Varun Sivaram

The AI revolution and our aging power grid are on a historic collision course, threatening to stall innovation and raise energy costs for everyone. Physicist and AI grid futurist Varun Sivaram reveals how we might turn this looming crisis into a once-in-a-generation opportunity — unlocking massive power capacity, lowering costs and accelerating the energy future we’ve been waiting for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Varun Sivaram, Founder and CEO of Emerald AI, discusses the fascinating world of flexible data centers. He explains how adjusting data center loads can significantly alleviate pressure on power grids, potentially unlocking up to 98 gigawatts of unused capacity. Varun highlights the challenges of maintaining high reliability while enabling flexibility in power usage. He shares insights on innovative strategies like demand response and discusses case studies, including Google's latest agreements, to illustrate how adaptability can transform data centers into valuable grid assets.

In this enlightening discussion, guests Shanu Mathew, an investment expert at Lazard Asset Management, and Varun Sivaram, Founder & CEO of Emerald AI, explore how AI could become an ally for the energy grid instead of a burden. They delve into the concept of flexibility, explaining how AI data centers can adjust their power consumption during peak stress. This shift could allow for faster integration into the grid, unlocking a potential $4 trillion investment opportunity. They also address how innovation in energy strategies is crucial for the future sustainability of power systems.

Varun Sivaram, co-founder and CEO of Emerald AI, shares his expertise on AI-enabled data centers and their role in the energy grid. He discusses how these centers can shift from villains, raising costs and causing outages, to heroes that enhance grid reliability and affordability. Varun highlights the innovative Phoenix trial that cut power use while aiding the grid and emphasizes the importance of regulatory innovation in Texas. He also explores transformative AI applications and the potential for flexible load systems to reduce emissions while integrating clean energy.

Varun Sivaram, Founder and CEO of Emerald AI, reveals how his startup aims to alleviate energy issues in AI data centers with innovative software solutions. Yueqi Yang, a crypto reporter, discusses Kraken's skyrocketing valuation and the renewed excitement in private crypto markets. Natasha Mascarenhas from The Information elaborates on Benchmark's unconventional investment strategies in AI, emphasizing a selective approach. The conversation also touches on emerging trends in AI customer support and Apple's strategic developments.