Powering the Future: Navigating the Energy Tug-of-War Between Manufacturing and AI

Economic development has always required a careful balance of assets and opportunity. And in this modern era, energy capacity is one of the most important assets a community can have.

With uses including manufacturing and data centers driving increased energy demand, how do developers balance energy production with development opportunity while also ensuring sufficient energy for other uses?

In this panel discussion with economic development and energy industry professionals, Golden Shovel Agency President Bethany Quinn explored topics including:

• The rising energy demand created by manufacturing and AI data centers, 
• How communities can align energy planning with target industries,
• How to evaluate projects based on return per megawatt, and 
• How development leaders can bring together the right voices to shape what comes next.