Simultaneous with the global buildup of artificial intelligence infrastructure is a growing concern around the question of providing electricity to data centers within the capacity of the existing power grid. In the U.S. alone, Deloitte has estimated that data center power demand could grow thirtyfold by 2035, while in Canada, energy demand is projected to more than double by 2030. Fittingly, the inaugural Connect North American Investment in Digital Infrastructure & AI conference, scheduled for Feb. 11 in Montreal, will kick off with a presentation on this critical issue.
Moderated by Luis Calzado, CEO of AQPER, the forward-looking keynote presentation will explore the ways in which the increasing demand could be met. Titled “The Intersection of Data Centers, AI, and Energy: The Real Needs, Trade-Offs, and the Competition for Limited Power,” the presentation will feature Philippe Dunsky, president of Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, discussing key numbers, real-world challenges and actionable opportunities defining the future of data center energy.
Among the topics to be delved into are: why utilities aren’t rushing to serve data centers; what data center developers must do to secure power in terms of flexibility, efficiency, cost and self-supply; understanding utility constraints; creative energy procurement strategies; and energy storage innovation, particularly the investments being made in battery technology and lithium mining.
Following the keynote discussion will be panels on challenges to Canada’s data sovereignty; digital infrastructure entrepreneurship; capital raising and investment; innovations in energy procurement & storage; Canadian pension fund investment in digital infrastructure; and design and construction innovations. As is customary with Connect events, a cocktail reception will follow.
Click here to register for the conference.
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