The rapid expansion of data centers could create an unprecedented surge in energy demand, reshaping an electric grid built over the past 150 years. How does the addition of hyperscale data centers affect current grid reliability and future planning? What solutions are being explored to maintain reliability and affordability?
Join the Wisconsin Energy Institute on October 27 at 4:30 CT to explore the impacts of data centers on power systems—both real-time operations and long-term build out of resources for the grid.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a barrier free campus and is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. If you need an accommodation for this event please let us know by emailing outreach@energy.wisc.edu or calling 608-890-0946. Requests made with less than 3 weeks’ notice will be honored when possible.
Moderator
Paul Robbins, Dean of the Nelson Institute; Professor of Environmental Studies and Geography, UW–Madison
Paul Robbins is the dean of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he guides the institute in serving as a world leader in addressing rapid global environmental change. Robbins is also strengthening the Nelson Institute’s commitment to the Wisconsin Idea through the expansion of innovative service-learning and internship programs, partnerships across campus and with outside agencies and organizations, and with the sovereign native nations in the state now known as Wisconsin.
Robbins has years of experience as a researcher and educator, specializing in human interactions with nature and the politics of natural resource management. He has taught topics ranging from environmental studies and natural resource policy to social theory. An alumnus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Robbins previously led the School of Geography and Development at the University of Arizona, which he helped establish and served for two years as director. He was raised in Denver.
Panelists
Bernie Lesiuetre, Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering & Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies, College of Engineering, UW–Madison
Bernie Lesieutre’s research, teaching, and professional interests involve electric energy systems and energy policy. His research activities involve the development of tools to advance the design of reliable electric power systems and energy policies to support system reliability. He has published numerous reports in support of activities at the U.S. DOE and FERC, and he was a member of a team that helped investigate the August 14th, 2003 Northeast blackout.
Professor Lesieutre is also affiliated with the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, and he teaches and advises students in the Energy Analysis and Policy program. He holds a research appointment at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California.
Anna Haensch, Research Associate Professor, Data Science Institute, Libraries, UW–Madison
Anna’s research interests are in science and technology policy, especially the use of artificial intelligence for the public sector and critical infrastructure. Her recent work spans applications of artificial intelligence and statistical machine learning across social and complex systems, energy infrastructure, and law enforcement, with the goal of fairness, safety, and equity. She is also the Associate Director of the Digital Scholarship Hub at the UW-Madison Libraries.
Eric Stein, Policy Advisor, Division of Energy Regulation and Analysis, Public Service Comission of Wisconsin
Bio to come.