Bill > S3269

This bill directs the Comptroller General (head of the Government Accountability Office) to conduct a comprehensive technology assessment of liquid cooling systems for artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing facilities. The assessment aims to address the growing energy consumption of data centers, which is projected to increase from 4.4% to potentially 12.8% of total US electricity consumption by 2028. The bill recognizes that traditional air-cooling methods are becoming inadequate for cooling powerful AI chips and requires a detailed review of liquid cooling technologies, including direct-to-chip and immersion cooling methods. The Comptroller General must investigate research and development needs, evaluate cooling technologies' performance, analyze market trends, compare different cooling approaches, and develop recommendations for best practices. The review will involve establishing an advisory committee with experts from industry, academia, and government to provide insights. The assessment will cover technical aspects like coolant options, thermal performance, energy efficiency, and potential challenges such as equipment reliability and cybersecurity. Additionally, the Secretary of Energy will be required to review the Comptroller General's report and provide recommendations for maintaining the United States' global leadership in AI technologies through advanced cooling systems.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3269/all-info