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Even if all EVs were charged at home, the grid would still face significant challenges. The total energy throughput is anticipated to triple by 2050, driven by not just EVs but also increasing reliance on heat pumps and AI technologies. "We need a lot more wires and a lot more electrons going through them," explained Sith, underlining the two distinct but concomitant needs for both infrastructure and energy supply.
AI's Power Hunger
AI is no small player in this energy demand scenario. For instance, Giga Texas is doubling its switchyard size to accommodate 500 megawatts of power for AI operations alone. The grid’s resilience hangs in the balance as the number of hungry technologies multiplies.