GE Vernova Unveils Energy Roadmap to Power Trump AI Plan

On 23 January President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) titled ‘Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence’. 

The EO signals a shift away from previous emphasis on oversight, risk mitigation and equity towards a more deregulated framework that promotes AI innovation as a means to retain US global leadership in technology development. 

It explains that the nation has long been at the forefront of AI, saying: “To maintain this leadership, we must develop AI systems that are free from ideological bias or engineered social agendas. 

“With the right Government policies, we can solidify our position as the global leader in AI and secure a brighter future for all Americans.”

President Trump set out the requirement that within 180 days of his signing the EO, senior officials and relevant bodies must develop an Artificial Intelligence Action Plan to promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness and national security. 

On 25 February The White House encouraged private sector organisations, industry, state, local and tribal governments, and academia to provide input on actions necessary to achieve the AI Action Plan. 

GE Vernova: innovation and sustainability

In response to this, global energy giant GE Vernova has submitted a policy roadmap detailing how it intends to power President Trump’s plan. It recognises that AI and data centre growth will play a critical role.

Discussing GE Vernova’s roadmap submission in a LinkedIn post, Executive Vice President, Chief Corporate Officer Roger Martella says: “The data is clear that AI and data centre growth has the potential to be a massive driver for economic growth and competitiveness in the near and long term. 

“That’s why it’s critical the US put in place smart, pragmatic policies that lay the foundation for the power needs to support that growth, encourage investments and create regulatory frameworks to support critical infrastructure development and accelerate progress.”

The company is the only US-headquartered energy manufacturer of advanced technology and cutting-edge equipment across all energy sources and the grid. 

It is focused on accelerating the global energy transition by electrifying and decarbonising the electric power sector, offering products and services for power generation, wind energy and grid solutions. 

The company is involved in powering data centres, with an approach based on using cleaner, more modern technology such as gas turbine innovations to make their operation more efficient and sustainable. 

A bold roadmap

In its policy document, GE Vernova says that it sought to identify the actions needed to advance electricity generation and grid expansion in a manner that enables the Trump Administration’s AI and data centre goals. 

It sets out four energy priorities that should be at the heart of the AI Action Plan: 

• Dispatchable Energy 
• Grid Readiness
• Behind the Meter Systems
• Innovation

On dispatchable energy, GE Vernova explains that gas is the most reliable option to meet rising electricity demand from AI and data centres quickly. 

It proposes upgrading and maintaining the efficiency of existing dispatchable assets including gas turbines, adding that maximising existing gas turbines could add 14 GW, with nuclear upgrades adding 2 GW.

To address future AI and data centre needs, a robust and healthy grid infrastructure is essential. 

GE Vernova says that key transmission and interconnection approvals should be fast tracked to maintain pace with growth and ensure power reaches future AI development hubs. It also advocates for US Government support for the manufacturing of critical components and equipment. 

Powering AI and data centres

Behind the meter systems, referring to energy that is generated and used on-site such as solar or battery storage systems, offer an additional way of unlocking AI and data centre growth. 

GE Vernova says that finding alternative methods beyond grid reliability and generation is essential. This will require the streamlining of permitting riles, as well as flexible models for partial or future grid participation from data centres.

Lastly, the company’s roadmap says that a focus on “energy innovation within the AI and data centre race is also important to another imperative – the global deployment of US energy technology.” 

In particular, public-private partnership opportunities in areas such as the deployment of US nuclear small modular reactors, carbon capture technology and grid software “will help meet the needs of AI and data centers while enabling a secure U.S. energy system.”

Concluding, GE Vernova says that addressing the global data centre and AI competition is a key geopolitical and economic goal. 

The company is taking an active role in driving this ambition, including by investing US$600 m in domestic manufacturing which will create 1,500 jobs. 

It says: “Ensuring the energy and electricity feeding the data centers is provided with U.S. technology should also be seen as a geopolitical and economic imperative. Success in both efforts is possible.”

Explore the latest edition of AI Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Tech & AI LIVE. 

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.

AI Magazine is a BizClik brand