When to colocate data centers with generation

In this episode of Catalyst, Shayle Kann interviews Brian Janous about the trend of co-locating power generation with data centers. They discuss the power requirements of data centers, the traditional grid connection paradigm, and the arguments for and against on-site power generation, including speed to power and matching generation with load. Janous argues that the focus should be on solving summer and winter peaks rather than matching 24/7 generation to 24/7 load, suggesting that flexibility, grid-enhancing technologies, and virtual power plants can provide solutions. They also explore the potential of demand response programs and various resources like batteries and on-site generation to reduce interconnect limits, while also touching upon the impracticality of on-site nuclear power for data centers in the near future.