Artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in the everyday decisions of energy companies: utilities, grid operators, data centers and large consumers are deploying AI for operations, forecasting and efficiency improvements. This shift is no longer only a technical innovation; AI has become a strategic issue that shapes investment choices and business models in the sector.
The Reuters warning — concrete figures
A recent Reuters piece highlighted that electricity demand from data centers could grow so rapidly that by 2030 it may represent 9–17 percent of US power consumption. That projection illustrates the scale of AI deployment and the potential load on grids, underlining the need to focus on the energy efficiency and scalability of AI systems.
More than data collection: challenges and opportunities
Collecting more data and digitizing systems are necessary but not sufficient steps. The central challenge is turning collected data into business value: reducing operating costs, enabling demand‑side management, increasing grid flexibility, and creating new services are among the possible benefits. At the same time, risks appear — higher energy consumption, regulatory questions and integration costs.
Portfolio AI in Energy 2026 — when and what to expect
The Portfolio AI in Energy 2026 conference will take place on 27 May 2026 at the Marriott Hotel in Budapest. The event aims to bring together sector participants — energy companies, grid operators, technology vendors and researchers — to show where the transition stands today, which technologies are mature for commercial deployment, and who are the likely winners in the coming years.
Participants and experts
A broad set of industry and academic experts will speak or take part in panels, including:
- Prof. Dr. Aszódi Attila, university professor, Budapesti Műszaki és Gazdaságtudományi Egyetem Nukleáris Technikai Intézet
- Simon Dezső, IT and business development deputy CEO, MAVIR
- Káplár‑Zagyi Evelin, data analyst expert, E.ON
- Székely Magor Illés, data analyst expert, E.ON
- Karagich Bálint, managing director, Energiastratégia Intézet
- Kiss Gergely, president, Attrecto
- Tőzsér Áron, energy business director, Microsoft Magyarország
- Petis László, CEO, IL‑PE Kft.
- Dr. Dolányi Mihály, CEO, sight‑E
- Kalmár Zoltán, product development lead – Siemens AI & Robotics, evosoft Hungary
- Csonth Dániel, CEO, founder, Veridue AI
- Farkas Péter, founder, ArchonLayer
- Hajós Balázs, sales director, Schneider Electric
- Dr. Jánki Zoltán, assistant professor, SZTE – Department of Software Development
- Kiss Péter, business development lead, Kraken Tech
- Veszprémi Balázs, CEO, ARTEMIS Technologies
- Barabás Vajk, commercial strategy lead, Neara
- Dr. Varga Pál, department head, BME Department of Telecommunications and Artificial Intelligence
This lineup reflects participation from energy industry players, technology vendors and academic researchers.
Why this matters for the sector
Both the conference and the Reuters analysis remind us that AI is not just a tool for efficiency gains: it can fundamentally change power system planning, demand‑supply management and energy service business models. In the coming years, winners will likely be firms that can integrate AI solutions in an energy‑aware, scalable and economically viable way.
Participation and further information
Registration and participation details for Portfolio AI in Energy 2026 are available from the event organizer, Portfolio. The conference aims to present practical experience, case studies and guidance on the regulatory environment.
Cover image: illustration.
