75th BP Memorial Lecture - Powering the AI economy

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is driving unprecedented growth in data centres worldwide – reshaping energy demand, infrastructure investment, and economic competitiveness. In this 75th Bernard Price Memorial Lecture, EPRI Chief Technology Officer Neva Espinoza examines global trends in AI-driven data centre expansion and their implications for electric power systems. With a spotlight on South Africa, she explores opportunities for growth, innovation, and energy sector development, while highlighting key considerations for grid readiness, reliability, affordability, and sustainability. In examining the most significant contributor to energy system development in a generation, the session offers a forward-looking perspective on how energy leaders worldwide can enable the AI economy.