Axis Energy Secures EPC Contract for 552 MWp Solar Project in India

Axis Energy has secured the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for a 552 MWp utility-scale solar power project. This project is situated in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, in India, and is being developed by Evren, a joint venture formed by Brookfield and Axis Energy. The commissioning of the solar facility is targeted for completion within the next 18 months.

The 552 MWp solar project is an integral component of a broader 400 MW wind-solar hybrid renewable energy project. This larger initiative incorporates battery energy storage systems (BESS) and is designed to connect to the state grid. Its primary objective is to supply renewable power during periods of peak demand.

In addition to the solar component, Axis Energy is also undertaking the EPC works for the wind segment of the project. This wind component has a capacity of 640.5 MW and is currently under construction. The combined efforts aim to enhance renewable energy generation and grid stability in the region.

KEPCO Engages in Final Talks to Resolve Dongseoul Substation Permitting Dispute

Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), the state-owned electric utility of South Korea, has initiated final-stage negotiations with both government representatives and local residents. These discussions aim to resolve a permitting dispute that has caused a two-year delay for the Dongseoul substation project, located in Hanam, Gyeonggi province.

The dispute resolution process involves a consultative body tasked with reviewing various aspects of the project. This body will reassess the proposed site selection and evaluate potential environmental impacts, including noise levels, low-frequency waves, electromagnetic fields, and heat. Following these assessments, final negotiations will take place, leading to a written agreement.

AI Data Centers Project to Account for 8% of Global Power Demand by 2030

Artificial intelligence (AI) data centers are expected to account for 8% of global power demand by 2030, according to projections from the International Energy Agency. The significant energy consumption is attributed to the processing demands of AI, particularly the training of large language models (LLMs) which rely on graphics processing units (GPUs). These GPUs generate substantial heat, necessitating intricate cooling systems that further increase energy and water usage.

A typical ChatGPT query consumes 0.32 ml of water, and the cumulative effect of billions of daily queries results in considerable water consumption. Data centers frequently use evaporative cooling, which leads to significant water loss. Alternatives such as liquid and immersion cooling, waste-heat recovery, and relocating data centers to less water-scarce regions are being explored to reduce the water footprint.

Experts suggest that while energy use cannot be entirely eliminated, it can be made cleaner. Requiring data centers to utilize non-polluting energy sources, including nuclear, solar, or hydro power, is proposed as a solution. Additionally, strategies like model compression and carbon-aware scheduling of AI systems could reduce computational load and energy draw. Regulation of AI use, potentially limiting model size or token count, is also considered a way to manage resource consumption.