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AI Data-Centre Boom Puts Power Grid Under Pressure
Electricity officials across India are grappling with the immense power demands of artificial intelligence infrastructure, warning that rapid expansion of data centres is straining power transmission networks. High energy consumption by large language models (LLMs) and fluctuating demand patterns across different time zones are complicating grid management. Regional power committees have noted rising costs for supervisory control and data acquisition systems, prompting calls for better planning and compliance measures to prevent grid instability.
Key Points
- The rapid growth of AI infrastructure and data centres is putting severe pressure on India's power transmission grid.
- Data centres consume substantially more power than conventional facilities and feature high constant loads with rapid ramping characteristics.
- Regional power committees have highlighted rising maintenance costs for grid monitoring and management systems.
- Experts emphasize that transmission investments must be carefully managed to avoid imposing a disproportionate financial burden on consumers.
Exam Facts
- NERPC stands for North-Eastern Regional Power Committee.
- Incremental demand from data centres is projected to range between one and two gigawatts per year.
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