US EditionElectricity demand could double in Pacific NW over next 2 decades
- A recent forecast by regional energy experts predicts that electricity consumption in the Pacific Northwest could potentially double by the year 2046.
- This projected increase results primarily from expanding data centers, growing electric vehicle use, and efforts to electrify homes and businesses across Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
- The region currently consumes around 22,000 megawatts annually, and demand could reach up to 44,000 megawatts by 2046, with seasonal peaks possibly rising to 60,000 megawatts.
- Council representative KC Golden acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying, "We’ve got our hands full," while expert Simmons predicted unexpected developments in the energy landscape during the next two decades.
- The forecast suggests that demand from electric vehicles will match data center demand by 2046 and likely surpass it afterward, highlighting challenges for grid capacity and infrastructure scaling.
20 Articles
20 Articles
The Columbian
The spokesman-ReviewNorthwest power demand may double in next 20 years, but where will it come from?
Dramatic increases in the number of data centers, electric vehicles and electric appliances around the Pacific Northwest will cause demand for electricity in the region to potentially double over the next two decades. Read more...
Electricity demand in the Northwest could double in the next 20 years, forecast finds
Over the next two decades, demand could increase by between 1.8% and 3.1% annually, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council heard Tuesday. The projected growth will come primarily from companies building more data centers in the region, more electric vehicles on roads, electrifying buildings, computer chip manufacturing and the production of "green hydrogen.
Electricity demand in Northwest could double in next 20 years, forecast finds
Demand for electricity in the Northwest could double by 2046, according to a new energy forecast from regional experts. Over the next two decades, demand could increase by between 1.8% and 3.1% annually, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council heard…
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