Tuesday, September 22 • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM EDT
Overview
Powering the AI Era: Data Centers, Grid Resilience, and the Future of Energy Infrastructure
SAME NoVA Post Resilience Committee proudly presents a free webinar featuring Dr. Andrew Coleman and Jason Hollern with Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) for our September Resilience Program.
Dr. Coleman and Mr. Hollern will talk about Powering the AI Era.
Join us for the FREE webinar on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 11:30 AM – 12:3PM EDT for this online event.
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure is driving unprecedented investment in data centers, creating new challenges and opportunities for the electric power sector. Join Dr. Andrew Coleman and Mr. Jason Hollern of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) for an insightful discussion on the future of data center development, emerging micro-data center architectures, grid flexibility requirements, and EPRI’s groundbreaking DC Flex initiative. The session will explore how utilities, data center operators, government agencies, and technology providers are collaborating to enable scalable, reliable, and sustainable growth while maintaining electric system reliability.
Beyond infrastructure expansion, the presentation will examine the critical operational and cyber security considerations that will define the next generation of digital and energy ecosystems. Attendees will gain perspectives on OT cybersecurity risks, supply chain vulnerabilities, resilience planning, asset availability, and reliability strategies needed to ensure continuous operations in an increasingly interconnected environment.
As an independent, non-profit research organization serving the global energy industry, EPRI works closely with utilities, technology companies, government agencies, and the U.S. Department of War to develop practical solutions to the sector’s most pressing challenges.
This 45-minute session, followed by audience Q&A, will provide a unique opportunity to hear directly from researchers working at the intersection of grid modernization, data center innovation, and critical infrastructure security, offering insights that will help shape strategic decisions for the decade ahead.
Featured Speakers:
Dr. Andrew Coleman, Senior Manager US Accounts
Brief Biography:
Dr. Andrew Coleman leads non utility US accounts business development opportunities. Coleman held positions as Senior Manager, US Government, and Senior Program Manager Manufactured Gas Plants. Coleman’s areas of technical expertise are in geothermal sciences and environmental remediation.
During a hiatus from EPRI, Coleman was appointed the Director of Energy Systems Engineering at Lehigh University’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. Before joining EPRI, he worked on remediation projects at Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) in Newark, New Jersey.
Andrew Coleman earned a Bachelor’s degree in geology from Lehigh University. He also earned a Master of Arts degree in geology and a Doctorate in Geological Sciences from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Coleman finished a business certificate program from MIT Sloan School of Business. Coleman is an actively licensed professional geologist (PG) in California, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
Jason Hollern, Technical Executive in the Digitalization Area within the Generation Sector
Brief Biography:
Mr. Hollern’s current research areas include industrial control system (ICS) cyber security and artificial intelligence. He also leads the cross-sector cyber security research and coordination between Energy Delivery and Customer Solutions, Generation and Low-Carbon Resources, and Nuclear cyber security programs. He has led generation-specific cyber security research and development at EPRI since 2017.
At EPRI, he leads a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and researchers to provide applied solutions and processes to the energy sector that help to digitally transform the industry. These solutions and processes help the energy transformation, increase overall sector reliability and resiliency, and provide a benefit to the public.
Prior to joining EPRI, Mr. Hollern was an engineering supervisor for cyber security at AREVA Inc. He led a team focused on cyber security engineering solutions and services for more than half of the U.S. nuclear fleet, implemented parts of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation – Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP) compliance program, and worked with international power plants to implement cyber security processes and tools around the world.
Mr. Hollern holds a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University. He also holds a Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis from the University of Maryland at College Park.
EPRI is a Strategic Partner with SAME with the goal to Build and Strengthen Resilient Communities – lead public and private sector collaboration to prepare communities to absorb, adapt and recover from natural or man-made threats.
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) conducts research, development, and demonstration projects for the benefit of the public in the United States and internationally. As an independent, nonprofit organization for public interest energy and environmental research, they focus on electricity generation, delivery, and use in collaboration with the electricity sector, its stakeholders, and others to enhance the quality of life by making electric power safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible.
Potential areas of engagement with SAME include Energy & Sustainability, Resilience, and Industry-Government Engagement. Posts are encouraged to include EPRI members and representatives in panels, collaboration and discussions involving those areas.
Registration