Volts For data centers, a little flexibility goes a long way
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Mar 25, 2026 
Jesse Jenkins, Princeton energy researcher focused on power-system modeling and decarbonization, and Astrid Atkinson, CEO building grid-flexibility software for large loads, discuss avoiding on-site gas lock-in. They explore flexible interconnections, battery-backed power parks, deliverability and accreditation challenges, and how shifting compute and virtual power parks can unlock more clean capacity.
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Flexible Interconnection Unlocks Grid Capacity
- Flexible interconnections let data centers accept limited curtailment instead of guaranteed 100% firm delivery, unlocking existing grid headroom.
- Modeling found modest occasional curtailments (hours per year) can avoid costly transmission upgrades and speed connections.
Truck-Mounted Jet Engines At Colossus Example
- Developers have physically trucked dozens of gas turbines to sites (e.g., Colossus near Memphis) and run them continuously to avoid grid delays.
- The site even attempted to claim mobile-generator exemptions from air pollution rules until EPA pushed back.
Build A Clean Portfolio Instead Of On-Site Gas
- Assemble a portfolio (on-site batteries, nearby renewables, VPPs, limited firm on-site firming) instead of defaulting to on-site gas.
- That portfolio can supply accredited capacity and avoid building redundant gas assets that lock in emissions.