U.S. Power Grid Faces Blackout Surge by 2030
Trump Report Links AI Demand, Plant Closures to Energy Crisis
America’s power grid is at risk as blackouts could double by 2030, a Trump administration report warns, driven by soaring AI data center demand and coal and gas plant closures. The Energy Department projects a 100% outage surge if retirements continue without replacements, threatening economic growth and security. “Staying on the present course would undermine U.S. economic growth, national security, and leadership in emerging technologies,” it stated.
President Trump’s energy policy prioritizes reliable coal and gas over renewables, which the report calls inconsistent. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said, “If we are going to keep the lights on, win the AI race, and keep electricity prices from skyrocketing, the United States must unleash American energy.” Emergency orders have extended coal plant operations, like Michigan’s J.H. Campbell, preserving 1,560 MW for peak demand.
AI data centers will consume 9% of U.S. electricity by 2030, up from 4% in 2023. Meanwhile, solar, despite adding 30 GW in 2024 (60% of new capacity), can’t match coal’s reliability. About 80-100 GW of generation—equivalent to 100 small nuclear reactors—faces retirement by 2030, risking outages when weather limits renewables.
Trump’s $3.4 trillion fiscal package cut renewable tax credits, reversing prior green policies to focus on grid stability. With China leveraging all energy sources, America’s AI edge hinges on affordable, reliable power. The solution: halt premature plant closures, streamline new projects, and prioritize energy security over climate goals.
This story originally appeared on Bloomberg.