AI and power grids in the United States: challenges and solutions in the face of sustained growth in digital consumption

The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to unprecedented growth in electricity demand, forcing technology companies, authorities, and energy providers to rethink energy infrastructure to ensure resilience and sustainability.

According to Fortune, more than 75% of organizations have incorporated AI into their operations, increasing pressure on electrical grids, particularly due to the proliferation of data centers. This scenario demands substantial investments and the development of solutions that minimize the risk of grid overload, increase efficiency, and contribute to reducing polluting emissions.

The surge in energy demand driven by artificial intelligence

The widespread adoption of AI presents the energy system with critical challenges. Fortune notes that the International Energy Agency predicts that artificial intelligence could account for up to half of the growth in electricity demand in the United States by the end of the decade.

In states where data centers are proliferating, energy consumption reaches levels equivalent to those of small cities. Operators and technology companies must invest in advanced electrical systems to avoid overloads and maintain the continuity of their services.

According to estimates compiled by Fortune, if this trend continues, AI could boost global productivity and gross domestic product (GDP) by 1.5% in 2035, nearly 3% in 2055, and up to 3.7% in 2075. However, this potential can only be realized if the sector manages to integrate resilient infrastructure and intelligent systems that support the technology's development.

Structural Challenges and Risks to the Grid

The rapid growth of data centers is revealing serious bottlenecks in the U.S. power grid. Fortune warns that in several regions with high concentrations of technology, the system is already operating near its limit, and requests to connect new facilities could face years of delay.

The original transmission lines were not designed to handle such high loads. Local grids are struggling to adapt to the volume and speed demanded by AI's expansion, increasing the risk of blackouts and price hikes if the infrastructure is not modernized.

Aamir Paul, president of Schneider Electric for North America, emphasizes that without modernization and advanced management, states with numerous data centers could face supply constraints and increased energy costs. Authorities and companies in the sector must work together to avoid costly periods of digital downtime and productivity losses.

Business Solutions and Strategies for Resilience

Against this backdrop, companies like Schneider Electric are driving transformation through digitalization, automation, and new energy service models. Since 2020, the company has invested over $440 million in the United States and plans to invest an additional $700 million by 2027, with the goal of expanding its advanced manufacturing, research, and technical staff.

A prime example is the Lexington, Kentucky, plant, which underwent a complete redesign after 65 years, incorporating digital tools, automation, flexible production supported by 5G technology, and management based on digital twins. As a result, the factory reduced its energy costs by 26%, decreased its net CO₂ emissions by 30%, and achieved a 20% reduction in water usage.

Schneider Electric promotes the convergence of electrification, automation, and local data processing to optimize energy use in industry. In the healthcare sector, Penn Medicine adopted a company-managed energy service model at its Pavilion facility, integrating intelligent building management systems and AI-powered electrical monitoring platforms. This strategy enabled cost reductions, emissions cuts, and strengthened operational reliability, all without significant upfront investments.

The experience of Compass Data Centers in Texas, highlighted by Fortune, demonstrates the effectiveness of testing and designing power distribution and cooling components directly in the factory. This approach resulted in up to a 50% reduction in energy consumption in real-world data center operations.

Economic and Environmental Impact and Future Outlook

The development of resilient infrastructure and the adoption of energy intelligence are transforming the relationship between data centers and the electrical grid. According to Fortune, partnerships between operators and energy providers, through demand response programs, enable data centers to reduce their consumption during critical times, helping to stabilize power flows and minimize the risk of outages.

These initiatives not only support digital productivity but also generate cost savings and significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Advanced smart energy models allow companies to schedule their most demanding tasks during off-peak hours, optimize algorithms to reduce power requirements, and prioritize local data processing. This lightens the load on large data centers and extends the benefits to other sectors.

Fortune highlights that progress toward energy optimization and sustainability requires constant investment, technological innovation, and global cooperation within the energy and digital ecosystem. While recent examples demonstrate more efficient integration, structural challenges demand urgent solutions.

As artificial intelligence continues to expand its impact, the energy system is compelled to evolve and grow in parallel, incorporating greater capacity, advanced technology, and close coordination among those who generate, manage, and consume energy.