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Power generation

As energy demand continues to rise, energy providers must harness renewables, nuclear, and conventional sources to meet the growing needs.

What’s going on

As demand for clean energy accelerates—fueled by electrification, AI adoption, and emerging markets—power generators must balance reliability with sustainability. Navigating the net-zero transition means improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and investing in renewable, nuclear and conventional sources to ensure a resilient, low-carbon future.

4 ways generation is changing

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Energy demand is rising

The rapid expansion of AI, cloud computing and data centers is driving unprecedented electricity consumption. By 2028, data centers alone could account for 7% of total U.S. electricity use, rising to as much as 23% by 2033. This surge is pushing utilities and power producers to accelerate investments in new generation capacity and grid upgrades.

Renewable energy is expanding

Wind and solar power are growing rapidly, driven by cost reductions, policy incentives and advances in storage technology. To enhance reliability, investments in large-scale batteries, pumped hydro storage and improved grid integration are helping manage intermittent generation and balance supply with demand.

The role of nuclear and SMRs

Nuclear energy is re-emerging as a key player in the clean energy transition, with small modular reactors (SMRs) offering a more flexible and scalable alternative to traditional plants. While regulatory hurdles and high initial costs remain challenges, advancements in reactor technology and federal support are positioning nuclear as a long-term, low-carbon baseload power source.

Dispatchable power is evolving

With coal generation declining, natural gas remains a crucial transition fuel, providing on-demand electricity to stabilize the grid. Meanwhile, hydrogen, advanced biofuels and carbon-capture technologies are emerging as future low-carbon alternatives, ensuring reliable power generation as the energy mix continues to shift.

What you can do

Leverage AI and machine learning to enhance demand response through energy-demand predictions, personalized responses and real-time, automated load optimization.

$115T

Achieving net zero by 2050 requires $115 trillion in total global power-sector investment.

Optimize existing power plants, diversify into cleaner energy solutions and increase investments in renewable energy and storage. This will ensure consistent supply and modular, scalable capacity for future demand.

Explore opportunities to offer reliable energy supplies—such as natural gas—until renewables can fully achieve zero-emissions power. Emphasize stable rate designs and 24/7 resilient service to ensure predictable operating costs for data centers.

How global energy systems are evolving

The Energy Transition Index 2026 from the World Economic Forum evaluates energy system performance and transition readiness, offering insights into how markets are advancing toward secure and sustainable energy systems.

Read more

Our leaders

Andrea Falciai | EMEA Utilities Industry Lead | Accenture

Andrea Falciai

Managing Director – EMEA Utilities Industry Lead

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Bethany Patton

Managing Director – Industry & Enterprise, Utilities

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Helen Barrows

Managing Director – Power Generation and Net-Zero Solutions

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Kris X. Timmermans

Managing Director – Utilities Renewables Lead Europe

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