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Industry

U.S. power grid key equipment \'transformer\' in short supply; import reliance 80 percent, lead times up to 5 years

The U.S. hydropower industry is struggling to replace and upgrade equipment due to difficulties procuring large power transformers, a report said. The analysis by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory identified nine key issues, including about 80 percent import reliance for critical raw materials and limited global capacity for ultra-high-voltage transformers. Lead times range from 2.5 to 3 years and can reach 5 years, while prices have risen about 80 percent since 2021.

Crypto

Bitcoin miners face U.S. grid test as power demand rises, flexibility proof key by 2027

As U.S. electricity demand climbs through 2027, bitcoin mining firms are being tested on whether they can act as flexible loads that reduce consumption when supply is tight, rather than simply large users of power. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts consumption rising from 4.195 trillion kWh in 2025 to 4.399 trillion kWh in 2027, driven by AI data centres, crypto operations and electrification. Texas grid operator ERCOT runs voluntary curtailment deals, but flexibility can weaken when mining profitability rises.

AI & Enterprise

Nvidia unveils hot-water cooling design to cut data centre water use

Nvidia unveiled a new hot-water, closed-loop cooling system it says can almost eliminate water use inside data centres by circulating coolant for the life of a facility. The system uses about 45 degrees Celsius coolant that exits around 55 degrees before being cooled externally and recirculated. Nvidia says suitable climates could cut on-site water use by 100%. The article says overall AI water use also depends on electricity generation and semiconductor manufacturing.