Technical Piece
The shift in energy is not occurring in isolation. Energy maintains a synergistic connection with the technologies it fuels. This has always been true — but as we transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources picks up momentum, the dynamics of that synergy is evolving.
Numerous energy-intensive technologies today — especially those embedded within smart grids and management systems — can directly influence the systems that supply them: An increase in electric vehicles leads to greater energy needs. Ironically, they can also deliver services to assist grids in grappling with the increasingly intricate energy environment of today.
Now, data centers and artificial intelligence have joined the discussion. As per the IEA’s recent report, “A standard AI-focused data center uses as much electricity as 100,000 homes, but the largest currently being built will require 20 times that amount.”
While this presents a significant obstacle for energy production and distribution, AI can also contribute immensely to grid stability. The technology’s capacity to learn, analyze, and forecast can be pivotal in maintaining grid reliability as complexity intensifies.
To fully capitalize on that potential, and to respond to the rapid expansion of AI and data centers in general, we must address the rising energy demand — which the IEA estimates will more than double to around 945 TWh worldwide by 2030.
Grid infrastructure is already straining under the growing loads from electrification, and traditional enhancements are notoriously slow. Data centers require energy immediately. It must be dependable, resilient, and clean so they can meet their 24/7 needs without significantly escalating emissions.
As swiftly deployable distributed energy resources, microgrids possess tremendous potential to keep AI engines operational. Maximizing this constellation demands collaboration among cleantech, renewables, and AI sectors.
That’s why this year’s Great Transformation: Energy Innovation and the Modern Grid will focus on AI, data centers, and microgrids with the specialists, entrepreneurs, and change-makers active in these domains. This will unfold across three essential sessions:
The event is scheduled for July 10 at the Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, Oregon. Continue reading to hear from the organizers about their vision for the gathering and the benefits of attending. Ticket information is at the end.
Four collaborators, one vision
The Great Transformation serves as a platform for cleantech and renewable energy sector experts to share insights addressing the utmost challenge of our era: the shift from centralized to decentralized energy.
It is organized by Cross Consulting and the Technology Association of Oregon, in collaboration with Mayfield Renewables and Xendee.
To personalize those organizations, their key leaders are Robert Cross from Cross Consulting, Skip Newberry from TAO, Jacob Betcher from Mayfield Renewables, and Adib Naslé from Xendee.
Recently, Robert, Skip, Jacob, and Adib shared their motivations for collaborating on this year’s event. In doing so, they highlighted various facets of their unified vision: a meeting of industry professionals aimed at driving energy innovation and the modern grid amidst the AI surge — or what the IEA refers to as “one of today’s most significant technological revolutions.”
“The Great Transformation stemmed from the understanding that the energy shift necessitates widespread involvement,” remarks Robert. “Technology, policy, and economics all play a role in the transformations occurring around us — and remaining siloed will not enable us to accomplish our objectives. This gathering will help establish the route ahead.”
For Skip, the event creates an opportunity to tackle the challenges that AI presents specifically for data center operators and utilities — and to delve into the other side: “When viewed from an alternative perspective, these challenges become opportunities for entrepreneurs aiming to commercialize more efficient technologies and/or clean energy solutions.”
Jacob appreciates the setting’s potential to foster expert discussions on distributed options: “As escalating energy requirements push our grid toward its limits, we need immediate solutions. However, conventional energy production and grid enhancements can take a decade or longer. All of this is leading us toward distributed generation.”
Adib is enthusiastic about the emphasis on microgrids as a promising solution to the challenges posed by AI proliferation and insufficient grid infrastructure:
The advantages of participating
The focus of this year’s Great Transformation may be steeped in digital advancement and AI — but face-to-face gatherings remain vital for personal growth and collaborative problem-solving across and within the sectors shaping our shared future.
The discussions will encompass various dimensions of AI and distributed generation, such as:
- The challenges that hyperscalers and data center operators face as they strive to satisfy AI energy needs while minimizing environmental impact and CO2 emissions.
- Where hyperscalers envision AI technology progressing from this point onward.
- The obstacles associated with implementing microgrids at different facilities, and how leading companies are overcoming these hurdles.
As Robert observes, “Cleantech entrepreneurs, solar-plus-storage industry specialists, and change-makers will gain from the insights of subject-matter experts actively engaged in resolving critical issues daily.”
Gathering such knowledge and expertise serves everyone’s interests: “By enhancing our understanding of the scale and nature of the challenges, we can collectively craft and execute superior solutions, encompassing better policies, products, services, and collaborations,” states Skip.
And as always when key stakeholders convene in one location, “the learning, networking, and creation of alliances will be genuine and impactful,” adds Adib, also highlighting the quality of the participants: “Some of the most influential figures in the energy and data center sectors in the Pacific Northwest will be present and sharing valuable insights.”
Another advantage of attending the Great Transformation is the visual experience it will provide: “By illustrating impact, the event will inform participants about the advancements occurring as innovation unfolds,” shares Robert. “We aim for attendees to leave feeling motivated.”
Conclusion, event specifics, and tickets
If you are an entrepreneur or expert engaged in cleantech, solar-plus-storage, or AI and data centers, join Robert, Skip, Jacob, and Adib in Bend this July.
You will engage in an enlightening half-day session with other innovative thinkers, gain valuable insights, and form connections that will propel your business and our industries forward.
The Great Transformation: Energy Innovation & The Modern Grid
July 10, 2025
2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Riverhouse Lodge, Bend, Oregon.
Purchase your ticket for $75 here.
If you have any inquiries, please reach out to Skip or Robert. They would be glad to assist.
See you in Bend!
