Powering Data Centers with Clean Energy
Summary
Report on ensuring data centers use clean energy, addressinggrid challenges, and advocating for policies to mitigate fossil fuel dependence and ratepayer risks.
Key quotes
"The explosive growth of data centers is transforming the U.S. energy sector, and nowhere is this shift more pronounced than here in the Midwest."
"Data centers were responsible for 4.4% of all U.S. energy consumption in 2023 — more than the entire state of New York."
"Meeting growing demand for electricity doesn’t have to mean building more power plants."
This report by the Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) explores the challenges and opportunities posed by the rapid expansion of data centers, which now account for a significant and growing share of U.S. energy consumption. ELPC discusses strategies like energy efficiency, flexible grid solutions, and clean energy sourcing to ensure data centers are powered sustainably without harming the grid or ratepayers. The document highlights specific initiatives, such as advocating for ‘Clean Transition Tariffs’ and working with utility commissions in states like Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana to implement equitable policies.