国泰海通｜电新：Fluence正洽谈超30GWh的AIDC配储，AIDC配储星辰大海

Core Viewpoint - The development of AIDC may exacerbate electricity shortages in the U.S., with data center energy storage serving as a potential solution. Fluence is negotiating over 30 GWh of AIDC energy storage projects, indicating a significant emerging market opportunity [2][3]. Group 1: AIDC Development and Energy Demand - AIDC's high energy consumption could lead to increased electricity shortages in the U.S. According to the DOE, U.S. data centers consumed 176 TWh in 2023, accounting for 4.4% of total electricity consumption. The demand for electricity from data centers is expected to grow annually by 13%-27% from 2023 to 2028, potentially reaching 325-580 TWh by 2028, which would increase their share of total U.S. electricity consumption to 6.7%-12% [2][3]. - If 50 GW of new data centers are added by 2030, the projected electricity gap in the U.S. could reach 23 GW, and this gap would be larger when considering the retirement of existing power plants [2]. Group 2: Short-term and Long-term Solutions - In the short term, energy storage can help data centers manage peak load and frequency regulation, which is crucial given the aging U.S. power grid. The interconnection process for data centers can take several years, with estimates of about 3 years in Chicago and 7 years in Virginia [3]. - Long-term, solar and storage solutions may evolve into self-sufficient power sources for data centers. Currently, gas turbines are the mainstream solution, but their supply chain can take over 3 years. In contrast, solar storage has already demonstrated economic viability and offers advantages in interconnection timelines compared to gas turbines [3].