The energy transition is happening all around us — in our homes, our cars, and increasingly, in the digital infrastructure that powers our lives. From data centers to EVs, we’re seeing an unprecedented demand for reliable electricity. But what happens when our aging grid can’t keep up?
That was the heart of the conversation at a recent panel hosted by the Society of Low Carbon Technologies, where I had the privilege of joining leaders from across the energy ecosystem to explore one pressing question: How do we meet surging demand while building a low-carbon future?
We covered a lot of ground — from the rise of AI and the strain it places on data infrastructure, to the role of battery storage, policy, and market incentives. But one thing became clear: solving the energy puzzle requires more than engineering and innovation. It requires us to rethink how we plan, who we include, and what we prioritize.
Infrastructure Alone Isn’t the Answer
As more companies race to deploy data centers and battery systems, the grid is being pushed to its limits. Yet, expanding physical infrastructure alone won’t solve the problem — especially when it’s slowed by permitting delays, supply chain challenges, and a lack of coordination across stakeholders.
What we need is smarter, more connected planning across public and private sectors. That includes modernizing interconnection processes and investing in distributed energy resources that can relieve pressure on the grid while boosting resilience.
Batteries Are Critical — But Not a Silver Bullet
Battery storage came up often in our discussion, and rightly so. It’s a crucial piece of the low-carbon future — especially for load balancing and integrating renewable energy. But we must also be realistic about where and how batteries are deployed. Factors like siting, permitting, and environmental impact need to be addressed up front.
The Workforce Is the Wild Card
One of the biggest blind spots in our transition is people. The success of any grid modernization effort depends on a skilled, diverse, and prepared workforce. I see this as both a challenge and a massive opportunity. The demand for talent is growing across every segment of the energy value chain, and if we’re not proactive about inclusion, we risk leaving communities — and solutions — behind.
What Comes Next?
If we’re serious about scaling energy systems to meet the needs of AI, digital infrastructure, and decarbonization, we need more than roundtables — we need action. That means clearer policy, better incentives, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.
I’m grateful to have been part of this conversation, and even more committed to ensuring the energy transition works for everyone — not just in terms of technology, but in terms of equity, opportunity, and access.
🎧 Listen to the full panel discussion here:
https://terraflowenergy.com/data-centers-batteries-and-the-grid-real-conversations-on-what-comes-next/
