Data Center Grid Integration: Key Focus at CEC Workshop
Experts at a recent California Energy Commission (CEC) workshop emphasized that while some data center operators are considering onsite generation to power their facilities, it may be more advantageous to source electricity from the grid.
The workshop highlighted the importance of grid integration for data centers, particularly in California, where energy demands are rising. Notably, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE) were mentioned as key players in this energy landscape.
Research presented by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Energy and Environmental Economics (E3) suggested that leveraging the existing grid infrastructure could offer a more reliable and potentially cost-effective solution than relying solely on onsite generation, especially for large-scale operations such as hyperscalers.
As the conversation around data center energy usage evolves, the CEC’s Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) will likely continue to explore these themes, considering the implications for transmission planning and overall energy strategy in the state.
With the growing pressure to meet decarbonization goals, the integration of data centers into the broader energy grid represents a critical step toward achieving sustainable energy solutions.
For further insights and developments on this topic, industry professionals and stakeholders are encouraged to stay engaged with upcoming workshops and discussions organized by the CEC and related entities.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/data-center-grid-integration-emerges-as-key-focus-at-cec-workshop/
