Spatial Load Correlation in AI Data-Center-Dominated Power Systems

Abstract

The proliferation of large-scale data centers introduces spatially correlated demand profiles that challenge the long-standing assumption of statistical independence of loads in power system analysis. This paper examines the emergence of such load correlations and evaluates their impact on data-center-dominated grids. Analytical derivations reveal that correlated load fluctuations amplify aggregate stochastic disturbances, reduce voltage stability margins through weakened reactive power stiffness, and degrade frequency stability margin by erosion of natural load diversity effects. Real-time digital simulation studies confirm that moderate spatial correlation in distributed data centers produces simultaneous frequency deviations and voltage fluctuations across multiple buses. The findings offer transmission system operators a physics-based perspective to interpret emerging oscillatory phenomena and establish stability planning criteria grounded in measurable load-correlation structures rather than traditional diversity assumptions.