The second day of the Energy Disruptors conference was nothing short of inspiring, with bold ideas, disruptive technologies, and a renewed focus on leadership in the energy sector. From the future of data centers to creating thriving workplaces and sustainable innovations, here’s a snapshot of the day’s most exciting insights:
Powering the Future: Data Centers, Energy, and Sustainability
In today’s hyper-connected world, data centers are the backbone of the digital economy—and powering them is no small feat. Ed Crooks, Vice Chair of Wood Mackenzie, highlighted this challenge by sharing how companies like Google and Microsoft are turning to cutting-edge energy sources. Google is backing geothermal energy in Nevada, and Microsoft plans to reopen the famous Three Mile Island nuclear plant. As data consumption soars, the need for 24/7 reliable power becomes more critical than ever, and these developments underscore the move toward cleaner, more resilient energy solutions.
Ian MacGregor chimed in on Alberta’s pivotal role in the energy transition. With 12 gigawatts of power needed for data centers and Canada storing 10% of the world’s captured carbon, Alberta is positioning itself as a global leader in both energy and carbon capture. MacGregor’s team is even using scrap wood for gasification, blending it with natural gas to reduce carbon intensity—an innovative approach that proves sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.
From Surviving to Thriving: A Human-Centric Workplace Revolution
Tom Goodwin challenged our growing obsession with data, coining the term “arithmetocracy” to describe how numbers have overtaken human intuition in decision-making. He urged leaders to connect with people on a human level, reminding us that simplicity is often the key to making decisions easier for stakeholders. Goodwin also emphasized the importance of making responsible behaviors—like sustainability—accessible to everyone. He noted that while companies often speak about innovation, real change requires more than just talk. Creating new, independent units with fresh cultures might be the way to truly drive transformation.
Leadership Reimagined: The Human Element in a Data-Driven World
In today’s hyper-connected world, data centers are the backbone of the digital economy—and powering them is no small feat. Ed Crooks, Vice Chair of Wood Mackenzie, highlighted this challenge by sharing how companies like Google and Microsoft are turning to cutting-edge energy sources. Google is backing geothermal energy in Nevada, and Microsoft plans to reopen the famous Three Mile Island nuclear plant. As data consumption soars, the need for 24/7 reliable power becomes more critical than ever, and these developments underscore the move toward cleaner, more resilient energy solutions.
Ian MacGregor chimed in on Alberta’s pivotal role in the energy transition. With 12 gigawatts of power needed for data centers and Canada storing 10% of the world’s captured carbon, Alberta is positioning itself as a global leader in both energy and carbon capture. MacGregor’s team is even using scrap wood for gasification, blending it with natural gas to reduce carbon intensity—an innovative approach that proves sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.
Tackling Tire Pollution: The Silent Environmental Crisis
One of the most surprising discussions came from the tire industry, revealing the environmental havoc caused by tire pollution. Did you know we generate 6 million tons of tire waste every year? Even more shocking, tire pollution surpasses tailpipes as the largest source of air pollution and is the leading contributor of microplastics in our oceans. Enso, a sustainable tire company, is stepping up to the plate with a mission to make electric vehicles (EVs) more efficient and less polluting. Their goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030 is not just a lofty target—it’s a necessary one. By improving tire efficiency, EVs can travel further while reducing their environmental footprint. Enso’s partnership with Uber and recognition as an Earthshot Prize finalist make them a company to watch in the fight for sustainability.
Jacinda Ardern: Redefining Leadership for a Better World
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s session was a breath of fresh air in how we think about leadership. She highlighted a critical flaw in how we measure success, stating, “GDP measures everything except what makes life worthwhile.” Ardern stressed the need for leaders to be empathetic, human, and willing to admit when they don’t know everything. Perhaps one of the most poignant messages was her view that climate change is not a political issue, but a universal challenge that demands action. Her remarks challenged us to rethink what leadership looks like in the 21st century—less about overwork and perfection, and more about genuine care for people and the planet.
Jim Collins on Energy: The Lifeblood of Data Centers
Jim Collins tackled the immense energy demands of the data center industry, where reliability is everything. With centers needing to operate at 99.999% uptime, Collins discussed the importance of an “energy-first” approach. He also touched on the challenges of current tariff structures, which often fail to accommodate the unique needs of energy-hungry data centers. As Collins pointed out, the future of data centers isn’t just about scaling technology—it’s about rethinking how we power them sustainably.
Celebrating Failures and Driving Adaptability
Jad Shimaly introduced the concept of “celebrating failures” as a path to success, aligning with the principles of agility and adaptability. In a world where the variables often outnumber the equations, Shimaly argued that failure is an essential part of innovation and growth. His call for a balanced approach to affordability, sustainability, and security was a refreshing take on how we can navigate the complex challenges of today’s energy landscape.
Big Ideas, Bigger Conversations
The day concluded with a powerful session from Dr. Yuval Noah Harari, who spoke about the role of storytelling in shaping human perceptions. Harari’s call to create new narratives rather than critiquing old ones resonated deeply with attendees, as it underscored the importance of optimism and forward-thinking in driving change.
Final Thoughts: Energized and Ready for Action
The Energy Disruptors conference has been nothing short of transformative, and Day 2 further solidified that this event is about more than just business. It’s about reshaping our understanding of energy, leadership, and sustainability in a way that’s meaningful and impactful. As Teknobuilt continues to push boundaries in transforming the built environment, these insights motivate us to stay the course. We’re excited about what the future holds, and we’re setting our sights on contributing even more—whether as panellists or speakers at EDU 2025.
By embracing innovation, championing sustainability, and rethinking leadership, we’re confident that Teknobuilt is on the right path to make a lasting, positive impact on the planet.
In his speech, Yogesh will delve into the pivotal role of sustainable energy solutions in Africa’s development journey. He will discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding energy generation and distribution on the continent. With a focus on green growth, Yogesh will explore how Africa can harness renewable energy sources, reduce its carbon footprint, and promote environmentally conscious practices in the pursuit of economic empowerment.
