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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.