First-of-its-kind coalition aims to transform data centers into flexible assets for the power grid to unlock power for AI innovation, strengthen reliability of the grid, and protect energy affordability for communities.
WASHINGTON, September 16, 2026–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, Emerald AI, Google, and NVIDIA announced the launch of the AI Energy Management Alliance (AEMA). Led by founding members representing the full AI stack, AEMA advances flexible AI data centers that are good citizens on the electricity grid, dynamically adjusting their power draw to provide relief during periods of peak grid stress.
The founding members are joined by a group of 18 launch partners, spanning AI and semiconductor leaders, such as Anthropic and Analog Devices, and utility and power leaders, such as National Grid, AES, RWE, Constellation, and NRG. Together, the membership will develop diverse approaches to power-flexible AI to unlock power capacity on today’s underutilized power grid, improve its reliability, and promote affordability by better using the grid we already have.
As the United States rapidly builds out data center infrastructure, the primary limiting factor for deployment is no longer capital or silicon; it is power. Traditional grid interconnection processes designed for flat, static electricity demand are too slow and rigid to meet today’s unprecedented surge in power demand. AEMA will promote accelerated interconnections across the United States for flexible, grid-enhancing data centers using a diverse range of demand management technologies including colocated generation, storage, computational flexibility, and other approaches to dynamically respond to the grid’s needs and better utilize the existing power system. By championing policies that recognize and value flexible AI demand, AEMA supports the nation’s competitiveness in AI innovation and deployment while strengthening grid reliability and protecting energy affordability for ratepayers.
“The most effective way to accelerate American AI is to make every data center a good citizen of the grid,” said Dr. Varun Sivaram, CEO of Emerald AI. “Data centers that flex their power use in response to peak grid stress can connect faster and at far greater scale, while the communities that host them gain a more reliable grid and protection from rising electricity bills. Emerald AI is proud to help found AEMA so the AI buildout strengthens both American competitiveness and the neighborhoods that power it.”
“Google is committed to investing in energy solutions that benefit everyone, and pioneering smarter ways to manage our demand turns data centers into dynamic grid allies that help power systems operate more efficiently and reliably,” said Tyler Norris, Head of Advanced Energy Market Innovation at Google. “Through AEMA, we look forward to continuing to scale demand flexibility—unlocking essential speed-to-power while protecting affordability for all energy consumers.”
