In this episode. Our host, Stuart Broadley, is joined by Shilen Jhaveri, Program Manager in AI and Infrastructure at Google, for a fascinating conversation on the rapidly evolving relationship between artificial intelligence, data centres and the global energy industry. As demand for AI continues to accelerate, so too does the need for the infrastructure and energy required to power it. Shilen explains the layers behind AI infrastructure, from applications and models to chips, data centres and ultimately energy, and explores why access to power is becoming one of the biggest bottlenecks facing the industry. The discussion examines some of the major challenges emerging as AI infrastructure scales, including data-centre cooling, growing pressure on electricity grids, long lead times for critical equipment such as transformers and switchgear, and the need for closer collaboration between hyperscalers, energy companies, grid operators, regulators and the supply chain. Drawing on his research, Shilen also explores how procurement strategies need to evolve as companies build AI capacity, why businesses need better visibility of emissions across their supply chains, and the risks of long-term vendor and technology lock-in in such a fast-moving industry. Looking ahead, Stuart and Shilen discuss what the next generation of data centres could look like, the growing importance of geothermal energy and small modular reactors, and why the worlds of AI and energy will need to work increasingly closely together to meet the extraordinary infrastructure demands ahead. What Is the EIC? The Energy Industries Council (EIC) is one of the world’s largest energy trade associations. As a not-for-profit organisation, it supports more than 950 member companies involved in the global energy value chain. EIC operates internationally, with offices in London, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Dubai, and soon, Berlin. It is energy agnostic, supporting all parts of the energy sector. From mature renewable onshore and offshore sectors like wind, solar and hydropower; to grid infrastructure and large nuclear; to hydrocarbon sectors like oil & gas, LNG, FPSO, decommissioning, upstream, midstream and downstream; to emerging low-carbon sectors like hydrogen, carbon capture, CCUS, energy storage, BESS, biofuels, SAF (sustainable aviation fuels), and geothermal. EIC provides a wide range of services, including access to global market intelligence, CAPEX and OPEX project data, consulting support, events, business development opportunities, and advocacy. It also facilitates connections with key decision-makers and policymakers in the energy sector worldwide. Stay Connected with EIC Learn more about the EICExplore EIC membership Learn more about the Five Golden Rules for a Healthy Energy Supply ChainLearn about EIC ConsultRead the full Survive & Thrive Report Contact Stuart Broadley about doing your own C-level EIC podcast at Stuart.Broadley@the-eic.com Produced, engineered, and promoted by: Samara Bernardo, Lucas Almeida, João Otero, Isabella Costa, Laura Carvalho, and Clara Machado.
