Duke University Study: Data Centres Could Cut Gas Plant Reliance by 10-50% with Demand Flexibility
A Duke University study reveals that U.S. data centres could reduce reliance on new gas plants by 10-50% and save $40-$150 billion in capital investments by managing peak electricity demand. The study indicates that even minimal flexibility could shift energy investments towards renewables, potentially avoiding significant new natural gas capacity. However, achieving deeper emission cuts will require additional policies beyond operational flexibility.

According to a Duke University study, U.S. data centres can reduce dependence on new gas plants by 10-50% by managing power demand, potentially saving $40-$150 billion over the next decade. This flexibility could shift investments towards renewables, decreasing the need for new natural gas capacity.
The study outlines scenarios where increased operational flexibility could lead to substantial reductions in gas construction, with projections showing a reduction of up to 15% in new gas units. However, deeper emissions reductions may necessitate additional policies beyond flexibility adjustments, as current growth in electricity demand from data centres is expected to be significant.




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