TOPICS

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming power generation by optimizing energy operations, enhancing efficiency and improving grid reliability. In power plants, AI-driven tools are being used for predictive maintenance to detect potential equipment failures before they happen.

Power companies are increasingly using lithium-ion batteries to complement the intermittency of wind and solar. U.S. battery storage capacity has continued to see strong growth in the last year, particularly in the western states. POWERGEN’s education includes a focus on the technical and operational challenges of battery storage, along with safety considerations.

Decarbonization is shifting the generation mix. Many coal-fired units are on track to retire, while renewable energy resources and batteries continue to see substantial growth. Zero-carbon sources like nuclear are also drawing interest from large-scale generators and industrials. The path to decarbonization faces several challenges, including the intermittency of renewables, rapid load growth and the costs associated with transitioning from fossil fuels.

Emission reduction and environmental remediation at fossil-fired plants are critical for viability, with even less pressure around decarbonization mandates under the Trump administration. POWERGEN will explore how evolving state and federal policies affect plant operations, spotlighting operational strategies and control technologies that help operators navigate compliance, even amid changing regulatory expectations.

Engineering and EPC services are critical components of the power generation industry, encompassing the design, procurement and construction of plants and related infrastructure. POWERGEN offers educational and networking opportunities for EPC companies, with sessions including technical, financial, regulatory and environmental considerations.

The gas turbine is considered the workhorse of power generation and offers rapidly dispatchable power combined with reliability, operational flexibility and the ability to use low-carbon fuel blends. Gas turbines will be increasingly needed in fast-ramping applications as renewables account for greater power on the grid. In the face of increasing electricity demand, buyers of F-Class, advanced-class and aeroderivative gas turbines are experiencing lead times not seen since the gas boom of the early 2000s.

Hydroelectric power is a critical part of the global energy mix, providing close to 16% of the world's electricity and over half of all renewable energy. Its ability to generate consistent, low-cost power makes it a backbone of many countries' energy strategies, especially in regions rich in water resources.

Electricity demand is rising faster than it has in decades, fueled by data centers, electrification, manufacturing and population growth. This surge is straining existing generation capacity, grid infrastructure and long-term resource planning. Utilities, grid operators and policymakers are rethinking forecasting methods and are working to accelerate project development timelines. At POWERGEN, sessions on load growth will explore its root causes and the technologies, market mechanisms and policies being deployed to ensure reliable supply in the face of accelerating demand.

Nuclear power has become increasingly popular with utilities, large offtakers and the general public. From uprates and plant restarts to next-generation reactor designs, nuclear is poised to expand its role in the energy mix. Several actions will likely need to be considered across financing, supply chain and regulation for the industry to scale up significantly.

Onsite power solutions are transforming how industrial, institutional, and mission-critical facilities manage energy reliability and resilience. As data centers, hospitals and manufacturers face increasing grid constraints and extreme weather events, they are turning to onsite generation strategies—including microgrids, CHP, natural gas turbines, fuel cells, flexible gen-sets and more.

Plant owners and operators must strategically manage their assets using the latest processes and solutions, including leveraging data to maximize the productivity of a highly trained and adaptive workforce. A successful maintenance regimen ensures assets’ continuous operations, extends their lives and enables their performance and availability.

Policy and regulation in the power sector is affected by administration changes, clean energy goals, shifts in electricity demand and other market factors. At POWERGEN, sessions will examine the latest policy trends and their impact on the industry—from the White House to the local level—including financial incentives, permitting, and emissions and environmental regulations affecting plant operators.

Solar is the fastest-growing source of new generation and continues to capture a larger share of the U.S. power mix, despite headwinds from tariffs, supply chain constraints, shifting regulatory policy and interconnection delays. As fleets mature, utility-scale solar farms also face mounting performance and reliability challenges.

POWERGEN sessions will highlight O&M strategies, case studies and solutions for key components—from PV panels and inverters to trackers and switchgear—to maximize uptime and long-term value.