Session 3: Data Center Solutions - What’s Emerging in MN & Across the U.S.

The Energy Foundation Minnesota team developed a series of six 60-minute, Zoom-based briefings on electric load growth. The briefings are envisioned as a 101-level point-of-entry for those who are looking for an introduction to the topic and deeper dives on five key solutions.

Session 3: Data Center Solutions - What’s Emerging in MN & Across the U.S.

In this briefing, Matt Malinowski of ACEEE will enrich our understanding of the role data centers are playing in growing energy demand. Then, we’ll sketch out some of the state-based solutions that are being considered and becoming law. To go deeper on this topic, we’ll focus on demand growth rather than water, environment, jobs, or revenue impacts. 

• Pre-Reading: Turning Data Centers into Grid and Regional Assets: Considerations and Recommendations for the Federal Government, State Policymakers, and Utility Regulators

• Pre-Reading: Future-Proof AI Data Centers, Grid Reliability, and Affordable Energy: Recommendations for States

Series Sessions:

• 7/8 Introduction to Electric Load Growth in Minnesota
• 7/17 Virtual Power Plants - What’s Next for MN
• 7/24 Data Center Solutions - What’s Emerging in MN & Across the U.S.
• 7/31 Thermal Energy Networks - Digging Deep for MN
• 8/5 Industrial Decarbonization - Promising Directions for MN
• 8/12 Grid Solutions for Load Growth - How MN Can Lead

Access updates to the pre-reading and session descriptions.