Intermittency of Renewable Generation and AI Data Center Loads

The increased penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) on the bulk power system is creating new operating conditions for conventional rotating electrical machinery. As IBR share grows, synchronous generators and motors are experiencing more frequent load cycling and greater variability in thermal and electrical stress — conditions that, without proper design and maintenance attention, can accelerate insulation aging and affect equipment service life. Compounding this challenge is the rapid growth of AI-driven data centers – gigawatt-scale power electronic interface loads with distinct operating characteristics that can increase stress on transmission infrastructure and generation equipment. Grid-stabilizing technologies such as grid-forming (GFM) inverters, synchronous condensers, and STATCOMs can play an important role in managing these transients and maintaining system reliability. The IEEE PES Electric Machinery Committee (EMC) Materials Subcommittee is actively developing and maintaining testing standards for insulation systems that must perform reliably in this evolving environment, while the Renewables Subcommittee focuses specifically on the impacts of IBRs and their integration into the modern grid.