Increasing Energy Demand, Critical Infrastructure, and Impacts on Land Use Patterns

The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is driving increases in demands for the generation and transmission of power not seen in the United States since the end of World War II. The demands for more effective and competitive AI are already impacting the availability of power, and major consumers (so-called "hyperscalers") are finding that current electric markets are unable to meet their needs. The panel will explore the challenges associated with increasing electrical generation in light of climate change concerns, and the related, if not equally important, challenge of building sufficient transmission infrastructure to deliver power where it is needed. Panelists will evaluate how construction of new electrical generation capacity and transmission infrastructure are already, and will continue to, impact land use development patterns. Discussion will include potential future impacts to land use development patterns not just for data centers, but for industrial and even residential development, depending on whether and how the public and private sectors can meet the challenge of supplying power to meet ever-growing demand in light of the risks associated with climate change.