Speed to power: the infrastructure solutions shaping the global data centre race
Virtual power plants, grid enhancing technologies and around-the-meter models can all support speed to power.
2 minute read
David Brown
Director, Global Integrated Energy Research
David Brown
Director, Global Integrated Energy Research
David is a key author of our Energy Transition Outlook and Accelerated Energy Transition Scenarios.
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The race to build data center projects has made 'speed to power' a top priority. New high-voltage transmission is the traditional answer - but decade-long build times are far too slow.
Wood Mackenzie's Q3 2026 Power & Renewables Compass report examines three faster infrastructure pathways:
- Virtual Power Plants (VPPs): Deliverable in 6 to 18 months. Data center buyers are pursuing a 19 GW pipeline led by the US market — but new utility and ISO regulations are needed to scale VPPs further.
- Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs): Unlock 5 to 50% more capacity from existing transmission in weeks to 18 months. We outline six policy recommendations to accelerate global adoption.
- Around-the-Meter (ATM) projects: Bypassing the grid entirely, ATM projects with equipment secured and voltage ride-through compliance confirmed can be delivered in 24 to 48 months. But in-flight and early-stage projects could face three-to-six-year equipment wait times.
With US$4.1 billion in new US electrical equipment manufacturing investment announced through 2029, the pressure on supply chains is not easing anytime soon.
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