WHAT WILL DETERMINE THE FUTURE OF ENERGY DEMAND?

The discussion revolves around the future of energy demand, particularly in the context of the rapid growth of AI and data centers. Global energy demand is surging, driven not just by population and economic growth, but by these power-hungry industries. Fred Thiel, CEO of Mara, notes that demand is currently outpacing supply, creating a systemic shock to the energy industry. Ashraf Al-Ghazawi, EVP of Strategy and Corporate Development at Saudi Aramco, emphasizes the importance of reliable and affordable energy to meet this growing demand. The panel explores the potential for AI to both consume vast amounts of energy and improve energy efficiency, potentially bending the demand curve. They consider the role of gas as a long-term fuel and the shift of energy demand towards edge computing. The discussion also touches upon the challenges of infrastructure development and the potential for stranded assets. Finally, the panel considers the impact of cost per token on the energy landscape.