Sunrun and Tesla Forge 16‑GW Virtual Power Plant to Power AI Data Centers

Sunrun, Renew Home and Tesla announced a partnership to supply more than 16 GW of flexible electricity capacity to AI data centers and utilities across the United States. The plan pools power from hundreds of thousands of home battery systems owned by Sunrun and Tesla, plus over eight million devices managed by Renew Home, creating a virtual power plant that can relieve strain on traditional grids.

The companies say capacity is already operating in Virginia’s Data Center Alley, with more than 300 MW available now and a target of at least 500 MW by 2030. Sunrun CEO Mary Powell warned, “The grid of the 1800s cannot power the innovation of 2026,” while Tesla’s Colby Hastings added that the answer “is already in place” inside home batteries, thermostats and electric vehicles.

The partnership aims to meet projected U.S. data‑center power demand of 41 GW in 2026, growing to 66 GW in 2027. Analysts note that execution depends on customer enrollment, utility programs and regulatory approvals, and Sunrun’s stock remains volatile despite the rally.