In the News: Fedorchak joins QTS podcast to discuss meeting AI’s rising power demands
Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) joined David McCall on the QTS Experience podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on her AI & Energy Working Group, how the U.S. can beat China in the AI race, and why North Dakota is well-positioned for data centers. Check out key highlights below:
On why she launched the AI & Energy Working Group:
“The only better time to do this was two years ago, but the next best time is right now.”
“The AI industry is desperate for power; I heard it for the last two years very seriously in my role as president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.”
On the national-security stakes of the power race with China:
“Reliable, affordable power is essential to our national security, and this AI race is a national security issue. The last thing we want is for China to be the driver of AI.”
“Making sure that the AI technology is developed and homegrown in the U.S.—that's our goal.”
On on-site generation and why North Dakota is well-positioned for data centers:
“We need on-site generation if we're going to build at the speed of need.”
“We have a huge opportunity. We’re flaring gas because we're maxed out in our pipeline capacity. Let's let these facilities locate near a gas pipeline, let's let them generate their own power.”
“We permitted things quickly, but we didn't cut corners. We stuck to timelines, we had transparency, we were thorough, we held the companies to high standards, but when they met the standards of the law, we gave them their permit.”
On short-term vs. long-term tech priorities:
“I know we have supply chain issues; we’re retiring things faster than we’re replacing them. I don’t believe our incentive structure is appropriate, and I don’t think it’s helping us bring forward the kind of technologies we need the most.”
“So short term, the technologies that we need to embrace are the ones that are already connected to the grid. We have to stop retiring things that are already connected and working—that's step number one.”
“While these other technologies like SMRs also get proven, we need to reduce the permitting time for the nuclear resources.”
On earning local support for big power projects:
“Engage early, hire local, respect that this is their home... It’s always cheaper to be a good neighbor up front.”
“Once you’re trusted, you have the opportunity to teach the facts and people will listen to you.”
“Working with the locals and hiring local people to help you is also very vital. If you're hiring land agents, make sure that those land agents are from the state and know the culture and know how to approach people with things like their private property rights.”
CLICK HERE to listen to the full interview.
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