially as data centers expand faster than new power plants can be built.
The grants are part of the bipartisan infrastructure law, with $1.9 billion from the federal government matched by $3.35 billion from private recipients, including utilities, cooperatives, and state agencies.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
