Webinar The rapid expansion of AI and data centres is no longer a marginal shift in electricity demand – it is becoming a defining force reshaping how energy systems are planned, operated and decarbonised.
The discussion explored how accelerating digital infrastructure buildout is altering demand profiles – creating sharper peaks, greater regional concentration of load, and new challenges for grid stability and long-term planning. Speakers considered how microgrids, on-site generation and energy storage can help manage volatility and improve resilience, while also assessing how networks must evolve to remain efficient and aligned with decarbonisation goals.
Panellists also reflected on the regulatory, planning and technology shifts required to prepare for sustained AI-driven growth. As data centres become embedded in national economic strategies, the conversation emphasised the need for coordinated action between energy providers, technology companies and policymakers to ensure that reliability, affordability and climate objectives remain aligned.
What we discussed…
- How data centres and AI are reshaping electricity demand profiles and challenging grid stability
- The role of microgrids, on-site generation and storage in managing energy surges and improving resilience
- How grid infrastructure can be designed to accommodate rapid digital demand growth while remaining efficient and decarbonised
- The regulatory, planning and technology changes needed to manage the long-term energy impact of AI expansion
- The importance of cross-sector collaboration to align digital growth with energy system stability and climate goals
The panel
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