Energy experts acknowledge the need for additional power sources, and they’re turning to new technology and infrastructure to address the demand."As an industry, we are investing approximately $1.1 trillion in our infrastructure over the next five years to ensure that we're meeting that need and that demand," Exelon CEO Calvin Butler said.In 2024, data centers consumed about 1.5% of global electricity use and the demand has continued to surge.This year, consumption estimates show data centers are expected to become the world’s fifth-largest energy consumer, with usage falling between the amount Japan and Russia consume.Exelon is one of the largest electric utility holding companies in the U.S.
It owns and operates electric grid infrastructure that delivers electricity to power homes and businesses. "We're a pure transmission and distribution company.So, my responsibility every day is to operate a safe, reliable, and resilient grid.
So, I'm your pipes and wires.I do not control the generation," Butler said.
"What we've seen across the PJM footprint is that supply costs have increased 645% since 2024."RELATED: GOP URGES SCOTUS TO REJECT 'WAR ON AMERICAN ENERGY' THEY SAY WOULD HIT FAMILIES' WALLETSEngineers work inside a Commonwealth Fusion Systems facility as the company develops fusion technology that could provide a new source of carbon-free electricity for the power grid.To keep up with the artificial intelligence (AI) demand, companies are getting creative. Commonwealth Fusion Systems based in Devens, Massachusetts, is working to add 24/7 reliable power to the grid through fusion energy, the power source of the sun and stars. "When you take light nuclei like hydrogen, and you combine them together, and you release energy in that process.
That energy is released in the form of heat, which then you can convert to electricity," said Brandon Sorbom, Commonwealth Fusion Systems co-founder and chief science officer. New studies by the company show some in th...