The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is fundamentally an energy challenge, said industry leaders at Williams’ Clean Energy and Technology Expo in Washington, D.C.
As technology scales, access to reliable power will shape the pace of AI deployment.
We’re faced with this next-generation challenge and opportunity, winning the race for AI, the race for the next-generation technology, which is absolutely going to be a race for energy.
Williams President and CEO Chad Zamarin
GE Vernova Chief Operating Officer Pablo Koziner pointed to a major investment cycle in electricity infrastructure. Data center power demand is projected to double by 2030 and triple by 2035.
“It’s exciting times,” he said. “We’re in the beginning of a super cycle in electrical investment.”
Speakers also stressed the importance of speed, calling for faster permitting, new public private partnerships and strategic infrastructure siting.
The event featured 10 technology vendors and 11 industry leaders speaking on the importance of natural gas and technology to drive economic and environmental performance.
Rob Wingo, Williams’ Executive Vice President of Corporate Development, summed up the event: “Innovation isn’t a buzzword for us. It’s something we are doing every day.”
Read more about the expo in Fast Company.