DistribuTECH 2026 -Data Centers Workshop - Bridging the Powering AI Divide Panel

Data Centers Workshop - Bridging the Powering AI Divide Panel | 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM | Location 5AB
Panel moderator: Anuja Ratnayake, EPRI’s executive technical lead for DCFLex
As AI adoption accelerates, the demand for energy-intensive data center infrastructure is surging—creating unprecedented challenges for utilities and developers alike. How do we power this transformation without compromising grid reliability or sustainability? Join a dynamic panel of expert practitioners from leading data center developers and the utility industry as they tackle this critical question head-on. This session will explore the real-world challenges of powering AI at scale and chart innovative pathways to overcome them. At the heart of the discussion is EPRI’s groundbreaking DCFlex initiative, which is redefining how data centers interact with the grid. Panelists will share insights from live DCFlex demonstrations, revealing how load flexibility can unlock capacity, reduce stress on the grid, and accelerate clean energy integration. Expect candid perspectives, actionable strategies, and a vision for collaboration that bridges the gap between hyperscale computing and grid resilience.