How Will GE Vernova's Energy Roadmap Power Trump's AI Plan?

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

It outlines a significant shift towards deregulation and enhancement in this high-tech sector.

Previously, the approach towards AI was intertwined with substantial oversight and risk management.

Now, the administration aims to foster innovation by slashing regulatory shackles.

The executive order aims to ensure that AI developments are unbiased and not skewed by societal agendas, prioritising technological progress and economic advancement.

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 has mandated that senior officials and relevant governmental bodies formulate an Artificial Intelligence Action Plan within 180 days.

This plan is expected to champion human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and bolster national security.

On 25 February, the White House extended an invitation to stakeholders in the private sector, academia and various levels of government provide input on actions necessary to achieve the AI Action Plan. 

GE Vernova's policy roadmap

In response, global energy titan GE Vernova submitted a detailed policy roadmap designed to provide the necessary energy solutions to support this new AI directive.

The roadmap underscores the intertwined growth trajectories of AI and data centre expansion.

Discussing GE Vernova’s roadmap submission, 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. 

With its comprehensive approach, GE Vernova not only aims to fulfil current energy demands but also lead the charge on global energy transition initiatives, particularly focusing on electrifying and decarbonising the power sector.

A bold roadmap

In its detailed proposal, GE Vernova outlines several energy priorities essential for synchronising with the AI Action Plan.

Its four energy priorities are:

• Dispatchable energy 
• Grid readiness
• Behind the meter systems
• Innovation

GE Vernova identifies natural gas as a reliable source to address the surging energy demand from AI and data centres.
It proposes upgrades to existing gas turbines which could enhance capacity significantly, up to 14GW, with nuclear upgrades adding 2GW.

Also, it advocates for accelerated governmental approvals for transmission and interconnection projects to keep pace with technological advancements and ensure stable power supply to emerging AI hubs.

To meet the demands of future AI and data center infrastructure, a resilient and efficient grid is crucial. GE Vernova emphasizes the need to expedite critical transmission and interconnection approvals to keep up with

Additionally, GE Vernova advocates for US government support in manufacturing essential components and equipment for this infrastructure.

Powering AI and data centres

Behind-the-meter (BTM) systems, encompassing on-site energy generation and storage solutions like solar panels and batteries, are emerging as a crucial enabler for AI and data centre growth.

GE Vernova emphasises the need to explore alternatives beyond conventional grid reliability and generation methods.

This approach necessitates streamlining permitting processes and developing flexible models that allow data centres to participate partially or fully in future grid operations.

The company's strategic roadmap highlights the importance of energy innovation within the AI and data centre sector, not only for domestic growth but also for the global deployment of US energy technology.

It 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”. 

Specifically, public-private partnerships in areas such as US nuclear small modular reactors, carbon capture technology and advanced grid software are seen as critical to meeting AI and data centre needs while ensuring a secure US 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.”

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