Emerald AI, a grid software startup, has launched the AI Energy Management Alliance (AEMA) in partnership with Google, Nvidia, and Anthropic. The coalition aims to integrate demand response programs into data center development to optimize electricity usage on the grid.
The initiative involves utility companies including AES, Constellation, National Grid, and NRG Energy. By pausing noncritical computing tasks or shifting workloads, the alliance believes it can enable the connection of an additional 100 gigawatts of data center capacity to the grid.
Emerald AI recently secured $150 million in a Series A funding round led by Energize Capital and DCVC. The company’s software facilitates direct communication between utilities and data centers, allowing for rapid adjustments to power demand similar to battery operations.
While the technology aims to reduce the immediate need for new power generation sources, it is not expected to eliminate the requirement entirely. The coalition also intends to assist tech firms and utilities in identifying new locations for data center construction.
