The Intersection of Energy and Technology

Virtual  |  November 13, 2025  |  9:30 AM - 10:45 AM CST

Our virtual program examined how the convergence of energy and technology is reshaping the industry and redefining board oversight. Speakers emphasized the concept of “energy expansion,” encouraging directors to take a broad, long-term view that considers hydrocarbons, renewables with storage, and emerging options together while balancing affordability, reliability, and emissions.

The panel discussed how AI is driving new electricity demand, particularly from data centers, while also offering tools to improve efficiency and reduce costs. They explored how global and regional differences, regulatory hurdles, and shifting value chains in generation, transmission, and infrastructure are changing how companies plan for the future.

Discussion also addressed the high costs and complexity of carbon capture, the need for new technology development, and the importance of community engagement and clear communication in gaining public support. Directors were encouraged to view energy and technology strategy as interconnected board priorities.

Key Topics Covered

• The intersection of energy and technology and its implications for board oversight
• The concept of “energy expansion”—balancing hydrocarbons, renewables with storage, and emerging technologies
• AI-driven energy demand, particularly from data centers, and its impact on reliability and cost
• Regional and geopolitical differences in how the energy transition is unfolding
• Regulatory and permitting challenges affecting project timelines and investments
• The shifting energy value chain, from generation to transmission and consumption
• The economics and practicalities of carbon capture and emerging decarbonization technologies
• The need for effective community engagement and stakeholder communication
• The growing importance of cybersecurity and AI oversight in the boardroom

Key Takeaways

• Take a long-term, integrated view of energy and technology strategy.
• Treat the transition as an expansion, not a replacement—multiple sources must coexist.
• Recognize that AI both strains and supports the energy system, creating new oversight needs.
• Track value-chain shifts as new players enter generation, infrastructure, and storage.
• Anticipate regulatory complexity and encourage proactive engagement with policymakers.
• Understand that carbon capture remains costly, while efficiency often yields faster returns.
• Account for geopolitical and regional differences shaping risk and opportunity.
• Foster early, transparent community engagement to build trust and avoid project delays.
• Keep cyber and data resilience on the board agenda as digital adoption accelerates.
• Ensure decisions reflect a balanced focus on affordability, reliability, and emissions.

Program Videos

The Intersection of Energy and Technology: Full Program Video | Recorded Nov. 13, 2025

AI Just Broke the Energy Transition. Here's What Boards Need to Know. | Recorded Nov. 13, 2025

The Energy Transition Looks Different Everywhere: What Boards Must Understand | Recorded Nov. 13, 2025

The AI Energy Crisis: Why Big Tech Is Suddenly Buying Billions in Steel and Power | Recorded Nov. 13, 2025

How AI Is Changing Energy Strategy: The Boardroom View | Recorded Nov. 13, 2025

From Stakeholders to Shareholders: Why Community Impact Can Make or Break Energy Projects | Recorded Nov. 13, 2025

Energy Security vs. Net Zero: What Boards Need to Know About the Transition | Recorded Nov. 13, 2025

Geopolitics, AI, and Cyber Risk: How Regional Energy Trends Impact Boards | Recorded Nov. 13, 2025

Energy Expansion, Not Just Transition: Key Board Takeaways | Recorded Nov. 13, 2025

Program Resources

NACD:

• The Board’s Role in Powering the Future of Energy

GHD:

• How ammonia enables off-grid, low-carbon data centers
• Tej Talk two-part podcast series: Talking all-things energy transition

Additional Resources:

• From Transition to Expansion: Reflections on Building What’s Next in Energy
• How a Power Shortage could Short-Circuit Nvidia’s Rise

Panelists

Global Leader for Future Energy, GHD

Tej Gidda

Tej Gidda is a Vice-President and GHD’s Global Leader for Future Energy. In this capacity, he works on resilient, affordable and secure approaches to energy transition, around energy storage, bioenergy, renewables, hydrogen, carbon capture, and emerging energy forms…

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Director, Global Exploration Commercial and Portfolio (ECAP), Chevron; Board Member, Carbon Clean

Chris Powers

Chris Powers is Director of Global Exploration Commercial and Portfolio (ECAP) for Chevron, a position he assumed in July 2025. He has worldwide responsibility for leading the commercial, portfolio, and capital management aspects of Chevron’s Global Exploration portfolio...

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Former President, Shell; Director, The Mosaic Company

Gretchen Watkins

Gretchen Watkins is a seasoned global energy executive and board director with more than 30 years of leadership experience across upstream, downstream, and energy transition portfolios. She currently serves as president of Shell USA Inc., where she oversees Shell’s integrated operations in the United States—the only country in Shell’s portfolio with a presence across the full energy value chain...

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