01/06/2026
โก Session Spotlight: Data Centres, AI & Decarbonisation: Can the Grid Keep Up?
๐ค As AI adoption accelerates and demand for data centres surges, a critical question is emerging for policymakers, energy providers, and industry leaders alike: can the UK's energy infrastructure keep pace while delivering on net zero commitments?
This timely panel at The Future of Transport & Energy Summit will explore the growing intersection between artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, energy demand, and decarbonisation. From the rapid expansion of data centres to the pressures placed on electricity networks, the discussion will examine how the UK can balance technological innovation with energy security, grid resilience, and climate goals. โก๐
Bringing together experts from regulation, academia, energy, and climate policy, the session will address the opportunities and challenges created by AI-driven growth, including grid capacity, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency, community impacts, and the role of regulation in enabling a sustainable digital future.
๐๏ธ Panel Speakers:
- Akshay Kaul, Director General for Infrastructure Group, Ofgem
- Dr Aidan O'Sullivan, Associate Professor Energy & AI, UCL
- Thomas Parsons, Commercial Director, Good Energy
- Oliver Hayes, Head of Policy & Campaigns, Global Action Plan
๐ค Moderator:
Elizabeth Scott MBE, Chief Executive Director, Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester
๐ Taking place as part of Day 1's focus on Energy Systems, this session offers essential insights into one of the most significant challenges facing the net zero transition: ensuring the infrastructure powering tomorrow's digital economy is both resilient and sustainable.
๐
24โ25 June 2026
๐ Vision Hall, London
๐ฑ Part of London Climate Action Week
Join 450+ leaders from energy, transport, policy, infrastructure, finance and innovation as they shape the future of the UK's net zero transition.
๐๏ธ Register now for your 1- or 2-day pass: https://earthfest.world/whats-on/summits/transport-energy