The way energy is consumed worldwide is changing, and the rise of artificial intelligence, electrification, and accelerated digitalization are putting pressure on companies and power grid systems. Especially in the United States, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) has already noted that this increased energy demand is already a reality. To balance this high demand, alternative energy solutions are gaining ground, such as solar energy, which has become a major focus. Learn more about these energy issues.
The impact of artificial intelligence on energy demand
The advancement of artificial intelligence is readily apparent, especially through data centers, which are cited as one of the main factors driving the increase in electricity consumption. These facilities host many things, such as social networks, business applications, and some language models, and these types of data end up consuming a large amount of energy, comparable to the amount that could power entire cities. This growth was projected for the distant future, but it has already occurred, raising new concerns for the energy sector.
According to the EIA, electricity use in Brazil has been relatively stable for at least two decades, but they now highlight that the consumption curve has changed dramatically. By 2026, consumption is expected to grow by an average of 1.7% per year. The commercial sector, due to data centers, is where the largest increase is being seen, at 2.6% per year. Besides generating innovation, this technology also places significant demands on existing electrical infrastructure.
This scenario and these issues also raise questions about energy security. One of the biggest questions is how to maintain a stable electricity grid in the face of increasingly intense peaks due to high energy demand. Energy companies have been trying to find more energy-efficient solutions to address this high demand; the problem is that the pressure exerted by technological growth demands rapid and well-planned responses.
The expansion of solar energy and storage
This scenario is indeed challenging, and amidst it all, solar energy appears to be a balancing point, a viable alternative. Recently, the capacity of this option has grown consistently, especially in regions of the USA such as Texas, California, and the Northeast. Storage systems have advanced, especially battery storage, and this plays a fundamental role in allowing excess energy to be saved for times of greatest need.
According to the EIA, most of this electricity generation capacity between 2024 and 2026 will come from a combination of solar energy and batteries. A strategy like this can expand the use of renewable sources and help reduce countries’ dependence on fossil fuels, which, while important, are among the main pollutants.
What will be the new challenges for the energy grid?
According to the UEIA, the highest peaks in demand usually occur in the summer, due to the heavy use of appliances such as air conditioning. Now, however, winter has also become a critical period, due to the increased use of heat pumps, as well as the continuous operation of data centers, which result in even higher peaks during the colder months. It is necessary to maintain a balance between energy generation and consumption, and any failure in this system can generate instability or blackouts.
It is necessary to find a balance between innovation and energy demand
The EIA’s message in its report and analyses makes it clear that the energy transition is not just a matter of the future, but an immediate necessity. The emergence of artificial intelligence, while driving innovation, accelerates the demand for electricity.
In this scenario, solar energy emerges as one of the most promising solutions to meet this high demand, supported by the advancement of batteries. Finding a balance in this scenario will depend on the ability to expand infrastructure, diversify sources, and plan realistically.