Technovation with Peter High (CIO, CTO, CDO, CXO Interviews)

Technovation with Peter High (CIO, CTO, CDO, CXO Interviews)


AI Needs Power: Duke Energy CIO on Fueling the Future of Data Centers

October 16, 2025

What happens when the CIO responsible for powering AI also has to manage its energy demands?

Richard Donaldson, SVP & CIO of Duke Energy, joins Technovation to discuss the unique position utilities now face: supporting exponential growth in data center power needs while simultaneously using AI to optimize grid performance, customer experience, and internal operations.

In this episode, Richard and Peter explore:

  • The intersection of AI and national energy infrastructure
  • How one data center can require as much power as a nuclear reactor
  • Strategies for responsible AI rollout and internal enablement
  • Customer journey innovation in a highly regulated industry
  • Why the utility CIO role is now central to digital transformation