Aug

12

This is not going to end well:

59 GW in data center load seeking to connect to Oncor’s system: CEO

Nearly three-fourths of new interconnection requests are coming from data centers, Oncor officials said.

FWIW:

59 GW ˜ 50 nuclear power plants.
80 GW ˜ 65 nuclear power plants.

1 new nuclear plant - about 15 years to build one.

Conclusion:

If these loads connect to the grid as planned, expect sizeable investments in natural gas and combined-cycle gas turbines. Turbines may share the same real estate as data centers and avoid utility costs.

I expect to see development near the Texas Waha hub (Waha prices tend to be lower than Henry Hub), or if not on or near Waha, on a pipeline connected to Waha.

CCGT strategies may work in the short term. However, history suggests they could be financially problematic for turbine owners in the long term.

Humbert H. writes:

Next gen data centers are expected to have about 18% lower in overall energy consumption. Next gen would mean it is likely happening in a couple of years. It doesn't quite move the needle in the percentage sense. But every bit helps. Let me quote what Wayne Gretzky once said, "Focus on where the puck will be at, not where the puck is at."


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