DigiTimes 称美国 AI 数据中心电力缺口催生太阳能、天然气、储能、燃料电池与地热混合供电机会，并点名 Bloom Energy 与台达电

The rapid expansion of AI data centers in the US is placing growing pressure on conventional power grids, as their substantial and highly variable electricity requirements strain available supply in certain regions. Power shortages have even delayed the construction of some AI data center projects.

Supply chain sources said the widening electricity supply gap is creating new opportunities for solar power and other energy technologies. Hybrid power systems combining solar installations, natural gas generators, and alternative energy sources have emerged as an important option for some US AI data center operators seeking to address electricity shortages.
Remote data center locations accelerate demand for on-site generation
US supply chain sources explained that developing AI data centers in urban areas presents challenges, including complicated approval procedures and relatively high land costs.
Consequently, developers often favor suburban or remote locations where land is cheaper and larger sites are available. However, these areas frequently lack sufficient grid infrastructure and electricity supply capacity, making on-site power generation an increasingly important option for certain projects.
At remote sites with ample available land, operators typically rely on natural gas generators to provide a stable electricity supply, supplemented by large-scale solar installations to increase the share of clean energy.
Natural gas generation generally produces fewer carbon emissions than coal-fired power plants. Combining natural gas and solar power can therefore improve supply flexibility while reducing dependence on existing electricity grids.
Energy storage systems can further compensate for the intermittent nature of solar generation and help manage fluctuations in electricity demand caused by changing AI computing workloads.
Fuel cells and geothermal expand hybrid energy options
Taiwanese supply chain sources added that technologies beyond solar and natural gas are also being considered to meet the substantial electricity requirements of AI data centers.
These include solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), which can generate electricity using hydrogen produced through natural gas reforming, and geothermal power, which has attracted growing market attention in recent years.
Citing fuel cell technologies being developed by US-based Bloom Energy and Taiwan's Delta Electronics, industry sources noted that fuel cells generate electricity through electrochemical reactions rather than conventional combustion-based processes.
Their relatively compact footprint also makes them a potential source of high-power-density electricity for projects facing land constraints.
Meanwhile, geothermal energy offers a more stable and continuous electricity supply, allowing it to complement intermittent solar generation.
Integrating geothermal power into regional microgrids could further improve electricity supply reliability while helping reduce carbon emissions.
Energy storage is also becoming an increasingly important component of AI data center power supply systems.
US manufacturing and subsidy rules create opportunities for Taiwanese suppliers
As AI data center-related electricity demand generates new business opportunities, manufacturers are also paying closer attention to US domestic manufacturing requirements and eligibility criteria for government incentives.
US and Taiwanese industry sources said relevant regulations include FIAG/NON-FIAG classifications and restrictions concerning foreign entities of concern (FEOCs).
Products must comply with applicable domestic manufacturing content requirements, while certain regulations also address ownership stakes held by entities associated with designated foreign countries, including China.
US regulatory reviews may additionally examine the origins of core technologies, effective corporate control, and supply chain sourcing.
For solar power installations and solar tracking systems, components such as steel, galvanized steel pipes, inverters, and communication chips may also be subject to country-of-origin, manufacturing-location, or other policy eligibility requirements.
Industry sources said some Chinese-backed manufacturers have withdrawn from the US market because of difficulties meeting these requirements.
Their departure is creating additional partnership and order opportunities for Taiwanese suppliers with non-Chinese ownership structures and established manufacturing capabilities.