On September 17, ORF America will host a Future of Energy Breakfast on the emerging intersection of advanced computing and energy infrastructure.
Context:
In barely three years, AI and data centers have become a major driver of electricity-demand growth, grid investment, and generation planning. Quantum computing presents a very different, and much earlier-stage, energy question: its aggregate electricity footprint remains far smaller than hyperscale AI's, but its dependence on continuous cryogenic cooling, specialized control equipment, and supporting supply chains could make it a distinct category of energy customer, with real implications for facility design, siting, and grid planning as it scales. The infrastructure now being built for AI may accelerate the next generation of computing, or concentrate capital and capacity in ways that crowd it out.
Speakers:
Andrei Covatariu, Co-Chair, Task Force on Digitalization in Energy, UN Economic Commission for Europe
Corey Stambaugh, Director, Capital of Quantum; Former Senior Policy Advisor, National Quantum Coordination Office, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Sanjeev Kumar, CEO, Eficens System; Former CTO, Dell Technologies
Fatima Ahmad, Founder and CEO, AI for Energy
Moderator: Piyush Verma, Senior Fellow, ORF America
Discussion Questions:
Lessons from the AI Build-Out: The AI boom is already setting precedents around who gets served first, who bears the cost, and what governments and utilities provide to attract investment. Which of these lessons should carry into the next compute frontier, and which should be reconsidered?
A Different Kind of Energy Customer: What quantum's needs mean for utilities and host countries — and could quantum ultimately reduce energy demand in the sectors it intervenes?
Security, Reliability, Affordability, and the Energy Consumer: How should the costs of serving advanced compute be shared, while maintaining reliability, affordability, and public support?
If the AI Investment Cycle Cools: How could a correction in AI expectations affect capital, infrastructure, and long-term commitments to quantum and other emerging technologies?
Preparing for the Next Compute Frontier: Where do national quantum strategies intersect with energy policy, and where could international cooperation help on supply chains, standards, workforce, and reliable clean power?
Attendance is limited, and submission of the interest form does not guarantee participation. ORF America will review all submissions, and invitations will be extended based on available capacity, with additional event details provided directly to confirmed participants.