Dear readers of the vgbe energy journal,

Artificial intelligence (AI) is spreading through almost every part of society and the economy much faster than any other technological revolution before it. It is used in everything from medical diagnostics and automated production processes to self-learning financial systems and the management of highly complex supply chains. However, the rapid spread of AI is also creating a new dimension of energy demand that is putting considerable pressure on electricity generation in particular. What previously appeared to be a gradual increase is now manifesting as rapid growth in data centres and the development of energy-intensive AI models that the energy industry cannot ignore.

Data centres, the backbone of AI infrastructure, have evolved from traditional storage facilities into high-performance clusters with exponentially growing power consumption. Training and operating large-scale neural networks now requires electrical power in the three-digit megawatt range per location. Alongside the increase in power consumption, the demand for secure, reliable and highly flexible power supplies is also growing. Power requirements of this magnitude are not only arising at specific locations, but also in conurbations where competition for grid capacity is already intense. This exacerbates the conflict between the traditional security of supply, the necessary expansion of renewable energies, and the growing demands of new digitally driven industries.

Synchronising the expansion of AI applications with the development of generation and grid capacities is particularly challenging. While new data centres can be built within a few months, power plants, grids and storage solutions often require years, or even decades, of planning and approval. This discrepancy is leading to a structural shortfall that is already evident in many regions. Initial delays in industrial investment in North America demonstrate that electricity infrastructure is becoming an increasingly limiting factor for economic development. Similar trends are evident in Asia, although countries such as China and South Korea have been able to respond more quickly thanks to the substantial expansion of generation capacities and grids.

The challenge lies not only in the additional quantity required, but also in the nature of the qualitative demand. AI data centres require a continuous, reliable and highly stable power supply. Short-term fluctuations or prolonged periods without wind or sunlight can only be mitigated to a limited extent by today’s backup systems. This makes the issue of a secure power supply even more important.

It also opens up a discussion about the global competitive advantage of a resilient energy infrastructure. The ability to deploy AI on a large scale is becoming a decisive factor in the innovation and competitiveness of economies. Countries with robust power generation and flexible grid systems can exploit the potential of AI much more quickly and comprehensively. Conversely, regions that fall behind in securing their energy supply risk falling behind in digital competition. This links energy policy directly to regional economic policy and the capacity to generate value in the digital economy.

For the energy sector, this means that debates on the energy mix, the role of fossil fuel bridge technologies, accelerated grid expansion, and the need for new storage solutions must be conducted with renewed urgency. The AI boom has now reached a stage at which energy supply can no longer be considered solely in the context of climate neutrality and decarbonisation; it must also be recognised as a vital foundation for technological sovereignty and economic development. Integrating these diverse perspectives – security of supply, climate protection, economic efficiency, and digital competitiveness – will be the primary challenge in the years ahead.

The energy industry will only be able to make the necessary contribution if we succeed in transforming power generation and grids at the same speed at which AI is penetrating global markets. Otherwise, there is a risk that a lack of available, affordable energy will hinder a technology with the potential to reshape our entire economic and social model.