Power technology firm Schneider Electric has joined the Electric Power Research Institute’s (EPRI) DCFlex initiative.
DCFlex was launched in October last year and aims to explore how data centers can support the electric grid, enable better asset utilization, and support the clean energy transition.
The initiative is expected to last three years. It aims to deploy five to ten large-scale flexibility hubs, each serving as a living laboratory to showcase innovative strategies for integrating data centers with the grid under various conditions.
Initial deployments are slated for early 2025, with testing anticipated through 2027.
"We are committed to bringing our unique perspective and deep domain expertise in data centers and grid modernization to the EPRI DCFlex initiative. Together we will build collaborative solutions that enable our communities to advance to their full potential," said Ruben Llanes, CEO of Digital Grid, Schneider Electric.
The initiative already includes more than 40 members, including major US utilities such as Constellation Energy, Duke Energy, and Southern Company. In addition, it includes some of the biggest names in the data center industry, including, Google, Meta, and Nvidia.
"Flexible data center design and operation is a key strategy for accelerating AI development and realizing its benefits while minimizing costs, lowering carbon emissions, and enhancing system reliability," said EPRI CEO Arshad Mansoor.
The formation of the initiative followed concerns that the rising energy demand from artificial intelligence could potentially overwhelm the US grid.
