Data Centre Disturbance in Virginia Sparks Concerns Over AI Energy Demand
A grid disturbance in Fairfax County, Virginia, in 2024 forced 60 data centres to rely on backup generators, highlighting concerns over the rising energy demands of these facilities, which already consume a quarter of the state's electricity. With projections indicating a 165% increase in power demand by 2030 and a potential 6 gigawatt shortfall by 2027, Elon Musk announced SpaceX's plans to develop space-based data centres, which could harness unlimited solar power but face significant technical challenges.
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In 2024, a grid disturbance in Fairfax County, Virginia, caused 60 data centres to switch to backup generators, shedding 1,500 megawatts. Data centres in Ashburn, Virginia, consume a quarter of the state's electricity, with demand projected to double by 2030.
Goldman Sachs estimates a 165% increase in data centre power demand by 2030, while PJM Interconnection forecasts a 6 gigawatt shortfall by 2027. Elon Musk announced plans for SpaceX to develop data centres in space, with potential benefits such as unlimited solar power and cooling but significant technical challenges remain.
Cooling in space requires large radiators due to the vacuum, complicating the feasibility of orbital data centres. Laser communication presents potential advantages but faces challenges with atmospheric interference. The future of space-based computing hinges on resolving these issues before Earth's grids fail.
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