Data Center Demands & Impacts on the Energy System: An Energy Horizons Special Report
White Paper
Get a copy of Data Center Demands & Impacts on the Energy System: An Energy Horizons Special Report
"*" indicates required fields
Abstract
The Data Center report provides a snapshot of the evolving energy landscape as it relates to the growing demand for data centers and artificial intelligence (AI). The report considers existing literature on the subject and projects potential future effects of data centers on energy supply and demand if specific actions are taken. Although the report includes modeled projections based on input assumptions that are uncertain long-term (e.g., prices, technological development, economic growth, geopolitical developments), OnLocation uses the best judgment of its energy experts, informed by historical trends and expected future changes, to develop model input assumptions.
Webinar Recording Materials and Full Report
We hosted a webinar on Thursday, September 26, 2024, to discuss the Data Centers report. For a summary of our work and to view the webinar recording, presentation, and transcripts, visit our blog post. Submit the form on the left to download the full report.
About the Authors:
Francisco de la Chesnaye, VP, Climate and Energy Strategy
Dr. de la Chesnaye is responsible for executive leadership, energy strategy, and business development at OnLocation. He has more than 25 years of experience implementing initiatives in the private sector, non-profit organizations, and national governments related to climate change, energy systems, and environmental sustainability.
Frances Wood, Senior Director of Analysis
Ms. Wood has over 40 years of energy and environmental consulting experience. She is a recognized expert in the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS) and has performed policy analyses using a variety of integrated energy models (including NEMS) to provide comprehensive representations of the energy market.
Hao Deng, Senior Consultant, Buildings, OnLocation
Dr. Deng has extensive experience in economic analysis at the intersection of energy, environment, and public health. His experience spans an array of empirical economic methodologies: He has built a dynamic structural demand model for the residential solar PV market; investigated the role of financing in the market development in California; and evaluated the effects of urbanization on air pollution in the U.S. since 1970 using results from an integrated assessment model.
Samaneh Babaee, Senior Consultant, Transportation, OnLocation
Dr. Babaee has over 12 years of research and expertise in techno-economic, environmental, and policy analysis of energy systems and clean energy technology assessment. The primary focus of her work has been on the application of energy-economic optimization models to assess a range of critical issues, including energy consumption and fuel prices, technology innovation, air pollution and greenhouse gasses (GHGs), energy policies, and climate mitigation goals.
Sharon Showalter, Associate Director, Report Lead
Ms. Showalter has over 35 years of experience in data analysis, computer modeling, and project management focused on analyzing energy and environmental policies with a special emphasis on U.S. climate mitigation policies and the electric power sector.
Maria Lopez Moreno, Program Coordinator
Ms. Lopez experiences have honed her consultancy and project management skills, allowing her to provide critical decision support for diverse stakeholders. Her professional, educational, and volunteer experiences have deepened her commitment to sustainability and community impact.
Andrew Simler, Program Analyst, Data Visualization
Mr. Simler has a BA in Physics from Reed College and is experienced in the use of computer programming to support scientific investigations. He supports research and modeling for projects including climate impacts and is actively supporting OnLocation’s development of the Critical Material Conversion Module.
Jasmine Sirko, Director of Budget & Operations
Dr. Sirko is responsible for budgeting, planning, operations, systems, and administration at OnLocation. She is a skilled administrator with experience in the public, non-profit, and private sectors.
Less Goudarzi, Strategic Advisor
For the past 40+ years, Mr. Goudarzi has helped public and private sector clients create the quantitative tools required to address structural and regulatory challenges in the energy industry. His current focus is on the technological challenges associated with sustainable systems and how IoT, 5G (terrestrial/satellite-based internet), and AI will change the way economies work and their potential to transform how cities and governments approach and plan for energy futures.