Issue 7
Viewpoint
data centre · United States
Nvidia, Google and Emerald AI form alliance for flexible data center power use
Nvidia, Google and Emerald AI (according to one source, Anthropic as well) have launched the AI Energy Management Alliance, which would align data centers' power consumption with grid peak periods. The alliance aims, according to reports, to free up 100 GW of capacity; the news appeared on 16–18 September.
Who is affected and how
- energy specialist
- A data center that responds to grid conditions and shifts its load represents a new connection and operating model, which should be built into capacity planning.
- engineer
- The need for flexible consumption should already be taken into account when scheduling computing and cooling loads.
- supplier
- Demand is expected to grow for power-supply and control solutions that support grid-friendly operation.
energy · United States
FERC: US power grid still lags behind data center demand
The US federal energy regulator, FERC, says grid development is not keeping pace with the rapidly growing needs of AI data centers. The news is dated 14 September 2026.
energy specialistDelays in grid upgrades make it necessary to reassess connection plans and deadlines.plant managerWhen planning a new high-demand site or expansion, the time needed for grid connection must be factored in.energy · United StatesUS House passes bill on data center grid costs
On 16 September 2026 the US House of Representatives passed, by a wide margin, a bill aimed at protecting household electricity prices and improving grid planning amid the data center boom. According…
energy specialistA change in how grid-upgrade costs are allocated points to changes in data center connection fees and planning procedures.plant managerIndustrial consumers need to watch how electricity charges and the allocation of grid costs develop.investment · United StatesMoody's: US AI boom requires $110 billion of new power plants
Moody's estimates that the US AI boom requires $110 billion of new power generation capacity. Bloomberg reported on the analysis on 14 September 2026.
energy specialistThe substantial need for new generation capacity argues for speeding up investment and procurement plans.supplierThe wave of power plant investment points to rising demand for turbines, transformers and construction capacity.energy · globalNuclear power for AI: Alphabet investment, small modular reactors and a construction test
Alphabet is investing in nuclear energy to power AI data centers, and several analyses say the industry's challenge now is building at scale. Island Roadhouse Data Centers announced a 154 MW…
energy specialistBecause nuclear projects have long lead times, data center demand will have to be bridged with other sources in the short term.supplierModular reactor and data center projects could open new long-term supplier positions.Hungary
factoryBMW Debrecen plant: AI and robotics in the factory of the future, presented at AI Summit Budapestplant managerThe Debrecen example is a reference for introducing AI and robotics while keeping people at the centre.engineerIn data-driven manufacturing, data quality and connecting processes are the main engineering tasks.skilled workerThe human-centred approach points to broader operator tasks and a need for new skills.casePortfolio: the AI revolution may decide whether Hungary stays stuck in the development trapplant managerGiven the structure of Hungarian manufacturing, AI adoption is a question of productivity competitiveness.SME ownerBased on domestic industry data, it is worth examining which processes could see measurable efficiency gains from AI.factoryHyundai Mobis starts series production of PE systems in Nováky, SlovakiasupplierThe new Slovak production could bring new customer relationships and competition in the regional automotive supply chain.skilled workerThe start of series production may signal growing regional demand for electrical and automotive skilled workers.factorySTRIX 2026: Hungarian manufacturers no longer ask whether they use AIplant managerFor Hungarian manufacturers, the question has shifted from whether to use AI to how to adopt it and what it returns.SME ownerDomestic trade shows offer a good opportunity to compare AI vendors and solutions.
