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Amidst rising concerns over the AI boom's soaring energy needs, discussions at Climate Week have taken a hopeful turn. Earlier this year, revelations that data centers are expected to consume up to 9% of US power by 2030, double their current rate, spurred worries about potential emissions surges. However, energy executives and tech giants are now seen as crucial allies in financing clean energy initiatives.

Arshad Mansoor, CEO of the Electric Power Research Institute, emphasized the collaborative potential between the tech and energy sectors. "Having the tech and energy industries come together will actually accelerate the clean energy transition in the long run," Mansoor noted. The synergy arises from their shared financial risks and urgent mutual needs.

Big Tech's deep pockets are increasingly focused on addressing power infrastructure challenges. Notably, Microsoft and Constellation Energy unveiled a groundbreaking agreement to revive Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island nuclear power plant. Closed five years ago, the plant will now generate 835 megawatts of power exclusively for Microsoft over the next 20 years. Kathleen Barrón, Chief Strategy Officer at Constellation, revealed that the prospect of such a deal had seemed unthinkable until the AI boom changed the game.

Restarting Three Mile Island, costing Constellation $1.6 billion, sets a precedent for how data centers can secure energy without straining the existing grid or resorting to fossil fuels. The significant investment has already boosted Constellation’s share price by 22%. While the region’s households won’t benefit directly from this power, the model illustrates how similar projects could meet data center demands without compromising grid stability.

Looking ahead, upgrading existing nuclear and power transmission facilities can enhance capacity without the high costs and delays associated with building new plants. Utilities are also exploring demand response strategies with data centers, where centers shut down or switch to alternative power sources during peak demand, avoiding the need to invest in new gas plants.

Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized the importance of adding to the grid rather than depleting it, stressing that "additionality" must be a core principle in powering data centers. This approach is gaining support, with figures like Brian Deese, former White House economist, advocating for mandated additionality in such deals.

Despite the positive strides, replicating the Three Mile Island deal remains challenging due to various constraints, including the supply of uranium and regulatory issues. As renewables alone may not suffice for AI's baseline power needs, some increase in emissions seems unavoidable, with the possibility of new gas turbines being built to meet the demand.

In conclusion, while the AI boom brings unprecedented challenges to energy consumption, the collaborative efforts between tech giants and energy providers offer promising solutions towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.