The AI boom is reshaping energy demand in ways the grid has not previously experienced.
While AI holds clear potential to enhance grid forecasting, improve renewable integration and enable real-time balancing, the physical infrastructure supporting it is driving a sharp rise in electricity consumption.
In many cases, this demand is still being met by gas generation, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
These competing dynamics were explored during the “Energy and AI. Who’s working for who?” fireside chat on Day 2 of Data Centre LIVE: The London Summit.
Led by Dr. Ben Krikler, Head of Energised Futures and Director of Research & Innovation at Centrica, and moderated by Data Centre Magazine's Ben Craske, the session unpacked how energy systems are being reshaped by AI-driven demand.
