Google signed two utility agreements with Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in order to curb data centers' power use at peak times, the tech giant announced on Monday.
Meeting AI’s energy needs efficiently and reliably presents a unique opportunity to modernize the company's entire energy system, according to a blog post by the company.
Google has been working to bring flexible demand capabilities into its data center fleet, which will enable shifting or reducing power demand during certain hours or times of the year.
"These capabilities, often referred to as demand response, have several advantages, especially as we continue to see electricity growth in the US and elsewhere," it said.
Flexible demand capabilities also allow large electricity loads like data centers to be interconnected more quickly, help reduce the need to build new transmission and power plants. And these capabilities enable grid operators more effectively and efficiently manage power grids.
The agreements represent a first for Google delivering data center demand response by targeting machine learning (ML) workloads.
"Google's ability to leverage load flexibility as part of the strategy to serve their load will be a highly valuable tool to meet their future energy needs," Steve Baker, president and chief operating officer of I&M, was quoted as saying.
By Ebru Sengul Cevrioglu
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr