As artificial intelligence infrastructure expands worldwide, data center energy demand is becoming a central concern for utilities and investors alike. Across North America, questions are mounting about whether existing power grids can keep pace. In the U.S., Deloitte estimates that electricity demand from data centers could grow thirtyfold by 2035. Meanwhile, Canada is expected to see energy demand more than double by 2030. Against this backdrop, the inaugural Connect North American Investment in Digital Infrastructure & AI conference, set for Feb. 11 in Montreal, will open with a keynote focused on this urgent issue.
The keynote presentation will be moderated by Luis Calzado, CEO of AQPER, and will examine practical ways rising power needs could be addressed. Titled “The Intersection of Data Centers, AI, and Energy: The Real Needs, Trade-Offs, and the Competition for Limited Power,” the session will feature Philippe Dunsky, president of Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors. Together, they will outline key data points, real-world constraints, and actionable opportunities shaping the future of data center energy demand.
In addition, the discussion will explore why utilities are often hesitant to serve data centers at scale. Topics will include what developers must do to secure power through flexibility, efficiency, cost control, and self-supply. Attendees will also gain insight into utility limitations, creative energy procurement strategies, and the growing role of energy storage, particularly investments tied to battery technology and lithium mining.
Following the keynote, a series of panels will address broader industry challenges and opportunities. These sessions will focus on Canada’s data sovereignty, digital infrastructure entrepreneurship, capital raising, and investment trends. Further discussions will examine innovations in energy procurement and storage, Canadian pension fund participation in digital infrastructure, and emerging design and construction approaches. As with other Connect events, the program will conclude with a cocktail reception.
Registration details for the conference are available online. Interested participants are encouraged to secure their place early, as attendance is expected to be strong given the focus on data center energy demand and infrastructure resilience.
Digital transformation and rapid AI adoption are driving unprecedented electricity needs across North America. For that reason, energy investors, vendors, and providers are being urged to attend Connect North American Investment in Digital Infrastructure & AI in Montreal on February 11. With speakers from BluWave-ai, Hydrogen Energy Research Center, Vantage Data Centers, and AVAIO Capital, the event is positioned as a key forum for those shaping the future of energy and technology.
