Technology Association of Oregon Convened Leaders for Successful Data Centers and Energy Innovation Summit

“The Great Transformation” sparked crucial dialogue on AI’s growing energy needs and the future of clean, resilient infrastructure in Oregon

Bend, OR – July 31, 2025 – The Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) recently hosted The Great Transformation: A Data Center and Energy Innovation Summit at the Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, Oregon, bringing together top minds from technology, energy, and policy sectors to address the rapidly evolving relationship between artificial intelligence, data centers, and clean energy solutions.

The half-day summit drew a wide range of stakeholders, including executives from Intel, Amazon, Pacific Power, the Oregon Public Utility Commission, and other leading organizations, to share insights on the economic, environmental, and societal impact of large-scale computing infrastructure.

Attendees engaged in panel discussions on AI’s rising energy requirements, innovations in microgrids and distributed generation, and the role of advanced energy storage and grid modernization in supporting regional growth. Sessions also explored how data centers can drive local development while advancing clean tech transitions, setting the stage for future collaboration between public and private sectors.

Referencing the conversation around growing demand, Jacob Betcher, CEO of Mayfield Renewables, a sponsor of this year’s event, wrote an article on the summit highlighted a striking figure from the IEA: “A typical AI-focused data center consumes as much electricity as 100,000 households, with the largest under construction set to use 20 times as much.”  This incredible call to address modern energy challenges set the tone for discussions on balancing innovation with resilient, clean energy solutions to support future computing power needs.

Skip Newberry, President and CEO of TAO, reflected on the event’s success: “This summit was designed to demystify the future of energy and infrastructure, and it delivered. We saw incredible collaboration between industry, government, and technology leaders—all committed to shaping a sustainable, forward-looking digital ecosystem for Oregon.”

The event was made possible thanks to presenting and supporting sponsors including AWS, Latitude Media, Mayfield Renewables, Elm Microgrid, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Canadian International Consulate, Xendee, Powerize NW, Outfit, NWCL, Cross Consulting, and Google, whose contributions helped foster meaningful discussions and networking opportunities.

“The Great Transformation emerged from the realization that the energy transition requires broad participation,” says Robert Cross, Founder of Cross Consulting. “Technology, policy, and economics all factor into the changes rolling over us — and staying in silos won’t help us get the job done. This event will help define the path forward.”

More information on future TAO events can be found at techoregon.org.

About the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO)

The Technology Association of Oregon is the preeminent organization dedicated to promoting growth, innovation, and leadership within the Pacific Northwest's tech industry. Since its transformation from the Software Association of Oregon, TAO has been at the forefront of advocating for education, policy, and community engagement, representing the interests and aspirations of technology companies and professionals across the region. For more information about TAO, its initiatives, and how to become a member, please visit https://www.techoregon.org/.

Media Contact

Taylor Maurits

Wise Up PR for the Technology Association of Oregon

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