Why Power-Flexible AI Just Became Table Stakes

Update: 2025-11-01

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This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/why-power-flexible-ai-just-became-table-stakes.

The questions investors should ask about AI data centers just changed. Why power flexibility is now table stakes for infrastructure deployment.

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AI infrastructure's real constraint: power, not chips. Aurora AI Factory (NVIDIA/Emerald, Virginia, 96MW, 2026) implements interruptible compute—software layer throttles training during grid stress, delivers 20-30% reductions, maintains SLAs. Enables faster permitting, lower capacity charges, wholesale market participation. Trade-off: longer training times for cheaper power. Key question: will two-tier market emerge (fixed for inference, flex for training)? 100GW capacity unlock claim assumes perfect coordination—directionally correct but optimistic. Power flexibility now mandatory for deployment. Due diligence questions: demand response capability, interruptible/fixed split, interconnection impact.