

The IEA forecasts that U.S. data centers could consume up to 17% of total power generation by 2030—more than double today’s levels. As advanced AI—from generative to agentic systems—reshapes industries worldwide, its influence on energy demand is unprecedented. The AI power surge is transforming the data center landscape, driving rapid growth in electricity usage and infrastructure needs.
This session explores the critical question: how do we balance AI innovation with sustainable energy use? We’ll examine key challenges behind this accelerating demand, how the landscape has evolved in just five years, and what breakthrough technologies and solutions may define a path toward climate-aligned computing infrastructure.
Building on insights from a Climatebase Fellowship report, AI Power Shift charts the evolution from traditional workloads to the high-intensity energy demands of generative and agentic AI. Through report highlights and expert discussion, the session provides context and insights for resilient infrastructure that supports both economic development and environmental stewardship.
Speakers:
Kathleen Ratcliff - Senior Policy Advisor to Commissioner Judy Chang, Federal Energy Regulatory CommissionSam Ruben - Co-Founder/Chief Biz Dev Officer at HyWatts
Read the full report here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G5BYHVKEM2PBSCWAvImbMXJ-jIgxRZjL/view?usp=sharing
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AI Power Shift: Navigating data center energy impacts from conventional computing to Advanced AI is a free independent taking place on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at a venue to be announced. Attendance is free — register to secure your spot. Currently 89 people have registered out of 89 spots. The event runs for approximately 1 hour.
Join this independent over 1 hour for an engaging session of learning, discussion, and networking with fellow attendees.
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AI Power Shift: Navigating data center energy impacts from conventional computing to Advanced AI covers topics including AI, Climate, SF Climate Week 2026. Find similar events by browsing these topics on Rifio.