Solar Energy Growth Addresses Data Center Power Consumption

Data centers' escalating energy demands are prompting a surge in solar energy development. By 2028, data centers could consume 10% of commercial grid power. Cooling alone accounts for up to half of a data center's energy use, driven by AI and cryptocurrency operations. Projections indicate data center power needs may reach 500 TWh within three years. This increase raises concerns about grid stability and community impact, necessitating sustainable energy solutions. Solar farms offer a viable response, with renewable energy expected to increase to 35% of total grid capacity by 2028, up from 30% in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Solar energy is predicted to lead this growth. However, solar farm construction faces civil engineering hurdles and labor shortages. Automation, specifically physical AI, offers a solution by enhancing operational efficiency, improving safety, and reducing reliance on extensive manual labor. Companies like Xpanner are applying automation to construction projects, aiming for faster and more sustainable outcomes. Their CEO, Henri Lee, envisions physical AI transforming construction to support the digital infrastructure demands. This shift establishes a foundation for meeting the rising power needs of data centers.