The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is placing unprecedented strain on Europe’s power infrastructure, forcing utilities to find ways to maximize existing grids. Data centers, essential for training and running large AI models, are consuming vast amounts of electricity, with forecasts predicting a significant surge in demand. This pressure comes as Europe also aims to electrify transport and heating to meet climate goals. Utilities are responding by investing in grid modernization, exploring dynamic pricing to shift demand, and accelerating connections for renewable energy projects. However, the scale of the challenge requires faster permitting and massive new investment in both generation and transmission capacity to avoid bottlenecks and ensure reliability. The situation highlights a critical tension between technological advancement and physical infrastructure limits. Read the full article at: https://www.wired.com/story/europe-squeeze-power-energy-grid-ai-data-center/