Can Data Centres Be the Solution to Grid Curtailment?

Synopsis

As renewable energy generation grows, grid curtailment wastes valuable clean energy. This session explores how data centres can function as flexible loads that strategically utilize curtailed renewable energy, creating a win-win solution for grid operators, renewable generators, and the digital economy.

• Co-location strategies pairing data centres with renewable generators to utilize curtailed power
• Flexible interconnection models enabling consumption of non-firm power during excess generation
• Case studies of “behind-the-meter” deployments converting wasted renewable energy into computing power
• Making AI workloads adaptable to variable renewable energy availability
• Battery integration enabling data centres to function as virtual power plants
• Economic models quantifying the value of data centre flexibility to grid stakeholders
• Regulatory innovations incentivizing data centres as grid balancing resources
• Strategic siting of data centres in regions with high renewable curtailment rates