Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
How do we power the explosive growth of AI—without breaking the grid?
In this episode of the We Power AI series, host Kelsey sits down with Peter Wawer, Division President of Green Industrial Power at Infineon, to explore the critical intersection of AI, energy infrastructure, and semiconductor innovation.
⚡ As AI workloads surge globally, energy demand is pushing power systems to their limits. From high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission to battery energy storage systems (BESS) and DC-powered data centers, this conversation dives deep into the technologies shaping a sustainable AI future.
🔍 What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why AI is driving unprecedented demand on global energy grids?
How HVDC technology enables efficient long-distance power transmission?
The role of battery storage in stabilizing renewable-heavy energy systems.
Why DC-powered data centers could transform efficiency at scale?
How semiconductors power sustainable AI infrastructure?
What “physical AI” means for robotics, industry, and society.
🌍 Why this matters:
From Europe’s energy transition to global digitalization, powering AI sustainably is one of the biggest challenges and opportunities of our time. This episode explores how energy systems, electrification, and AI innovation come together to shape a more resilient future.
🔗 Explore more on our website: scom.ly/LbQlewp
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome to We Power AI Series
01:38 - The Unprecedented Growth of AI & Business Opportunities
02:13 - The Rising Energy Demand of AI
02:26 - Can Renewables Keep Up with AI's Energy Needs?
03:21 - How Do We Compensate for Renewable Energy Fluctuations?
03:43 - How Much Power Does a Single Data Center Need?
04:13 - The Stressed Energy Grid & Bidirectional Energy Flows
05:14 - Grid Stabilization & Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
05:59 - Rethinking Energy Transmission: The Germany & China Example
06:40 - HVDC Transmission Lines & The Role of Semiconductors
07:06 - Inside the Data Center: Volatile Energy Demand & Battery Storage
07:58 - Building Micro Grids Around Data Centers
08:22 - The Shift from AC to DC Data Center Architecture
09:43 - Solid State Transformers & Circuit Breakers
10:49 - What's Next? Predictions for the Next Few Years
11:17 - Physical AI: Automation, Robotics & Humanoid Robots
12:06 - Infineon's Role in Powering the Future of AI
12:27 - What Excites Peter Wawer Most About the Future
12:59 - Closing Remarks & What's Coming Next on We Power AI
________________________________________________
Do you like this video? Subscribe to Infineon on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCoTflChMPX0VBFXvXYmcu9w?sub_confirmation=1
Infineon is a world leader in semiconductor solutions that make life easier, safer and greener. Semiconductors are crucial to solve the energy challenges of our time and shape the digital transformation. This is why Infineon is committed to actively driving decarbonization and digitalization.
Connect with us on:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/infineon-technologies
Instagram: instagram.com/infineon_technologies
Facebook: facebook.com/Infineon
How do we power the explosive growth of AI—without breaking the grid?
In this episode of the We Power AI series, host Kelsey sits down with Peter Wawer, Division President of Green Industrial Power at Infineon, to explore the critical intersection of AI, energy infrastructure, and semiconductor innovation.
⚡ As AI workloads surge globally, energy demand is pushing power systems to their limits. From high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission to battery energy storage systems (BESS) and DC-powered data centers, this conversation dives deep into the technologies shaping a sustainable AI future.
🔍 What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why AI is driving unprecedented demand on global energy grids?
How HVDC technology enables efficient long-distance power transmission?
The role of battery storage in stabilizing renewable-heavy energy systems.
Why DC-powered data centers could transform efficiency at scale?
How semiconductors power sustainable AI infrastructure?
What “physical AI” means for robotics, industry, and society.
🌍 Why this matters:
From Europe’s energy transition to global digitalization, powering AI sustainably is one of the biggest challenges and opportunities of our time. This episode explores how energy systems, electrification, and AI innovation come together to shape a more resilient future.
🔗 Explore more on our website: scom.ly/LbQlewp
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome to We Power AI Series
01:38 - The Unprecedented Growth of AI & Business Opportunities
02:13 - The Rising Energy Demand of AI
02:26 - Can Renewables Keep Up with AI's Energy Needs?
03:21 - How Do We Compensate for Renewable Energy Fluctuations?
03:43 - How Much Power Does a Single Data Center Need?
04:13 - The Stressed Energy Grid & Bidirectional Energy Flows
05:14 - Grid Stabilization & Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
05:59 - Rethinking Energy Transmission: The Germany & China Example
06:40 - HVDC Transmission Lines & The Role of Semiconductors
07:06 - Inside the Data Center: Volatile Energy Demand & Battery Storage
07:58 - Building Micro Grids Around Data Centers
08:22 - The Shift from AC to DC Data Center Architecture
09:43 - Solid State Transformers & Circuit Breakers
10:49 - What's Next? Predictions for the Next Few Years
11:17 - Physical AI: Automation, Robotics & Humanoid Robots
12:06 - Infineon's Role in Powering the Future of AI
12:27 - What Excites Peter Wawer Most About the Future
12:59 - Closing Remarks & What's Coming Next on We Power AI
________________________________________________
Do you like this video? Subscribe to Infineon on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCoTflChMPX0VBFXvXYmcu9w?sub_confirmation=1
Infineon is a world leader in semiconductor solutions that make life easier, safer and greener. Semiconductors are crucial to solve the energy challenges of our time and shape the digital transformation. This is why Infineon is committed to actively driving decarbonization and digitalization.
Connect with us on:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/infineon-technologies
Instagram: instagram.com/infineon_technologies
Facebook: facebook.com/Infineon
