U.S. Fossil-Fuel Peaker Plants Delay Retirement as AI Power Demand Soars

AI Data Centers Spark Revival of Peaker Power Plants

AI Data Centers Spark Revival of Peaker Power Plants The resurgence of peaker power plants, which had been slated for retirement, is driven by soaring electricity demands from AI data centers. These plants are often situated in low-income communities, raising concerns about increased pollution and environmental impact.Despite their reputational and environmental drawbacks, peaker plants have seen a renaissance due to the sudden rise in electrici…

U.S. Fossil-Fuel Peaker Plants Delay Retirement as AI Power Demand Soars

More than half of the power plants in the PJM market running on fossil fuels have either deferred or canceled plans to retire as soaring electricity demand from AI data centers has operators use all available capacity to ensure the flexibility and reliability of the grids. PJM Interconnection is the biggest power grid in the United States, whose area covers 13 mid-Atlantic and Midwest states and the District of Columbia. According to a Reuters a…

U.S. Fossil-Fuel Power Plants Delay Retirement as AI Power Demand Soars

If Shakespeare were writing a play now instead of “To Be or Not To Be,” he would say, “To keep the Lights On, Or Not“. And if Yoda were involved instead of “Do or not, there is no Try.”, it would be “Open they must, or dark they be.” The artificial intelligence boom is reshaping America’s energy landscape in unexpected ways. As data centers powering AI applications multiply across the country, their insatiable appetite for electricity—projected …

AI Data Centers are Forcing Obsolete ‘Peaker’ Power Plants Back into Service - Energy News, Top Headlines, Commentaries, Features & Events

* AI data center electricity demand revives peaker power plants * Peakers emit more pollution when they run than typical power plants * The power plants are often located in low-income, minority communities By Laila Kearney In Chicago’s working-class Pilsen neighborhood, a 60s-era oil-fired power plant rises up from an industrial lot behind Dvorak Park, ...

AI data centers are forcing obsolete ‘peaker’ power plants back into service

The rarely-used eight-unit Fisk power plant owned by Houston-based NRG Energy was scheduled to retire next year