Ember finds limited data center load shifting potential

Ember has published a new analysis on data center flexibility and grid impacts, concluding that load shifting alone offers limited relief while onsite generation can provide greater grid support.

• Ember says only around 3% of global data center capacity can participate in load shifting by 2030, and in seven of nine markets studied the impact on peak demand would be only 0.1-0.6%.
• A case study of two Texas data centers, Stargate Abilene and Comanche Circle, found onsite generation could cut grid demand by up to 2.7 GW during peak hours versus 0.55 GW from load shifting; Ember also highlights gas, solar, and battery storage as behind-the-meter options and says regulation will determine which assets are built.