AI Power Shift: Navigating data center energy impacts from conventional computing to Advanced AI

​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 Commission

• ​Sam Ruben - Co-Founder/Chief Biz Dev Officer at HyWatts

• ​Andrew C. Hoover - Principal, Risk Management & Product Compliance at Redwood Materials

​Read the full report here: 

​https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G5BYHVKEM2PBSCWAvImbMXJ-jIgxRZjL/view?usp=sharing

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