国泰海通｜煤炭：美国AI电力供给：破局“不可能三角”Global Energy Perspectives Series

Core Insights - The article emphasizes that the electricity shortage in the United States is becoming a clear and certain fact, expected to expand before 2030, leading to a clearer investment logic in the industry [1] - A systematic solution for the power supply side is deemed necessary, focusing on natural gas (including CCGT and OCGT small gas turbines), wind and solar storage, with coal power serving as a backup solution [1] - The article discusses the impact of AI on the electricity system, highlighting a trade-off between reliability, decarbonization, and the demands of data center customers [1][2] Group 1: Electricity Supply and Demand - The current energy system in the U.S. has shifted to a dominance of natural gas and clean energy, with coal power accounting for less than 15% [2] - The aging electricity grid, exceeding an average lifespan of 40 years, lacks sufficient baseload capacity to meet expected peak demand growth, leading to regional disconnections [2] - A multi-source collaborative approach is necessary to address the future electricity shortage in the U.S. [2] Group 2: 2030 Electricity Supply Balance - The projected electricity supply balance for 2030 indicates that wind and solar storage will contribute approximately 40% of new electricity generation, although economic challenges in large-scale storage remain [3] - Natural gas is identified as the core contributor to grid reliability and electricity generation, but CCGT may face production bottlenecks [3] - Coal power is expected to decline but will act as a stabilizing force in the energy system [3]