The rapid expansion of AI data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, and hydrogen production facilities is creating unprecedented electricity demand on power grids. These large, fast-growing loads pose new challenges for planning, operations, and reliability—prompting heightened attention from utilities, regulators, OEMs, and grid operators.
This all-day workshop will bring together leading experts from industry, government, and academia to examine the emerging implications of large-load integration and discuss pathways to maintain a stable and resilient grid. The event is open to the Penn State community and invited external partners, and is designed to foster meaningful dialogue among the stakeholders shaping the future of power systems. This event will receive coverage by WGAL8 News.
Information is available on parking for daily visitors. Parking at West Deck for this event is recommended.
Agenda
| Time | Event | Lead or presenter | Attendees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00–8:25 a.m. | Welcome and working breakfast Badging and introductions | All invited | |
| 8:25–8:55 a.m. | Opening remarks Initial introduction: Nilanjan Ray Chaudhuri |
| All invited |
| 8:55–9:45 a.m. | Industry keynotes Chair: Nilanjan Ray Chaudhuri |
| All invited |
| 9:50–10:00 a.m. | Break | ||
| 10:00–11:20 a.m. | Session 1: Research Frontiers on Grid Integration of AI Data Centers Chairs: Nilanjan Ray Chaudhuri and Yan Li |
| All invited |
| 11:20 a.m.–12:40 p.m. | Session 2: AI Data Center Design Perspective Chairs: Nilanjan Ray Chaudhuri and Yunting Liu |
| All invited |
| 12:40–1:30 p.m. | Working lunch: Sessions Q&A discussion | ||
| 1:30–2:50 p.m. | Session 3: AI Data Center Legislation, Policy, and Markets Chairs: Seth Blumsack and Jim Freihaut |
| All invited |
| 2:55–3:35 p.m. | Panel session Moderators: Nilanjan Ray Chaudhuri, Seth Blumsack, and Jim Freihaut |
| All invited |
| 3:35–3:50 p.m. | Coffee and snacks break | ||
| 3:50–4:20 p.m. | Parallel breakout session I: AI Data Center Grid Integration |
| Group A |
| 3:50–4:20 p.m. | Parallel breakout session II: AI Data Center Design |
| Group B |
| 3:50–4:20 p.m. | Parallel breakout session III: Legislation, Policy, and Markets |
| Group C |
| 4:20–4:50 p.m. | Breakout session summary reporting | Breakout session leads | All invited |
| 4:50–5:00 p.m. | Vote of thanks and adjourn | Nilanjan Ray Chaudhuri | All invited |
Speakers
- Dr. Sai Gopal Vennelaganti
Manager, Global Power Systems Lead, Tesla Inc.
- Dr. Rahul Chakraborty
Staff Engineer, Electric Transmission Planning and Strategic Initiatives, Dominion Energy Virginia
- Dr. Phani Marthi
R&D Associate Staff, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Dr. Xue Lyu
Electrical Engineer, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
- Stephen E. Bennett
Sr. Manager, Regulatory and Legislative Affairs, PJM Interconnection
- Dave Mueller
VP of Energy Systems Studies, EnerNex
- Dr. Abhishek Banerjee
Senior Staff Scientist, Siemens – Research & Predevelopment
- Ryan Bredl
Associate Product Manager, Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCB), Eaton
- Dr. Maryam Saeedifard
Ken Byers Professor, Georgia Tech
- Kevin Sunday
McNees Government Relations
- Adam Walters
Senior Energy Advisor, DCED