Key Points

  1. Google's Head of Advanced Energy, Michael Terrell, is departing the company after 19 years.
  2. The AI boom is fueling infrastructure challenges in Europe, where data centre operators face difficulties securing grid connections and planning permissions.
  3. India is investing billions in battery storage to tackle renewable energy waste, strengthen its grid, and reduce reliance on imported energy technology.

The AI Boom and Its Infrastructure Consequences

The AI boom is transforming the energy landscape, with data centre operators facing infrastructure challenges in Europe. Google's departure of Head of Advanced Energy Michael Terrell after 19 years is a significant development in the energy sector. Meanwhile, India is investing billions in battery storage to tackle renewable energy waste and strengthen its grid.

The SuperIntelligence Summit, hosted by BizClik, will bring together leaders from the AI, data centre, and energy sectors to discuss the challenges and opportunities behind the AI boom. The summit will take place in London in May 2027 and will feature panel discussions, workshops, and expos.

At a Glance

Main CompanyGoogle
Departing Head of Advanced Energy
Main ExecutiveMichael Terrell
Departing Head of Advanced Energy
OrganizationBizClik
Hosting SuperIntelligence Summit
RegulatorSouthwest Power Pool (SPP)
Regional grid serving much of the central US
LocationLondon
Hosting SuperIntelligence Summit
CountryIndia
Investing in battery storage
IndustryEnergy
AI, data centre and energy sectors
Key TechnologyBattery Storage
India's investment programme for climate technologies and renewables

Where the Sides Stand

Google

Position: Departing Head of Advanced Energy Michael Terrell

Role in the story: Departing Head of Advanced Energy

Motivation: Not stated in the source. (our reading)

Storm Group

Position: CEO Reza Nedjatian

Role in the story: CEO

Motivation: Grid connections and planning permissions can take years to secure, leaving projects waiting before construction can properly begin.

Behind Google's Energy Shift and India's Battery Storage Plans

Behind Google's Energy Shift

Google's departure of Michael Terrell marks a significant shift in the company's energy strategy. Under his leadership, Google oversaw the firm's renewables and nuclear drive, which has scaled around the world. The company's data centres used 30.8 million megawatt-hours of electricity in 2024, roughly double the figure four years earlier.

India's Battery Storage Plans

India is investing billions in battery storage to tackle renewable energy waste, strengthen its grid, and reduce reliance on imported energy technology. The country's Green Energy Corridor programme has approved the third phase, which sets aside more than US$5bn for the deployment of 50GWh of battery storage by 2033.

What to Expect from the AI Infrastructure Boom

What to Expect from the AI Infrastructure Boom

Data centre operators in Europe face difficulties securing grid connections and planning permissions, which can take years to secure. This is the constraint that's shaping the next phase of the industry, according to Storm Group CEO Reza Nedjatian. As a result, developers are looking further afield for sites where capacity can be delivered sooner.

India's investment in battery storage is expected to reduce reliance on imported energy technology and strengthen its grid. The country's Green Energy Corridor programme is a significant step towards achieving this goal.