Artificial intelligence (AI) data centers are “distorting” the power grid, according to a Bloomberg report. The outlet’s analysis found that “more than three-quarters of highly-distorted power readings across the country are within 50 miles of significant data center activity.”
The activity adds stress to “already fragile grids,” Bloomberg wrote.
The term for distorted energy is known as “bad harmonics.”
When electricity’s wave patterns “deviate from what’s considered ideal, it distorts the power that flows into homes,” Bloomberg explained.
Distorted waves may lead to surges or sags in electricity, contributing to sparks and fires.
“Distortions mean that even as electricity is flowing to homes, the quality can be eroded enough to destroy appliances and increase vulnerability to electrical fires if there’s a voltage surge,” the report stated. “Poorer power quality overall can also eventually lead to lights flickering along with brownouts and blackouts.”
Bloomberg and Whisker Labs, alongside DC Byte, analyzed power quality data, finding that households with the worst electric quality are “located within 20 miles of significant data center activity.” About 3.7 million Americans live in these areas.
Bob Marshall, the CEO of Whisker Labs, told Bloomberg, “Harmonics are a pretty good canary in the coal mine for early signs of stress and problems.”
Many data centers are located near cities such as Dallas and Chicago, although rural areas are also experiencing distorted power.
The report expects the U.S. demand for electricity to increase nearly 16% over the next five years, more than triple the estimate from a year ago.
American Faith reported that Google plans to use small nuclear reactors to generate energy for its AI data center.
The agreement with California’s Kairos Power will see Google securing 500 megawatts (MW) of nuclear energy. The first reactors are expected to come online by 2030, with others coming online by 2035.
Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director for energy and climate, wrote in a blog post for the company that the deal will “help more communities benefit from clean and affordable nuclear power.”
“The grid needs new electricity sources to support AI technologies that are powering major scientific advances, improving services for businesses and customers, and driving national competitiveness and economic growth,” he wrote. “This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably, and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone.”
