During a recent House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak expressed concerns about China’s rapid advancement in AI development, supported by significant energy output. She engaged with INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering to discuss how the United States could lead in AI innovation and what obstacles China might encounter when deploying the technology at scale.
Congresswoman Fedorchak highlighted the disparity in energy production between China and the U.S., stating, “AI has been described as not only a powerful tool, but an incredible weapon. And I don’t feel like the public necessarily understands that or sees it exactly that way. But given that China today produces 10,000 terawatt hours of power a year and the U.S. produces 4,000 terawatt hours of power a year, we’re already quite behind.”
Mr. Pickering responded by suggesting solutions for meeting data centers’ intensive energy demands without overburdening existing grids and residential customers. He emphasized “new solutions that would bring behind-the-meter, dedicated energy to the data centers,” along with discussing permitting reforms for multi-state pipeline construction.
Pickering also pointed out future options such as SMR technology and fusion technology for clean, reliable energy with minimal environmental impact. He stated these technologies should be introduced to the market swiftly while advocating for an all-encompassing strategy to address current demand.
The discussion also touched on China’s lack of barriers in deploying AI compared to those faced by the U.S.
Additionally, Congresswoman Fedorchak has initiated an AI and Energy Working Group aimed at creating legislative frameworks for powering AI’s future. A Request For Information (RFI) was issued earlier this spring to gather input from stakeholders, resulting in over 100 responses. The group will focus on American energy dominance, securing the grid, and surpassing China’s advancements.