More key stories of the week
robotics · global
Universal Robots unveils Gen 7 cobot platform for industrial automation and physical AI
Universal Robots unveiled its seventh-generation robot platform, Gen 7, at the IMTS show in Chicago on 14 September 2026. The manufacturer says Gen 7 improves the user experience of cobots and moves…
plant managerBefore buying new cobots, compare Gen 7's capabilities with the cost of replacing or expanding the current fleet.engineerThe platform's AI integration options should be assessed when designing the next robot cells.SME ownerEasier cobot operation could lower the barrier to entry for smaller plants.data centre · United StatesData center power demand: uncertain forecasts and the risk of an AI slowdown
One analysis says forecasts of data center demand on the US grid rest largely on guesswork. Another article examines what an AI slowdown would mean for the $1 trillion data center buildout; a data…
energy specialistGiven uncertain demand forecasts, capacity expansion decisions need to be backed by scenarios.supplierVolatility in data center orders warrants caution in capacity and inventory planning.energy · United StatesWho pays for AI's power demand: utilities, consumers and data centers clash
Between 14 and 17 September, several analyses examined how data centers could pay for grid upgrades without leaving household consumers worse off. Elon Musk claims that data centers lower consumer…
energy specialistHow cost-sharing rules develop will shape the design of tariffs and large-customer contracts.plant managerThe make-up of industrial electricity charges may change if the allocation of data center costs is reshuffled.data centre · United StatesNew York data centre moratorium sparks debate as Ontario and British Columbia municipalities weigh AI data centres
New York's new data centre moratorium has prompted debate, while municipalities in Ontario and British Columbia are grappling with newly arriving AI data centres (September 15–16). Analyses say…
energy specialistLocal moratoriums and permitting disputes make the timing of data centre grid connection requests less predictable.supplierDelays or halts to projects affect orders for construction and equipment supply.robotics · globalGoldman Sachs raises 2035 humanoid robot forecast to 6.5 million as Agibot leads shipments
Goldman Sachs raised its 2035 humanoid robot forecast to 6.5 million units, five times its earlier estimate, and Agibot took the lead in global humanoid shipments in the first half of 2026. Reports…
plant managerUsing humanoid robots on the production line is an increasingly realistic option; it is worth planning a pilot for specific tasks.supplierHumanoid robots' demand for components and cabling represents a new, fast-growing supplier segment.engineerIntegrating humanoid platforms requires new safety and control competencies.case · globalManufacturers' AI adoption held back by fragmented IT/OT data and poorly defined projects
According to IndustryWeek, manufacturers are experimenting aggressively with AI, but fragmented IT, OT and IoT data hinders scaling. Other analyses say automation project failures often stem from…
plant managerBefore starting an AI project, organising the data and defining the problem precisely matter more than the choice of technology.engineerUnifying IT, OT and IoT data is a precondition for scaling agentic AI.SME ownerSmaller plants should start with a small, well-defined process problem.supply chain · globalGartner identifies four AI trends set to reshape warehouse work
On 16–17 September 2026, Gartner named four types of AI that are reshaping warehousing for supply chain leaders. The analysis addresses how warehouse work is being reorganised and where to set…
logistics specialistThe four trends allow warehouse AI investments to be re-prioritised.skilled workerThe AI-supported transformation of warehouse tasks creates a new need for training.case · globalPredictive maintenance pays off where sensors, failure history and a CMMS loop are in place; Fleetio and RTX report AI results
One analysis finds that predictive maintenance pays off when sensors, failure history and a CMMS loop are in place. Early data from Fleetio suggests its AI Service Advisor speeds up repairs by 2.5…
plant managerBefore launching predictive maintenance, check that the data foundations (sensors, failure history, CMMS) are in place.engineerScale a pilot to fleet level only if it is connected to the maintenance system.logistics specialistFaster fleet repairs could help raise vehicle utilisation.datacentre · United KingdomScotland halts approvals of giant AI data centres as petition against expansion launched in Slough
Scotland is halting approvals of new giant AI data centres over environmental concerns (Euronews, September 17). According to the BBC, more than 500 people in Slough signed a petition against data…
energy specialistTighter UK permitting makes connection planning for power- and water-intensive projects less certain.supplierSuppliers should expect delays to UK orders tied to data centre construction projects.factory · United StatesCrusoe opens second Tulsa factory for AI infrastructure components
Crusoe opened its second manufacturing facility in Tulsa on 14 September 2026, expanding production of key AI infrastructure components. The move shows the supply chain for data center construction…
supplierIntegrating data center component manufacturing could narrow or reshuffle the market for external suppliers.skilled workerThe new plant's production capacity and jobs point to rising demand for trades tied to building AI infrastructure.energy · United StatesAWS launches agentic grid planning program to speed up interconnection studies
AWS launched its Agentic Grid Planning program on 17 September 2026 to speed up interconnection studies. The initiative uses AI tools to address the bottleneck in grid interconnection queues.
energy specialistAI-assisted interconnection studies could shorten permitting lead times, so it is worth assessing which processes can be automated.engineerAgent-based support for grid planning workflows brings new software and data-quality requirements.data centre · globalAI data centres turn to 'forever chemicals' for cooling, driving a PFAS boom
AI data centres are increasingly turning to PFAS-containing coolants to cut water use, fuelling a PFAS boom (September 14–18, 2026). Campaigners warn of a "tidal wave" of PFAS.
