Growing reliance on digital technologies, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a surge in energy-intensive data centers in the country and in the Northwest. On April 22, 2025, the Clean Energy Transition Institute (CETI) hosted a Decarbonization Forum during which a panel of experts explored the impact of data center energy use on the Northwest’s energy grid and clean energy transition.

The panel was moderated by CETI’s Executive Director, Eileen V. Quigley, and panelists included: Brian Janous (Cloverleaf Infrastructure), Crystal Ball (PNUCC), Edith Bayer (Oregon Department of Energy), Kate Brouns (Office of Governor Ferguson), Diane Brandt (Renewable Northwest), and Joshua Basofin (Climate Solutions).

Resources below include a written recap of the forum, panelist slides, CETI's Data Centers, Energy Use, and Artificial Intelligence 101 Resource, and a recording of the event:

• Written Forum Recap
• Eileen V. Quigley Slides
• Brian Janous Slides
• Crystal Ball Slides
• Joshua Basofin Slides