Powering the Surge: Turbines, Data Centers, and the Race to Build the Grid Artwork

Energy Solutions: A Podcast From EPSA

America runs on reliable, affordable electricity - but the demands on our grid are changing. From natural gas to renewable power, electric vehicles and the competitive power markets, what are the energy solutions to cultivate cleaner air, new technology and more innovative and reliable power generation - at the least cost? Experts and voices from throughout the electric industry and government join the Electric Power Supply Association to discuss emerging trends, current issues, energy customer needs, and new projects. Discover how competition unlocks solutions to build the grid of the future.

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Energy Solutions: A Podcast From EPSA

Powering the Surge: Turbines, Data Centers, and the Race to Build the Grid

April 14, 2026 • Electric Power Supply Association • Season 1 • Episode 65

0:00 | 39:41

After years of flat demand, the power sector is facing a dramatic shift. AI, hyperscale data centers, electrification, and manufacturing growth are driving a new wave of electricity demand—and putting unprecedented pressure on the grid.

Gas turbine orders are expected to peak in 2026 as developers secure equipment for more than 60 gigawatts of new gas capacity.

In this episode, Matt Neal, President of Siemens Energy North America, joins EPSA President and CEO Todd Snitchler to break down what this moment means from the front lines of equipment manufacturing. From turbine shortages and long lead times to supply chain constraints and workforce challenges, Matt explains why building new power infrastructure isn’t as simple as flipping a switch.

They discuss how demand from data centers is reshaping how projects are developed, why customers are reserving equipment years in advance, and how Siemens Energy is investing billions to expand U.S. manufacturing capacity. Matt also explains why gas turbines remain critical for reliability, how they support an increasingly dynamic grid while also achieving efficiency and emissions milestones, and what the system could look like by 2040.

Topics include:

Why electricity demand growth today represents a “generational shift” for the power sector,
How AI and data centers are reshaping load growth and infrastructure planning,
Why turbine lead times now stretch close to 2030 and what’s driving the bottleneck,
How supply chain, workforce, and manufacturing constraints are impacting grid expansion,
The shift from traditional procurement to reservation-based equipment strategies,
Why gas turbines remain essential for reliability and grid stability,
The latest innovations and technology breakthroughs,
How hyperscale data centers are changing project development and co-location strategies,
And what needs to happen across the industry to maintain reliability and affordability as demand accelerates.

Host: Todd Snitchler, President and CEO, EPSA

Guest: Matt Neal, President, Siemens Energy North America

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