Post #4116996

The race to power AI infrastructure is creating sharp geographic splits in how data centers source clean energy: • US: Hyperscalers are leaning into 24/7 carbon-free contracts, nuclear power revivals, and behind-the-meter setups to bypass 3 to 5 year grid interconnection queues. • Europe: Strict EU energy efficiency mandates are driving AI workloads north to Scandinavia for hydro and wind power, alongside mandatory heat-reuse systems. • China: The state-directed "East Data, West Computing" strategy redirects offline compute to massive wind and solar hubs in western desert provinces via dedicated direct-supply microgrids. Source: International Energy Agency (IEA) 2026 Energy and AI Report https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai