Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom

Name: Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom
Start: 2026-04-21T16:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-04-21T17:30:00+00:00

We are in a period of exceptional near-term electricity demand growth sparked predominately by new large data center loads to support AI training and deployment. This trend is driving a major departure from the flat demand growth of the prior two decades. Data centers have wrought industry-wide disruption, exacerbating points of weakness across the electricity system. In pursuit of speed and uptime, many data center developers and operators are turning to significant on-site fossil fuel generation. From mobile gas generators designed for primary generation to diesel generator sets intended only for reliability back-up during grid emergencies to jerry-rigged jet engines, there are many iterations of these systems. At the same time in front of the meter, many utilities and system planners, concerned about reliably meeting their existing and new customers’ needs, are pushing forward a slate of new natural gas projects.

This session will start with the facts of gas plant expansion and the rise of on-site fossil systems. From there, we will discuss what the fossil fuel surge means for the climate and communities, including risks of fossil fuel lock-in, implications for electricity system planning, financial trade-offs, and the local health and environmental impacts of new polluting resources.

Featuring panelists including:

Jamesine Rogers Gibson, Bay Area Air DistrictFelix Chow-Kambitsch, Aurora Energy ResearchJosh Lappen, University of Notre DameModerated by Michelle Levinson, World Resources Institute Polsky Energy Center

By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of SF Climate Week.

Presented by Pleiades Strategy (pleiadesstrategy.com) and World Resources Institute Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition (wri.org/energy).

This event is part of the Pleiades Salon, a day of talks curated by the folks who bring you Transition Finance Weekly on some of the thorniest challenges of the energy transition. All panels can be found on the Pleiades Strategy calendar here on Luma. In between each panel, we'll have coffee and camaraderie to share. Please join us!

About Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom in San Francisco

Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom is a free independent taking place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at San Francisco. This independent is organised by Pleiades Strategy. Attendance is free — register to secure your spot. Currently 95 people have registered out of 95 spots. The event runs for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom — key details

Date:: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time:: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM (America/Los_Angeles)
Duration:: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Location:: San Francisco
Price:: Free
Format:: In-person
Organiser:: Pleiades Strategy
Attending:: 95 registered

What to expect at Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom

Join this independent over 1 hour and 30 minutes for an engaging session of learning, discussion, and networking with fellow attendees.

Who should attend Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom?

This independent in San Francisco is ideal for:

AI and machine learning enthusiasts and practitioners
data professionals and analytics enthusiasts
sustainability and climate tech professionals

Why attend?

Free to attend — no financial commitment required
Join 95+ other attendees in a vibrant community gathering

San Francisco event — April 2026

This afternoon independent is part of the growing events scene in San Francisco. Whether you're based in San Francisco or visiting for the independent, it's a great opportunity to connect with the local community. Browse more upcoming events in San Francisco on Rifio.

Topics and categories

Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom covers topics including AI, Climate, SF Climate Week 2026. Find similar events by browsing these topics on Rifio.

Frequently asked questions about Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom

When is Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom?: Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom takes place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM (America/Los_Angeles).
Where is Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom held?: Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom takes place at San Francisco.
How much does Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom cost?: Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom is free to attend. Register on the event page to secure your spot.
Who is organising Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom?: Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom is organised by Pleiades Strategy. You can find more of their events on Rifio.
How many people are attending Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom?: 95 people have registered so far out of 95 available spots.
How do I register for Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom?: You can register for Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom through the original event page on Luma. Click the "View on Luma" button above, or save it to your Rifio account to get reminders.
How long is Combustion & Compute: Gas, Diesel, Data Centers, and the Hidden Costs of the AI Energy Boom?