

How can the grid help AI, and how can AI help the grid? Live from NYU at New York Climate Week, featuring leaders from Nvidia and Amazon | Energy Gang Live from Climate Week
15 snips Sep 30, 2025
At Climate Week NYC, three industry leaders discuss the intersection of AI and energy. Xizhou Zhou from Wood Mackenzie highlights the rapid expansion of U.S. data centers and their impact on grid stability. Craig Sundstrom of AWS outlines corporate commitments to renewable energy and innovative tariff designs to alleviate rising electricity prices. Meanwhile, Josh Parker from NVIDIA reveals dramatic improvements in AI energy efficiency and how AI can streamline grid operations. The panel tackles the complexities and opportunities of integrating AI with energy systems.
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Immediate Grid Strain From Data Centers
- Rapid data center growth demands immediate grid attention because 116 GW are ready to connect in the next few years.
- This equals ~15% of current US peak load and requires rebuilding infrastructure planning muscle memory.
Put AI Energy Use In Global Context
- Globally data centers used ~1.5% of electricity in 2024, with AI a small fraction of that.
- AI's share of global emissions is likely well under 0.1%, so context matters when assessing impact.
Participate In Rate Design Negotiations
- Engage proactively in tariff and rate-design processes to share infrastructure costs fairly.
- Prepare longer-term demand forecasts and accept new contract structures regulators now ask for.