engineerCooling system design must weigh water savings against PFAS regulatory risk.supplierPFAS-based coolants may carry regulatory and reputational risk.In brief
energyUS data centers could burn more natural gas than many countriesenergy specialistThe spread of gas-fired on-site generation brings new permitting and community-acceptance risks.plant managerThe data center wave that is raising gas demand may affect energy prices.investmentBillion-euro data centre investments announced in Finland and GreecesupplierThe market for cooling, electrical and simulation services tied to European data centre construction is growing.energy specialistLarge projects in northern and southern Europe increase the need to expand local grid and generation capacity.roboticsSkild AI reaches $100 million in annual recurring revenue after 10 monthsplant managerGeneral-purpose robot-control AI is now commercially available; it is worth assessing deployment options.engineerIntegrating robot foundation models means data and training work rather than traditional programming.investmentHoltec pulls $900 million nuclear IPO as AI bubble fears spreadenergy specialistThe financing risk of nuclear capacity expansions should be priced into long-term supply plans.supplierDelays or postponements of nuclear projects may require suppliers to reassess their order forecasts.automationSiemens and P&G scale AI-based quality inspection across global productionplant managerScaling visual AI inspection across multiple sites is a reference for extending pilots to the production line.engineerTransferring models between different plants requires a uniform data and validation procedure.skilled workerAutomating quality inspection shifts operators' tasks toward handling deviations.supply chainDHL and Alibaba to work on AI-based freight tools for small businessesSME ownerAI-based freight tools could help with comparing quotes and choosing carriers; their rollout should be monitored.logistics specialistThe new tools could also reshape freight-booking and pricing processes.surveyUS semiconductor industry could face a shortfall of up to 157,000 workersskilled workerDemand in chipmaking is high, so skilled technicians and operators are in a strong position.plant managerBecause of the talent shortage, recruitment and training programs must now be planned together with capacity expansion.engineerIn a tight labor market, retaining engineering expertise is a strategic issue.investmentOracle invests in more than 1.7 GW of carbon-free power in Texas for AIenergy specialistLarge-buyer procurement can trigger financing of new projects, a market opportunity for generators.supplierRenewable and grid capacity expansion generates demand for related equipment and services.data centreAnthropic is anchor tenant for a Queensland data centre that would use a quarter of the state's powerenergy specialistA single load of this size would require a comprehensive reassessment of regional grid and generation capacity.supplierIf built, the project could bring substantial construction and energy infrastructure orders, but the decision remains open.surveyAI adoption in utilities: Avangrid, Itron and an industry surveyenergy specialistWith utilities adopting AI tools, grid data quality and deployment tailored to workflows become decisive.engineerApplications built on data collected at the grid edge bring new measurement and data integration tasks.energyRegional grid strains: Northwest, Iowa and California wildfire riskenergy specialistIn regional grid development plans, wildfire risk is a planning factor alongside data center demand.plant managerGrid bottlenecks affect the siting of new plants differently from region to region.data centreAI data centres' water and power demand: upstream water use, Johor and Indiaenergy specialistWater demand also shows up in power generation, so capacity planning should assess water risk too.engineerWhen choosing cooling solutions, the trade-off between water and electricity use should be quantified.caseNew York to begin monitoring utilities' use of AIenergy specialistOversight of utilities' AI use may foreshadow documentation and transparency expectations.supplierSuppliers of AI solutions to utilities must expect auditability requirements.energyAI energy management tools for large consumers and data centersenergy specialistAt large-load sites, AI-based load management tools can help manage peak charges and grid constraints.plant managerAutomating energy management is a cost-cutting opportunity in power-intensive plants.automationSiemens and Salesforce bring AI and digital twins into manufacturing workflowsplant managerConnecting sales and service data with production data may shorten the lead time between manufacturing and customer service.SME ownerFollowing manufacturer–software vendor integrations helps modernise one's own service and sales processes.factoryAI-optimised production lines and factory openings: electrolyzer line, Delta at SEMICON India, Isembard in Londonplant managerAI-optimised production lines and digital twins offer a model for speeding up line tuning.engineerCombining digital twins with production-line learning is a new approach to process improvement.energyZach Dell bets on battery fleet and new generation models to ease AI power crunchenergy specialistStorage and flexibility solutions offer quick capacity additions despite grid constraints.SME ownerThe energy storage and flexibility market may open new service opportunities for smaller energy businesses.investmentIndustrial