Five Takeaways from POWERGEN International 2025

PowerGen International 2025, held from February 11–13 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, brought together over 8,000 industry professionals, including power utilities, hardware vendors, and equipment manufacturers. The event focused on the evolving landscape of energy generation, demand growth, grid resilience, and innovative technologies shaping the future of the power sector. 

Energy Exemplar enjoyed attending and engaging with industry professionals on how our modeling and analytic solutions can help optimize energy markets in this rapidly evolving landscape. Below are our key takeaways from this year’s event: 

Why are gas and nuclear returning to utility-planning discussions?

One of the most notable shifts at PowerGen 2025 was the increasing discussion around gas and nuclear energy. Keynote speakers, including NVIDIA, a major data center developer, and Entergy, emphasized the growing demand for firm generation capacity to support expanding AI-driven energy needs. 

While renewable energy remains a focus, utilities and developers are broadening their strategies to include natural gas with carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) and nuclear power. Entergy, in particular, highlighted how all asset types are now being considered to meet demand growth—something that would have been almost unthinkable to hear at a conference just a few years ago. 

Where could hydrogen and energy storage add value?

New technologies for decarbonization and long-duration energy storage also took center stage. Westinghouse showcased a compelling energy storage solution, while Modern Hydrogen introduced a methane-to-hydrogen conversion process using pyrolysis. This technology allows methane to be transported efficiently before converting it into hydrogen at the point of use, with the remaining carbon repurposed for asphalt production—an innovative approach to carbon management. 

How is AI-driven demand changing power-system planning?

NVIDIA’s keynote underscored how the artificial intelligence revolution is driving unprecedented energy consumption. With AI workloads requiring massive amounts of computing power, the energy sector is experiencing a demand surge comparable to a modern-day space race. This has led to heightened collaboration between AI developers and energy providers to ensure a reliable power supply, with a renewed focus on firm generation sources to support this growth. 

What role can grid-edge and behind-the-meter technologies play?

This year’s PowerGen International had a strong emphasis on behind-the-meter solutions, microgrids, and portable energy storage. Auto companies explored vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications with us, investigating how fleet vehicles could discharge power back to the grid when needed. Grid-edge technologies that optimize distributed energy resources and enhance grid stability were a major discussion point, reinforcing the importance of data-driven decision making in modern energy management. 

Why is advanced energy modelling necessary across these choices?

Throughout the event, it was clear that robust data analytics and modeling tools are essential for navigating the complexities of today’s energy landscape. Many companies inquired about energy storage optimization and hydrogen modeling—areas where Energy Exemplar is uniquely positioned to provide solutions. 

PowerGen International 2025 reinforced the energy industry’s shift toward pragmatic, multi-faceted strategies that balance reliability, sustainability, and technological innovation. As utilities, developers, and policymakers adapt to growing energy demands, data-driven insights and advanced modeling will be crucial in shaping the future of energy generation and distribution. 

Energy Exemplar remains committed to supporting the industry with cutting-edge modeling solutions that empower transformative energy decisions. We look forward to continuing these conversations and driving innovation in the evolving energy landscape. 

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