VivoPower PLC (NASDAQ:VIVO, FRA:51J) Advisory Council member Philip Von Wulffen talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the rapidly growing energy demands of artificial intelligence infrastructure and why electricity is becoming the real bottleneck for the AI boom.
Von Wulffen explained that AI is dramatically changing how data centres are designed and powered. Traditional cloud facilities previously operated at relatively modest energy levels, but the shift toward AI training workloads is driving unprecedented power requirements. As he noted, “today, if you have a really what they call a mega AI training site, that ideally can be 500MW to a 1GW.”
The conversation highlights how AI chips must be positioned close together to maximize training efficiency, which significantly increases the power density within individual racks. This shift means technology companies are prioritising access to reliable electricity supplies before other infrastructure considerations, such as fibre connectivity.
Von Wulffen also discussed the challenges of developing new data centre sites, noting that regulatory processes, grid connections and equipment supply chains can cause major delays. In some regions, securing approvals and infrastructure can take several years, creating a growing gap between AI demand and available power capacity.
The discussion also explores emerging solutions, including co-located energy generation, LNG-based power, renewables and potential micro-nuclear technologies. Von Wulffen emphasised the importance of balancing energy expansion with environmental considerations and finding ways to reuse excess heat generated by data centres.
Watch the full interview for insights into how the global race for AI infrastructure could reshape energy systems and economic competitiveness.
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