AI draws capital and funding: CADDi, European investment and an Austrian callSME ownerGiven industrial AI grant funding and investor interest, it is worth mapping the available support options.supplierCapital raising speeds the market entry of industrial AI providers, meaning new partners and competitors appear.data centreCutting AI data centres' energy use: supercapacitors, cooling and in-house chipsengineerEnergy storage, cooling and in-house chip solutions add a new consideration to data centre design.supplierThe opening of the supercapacitor market creates new opportunities for component makers.automationIMTS 2026: robots, AI and automation solutions take over McCormick Placeplant managerBased on the automation cells on display, machining plants can compare expansion and compact solutions.SME ownerAutomation with a smaller footprint may be relevant when expanding the machine park of small workshops.energyBrookhaven Lab to lead $14 million AI project to modernize US electric grid under Genesis Missionenergy specialistResults of the grid AI research may later appear in operational tools, so the project is worth following.engineerThe research points toward grid modeling and data-driven planning.energyIndia: data centre boom drives renewable energy, nuclear law opens new opportunitiesenergy specialistRising data centre demand in India is driving expansion of renewable generation and nuclear projects.supplierIndia's renewable and nuclear expansion offers opportunities for equipment and services exports.investmentSK Innovation to become an AI energy solutions companyenergy specialistEnergy companies' turn toward AI opens new service and partnership opportunities.supplierThe transformation may mean a new customer profile and new product demand for energy-sector suppliers.roboticsGeekplus opens European warehouse robotics lab in Düsseldorflogistics specialistLocal demonstration and testing facilities make it easier to try out and compare warehouse robots.SME ownerA European presence brings supplier support closer to mid-sized warehouses.automationKenco innovation lab showcases GreyOrange's AI-powered warehouse orchestrationlogistics specialistThe orchestration showcase offers a reference point for coordinating robot fleets with the warehouse management system.factoryFoxconn designed its Houston AI factory in Nvidia Omniverse, forms robotics joint ventureengineerDesigning the plant in a digital twin is a reference for pre-installation simulation practice.supplierThe electronics maker's robotics expansion opens new cooperation and supply opportunities.automationRockwell Automation joins Anthropic's Project Glasswing cyber defense initiativeengineerAI-assisted vulnerability discovery in industrial control systems can be built into OT security processes.plant managerOT cyber defense is part of production continuity, so it is worth requesting security commitments from suppliers.supply chainAuto suppliers and AI: commercial processes, waste reduction and value recoverysupplierFast, accurate data access can give a competitive edge in quoting and in negotiations with customers.logistics specialistAI-based waste and value recovery can reduce supply chain costs.data centreHuawei presents grid-interactive AI data centre built around tokens per wattenergy specialistGrid-interactive data centres can provide flexibility services, which should be built into grid plans.engineerEnergy efficiency metrics such as tokens per watt are becoming new considerations in system design.roboticsEmbodied AI launches robotic workforce to address Europe's manufacturing crisisplant managerFor robotic answers to labour shortages, ask for evidence tailored to the specific factory task.SME ownerNew robot services may offer an alternative for coping with labour shortages; evaluate them on the basis of references.supply chainNvidia and Palantir share first results of AI-run critical supply chain projectlogistics specialistThe project is a reference for using AI in supply chain planning while keeping human approval in the process.automationChina's Pony.ai unveils latest robotruck model, targets European saleslogistics specialistThe arrival of autonomous trucks in Europe will, over the longer term, affect planning of haulage capacity and costs.supplierThe new entrant could also reshuffle automotive and sensor supplier chains.roboticsCaterpillar and FieldAI target AI-driven quarry operationsplant managerQuarry autonomy pilots show the risks and returns of automating heavy-equipment fleets.engineerCombining physical AI and digital twins creates new integration tasks for off-road vehicles.caseDaimler Truck: diesel price spike is delaying fleet renewallogistics specialistPostponed fleet renewal affects vehicle fleet costs and transport capacity planning.SME ownerGiven diesel price swings, hauliers should recalculate the payback of vehicle replacements.automationAutobrains targets autonomous driving's next hurdle: scaling from city to cityengineerDriving models that generalise across cities widen the range of testing and validation tasks.factoryForge Nano expands partnership with battery AI software firm VoltaiqengineerAI software support in battery manufacturing is worth following in process development.caseIndustrial AI in oil and gas: field development scenarios and a Samruk-Kazyna statementengineerAI-based field development scenarios signal a transformation of planning and simulation workflows.energy specialistAI use in oil and gas also affects supply and production planning.