The Digital Press

AI training in large data centers causes rapid, large power spikes that can strain the electrical grid, prompting companies to adopt supercapacitors to smooth energy demand. These supercapacitor banks charge and discharge quickly, helping stabilize power usage without degrading like batteries.

Why it matters: Supercapacitors reduce stress on power grids from AI's bursty energy use, improving reliability and efficiency.

The big picture: As AI models grow 10-100x larger, managing their fluctuating power needs becomes crucial for sustainable data center operation and renewable energy integration.

The other side: Batteries degrade with rapid cycling, and dummy calculations waste energy; supercapacitors offer a more durable, efficient alternative for short-term power smoothing.

Commenters say: Some question if AI load spikes are truly grid-threatening versus other industrial loads, and debate whether supercapacitors or other tech better fit this niche.