Charging up: How 7 Power & Energy Companies Are Innovating with Cloud and AI
January 9, 2026
Raiford Smith

Global Market Lead for Power & Energy, Google Cloud

The intersection of AI and the power and energy sector is reimagining operational efficiency and sustainability. Industry leaders are utilizing Google Cloud technologies to enhance predictive maintenance, bolster grid resilience, and streamline nuclear energy deployment.

Adani's "Asset Operating System" on Google Cloud integrates real-time operational data with enterprise IT, significantly reducing downtime and energy costs. AES employs Vertex AI and BigQuery to create predictive models that optimize grid resilience, improve outage management, and enhance revenue forecasting through digital twins, helping the company transition towards cleaner energy sources.

Fluence harnesses Gemini Enterprise to unify engineering knowledge dispersed across platforms, leading to a projected 30%-50% increase in efficiency. Furthermore, it accelerates technical documentation processes, improving the quality of training materials. NexTier Completion Solutions structures its operations on Google Cloud, utilizing real-time data analytics to enhance equipment maintenance and customer engagement.

NextEra Energy leverages generative AI for predictive maintenance and optimized crew deployment, while deploying advanced models for system optimization, ensuring a resilient and affordable grid. Par Pacific's digital transformation, supported by Google AI, enables real-time insights and improved decision-making by unifying data across systems.

Westinghouse is poised to transform the nuclear energy landscape by constructing ten large-scale reactors, using Google’s AI to streamline complex processes and reduce costs.

Google Cloud serves as an ecosystem that empowers these advancements, offering unique capabilities in analytics, geospatial optimization, and multi-cloud flexibility. By addressing the surging energy demand through AI and innovative technologies, Google is committed to enabling a sustainable energy future.

Reflecting on a transformative year of impact
January 6, 2026
Karen Dahut

CEO, Google Public Sector

As I reflect on the past year, I am immensely proud of our collective achievements. It was a year marked by revolutionary advancements where AI became a tangible force for government agencies, research organizations, and educational institutions across the nation. At Google Public Sector, we partnered with visionary leaders, enabling significant strides in innovation.

In 2025, we championed "Cloud without compromise," emphasizing that public sector entities deserve robust, accredited commercial cloud services, free from restrictive frameworks. We marked milestones by securing FedRAMP High authorization for groundbreaking AI tools such as Gemini in Workspace and Vertex AI. Collaborating with the Defense Logistics Agency, we modernized global supply chain operations, enhancing efficiency and productivity through state-of-the-art cloud infrastructure.

Our commitment to security resulted in achieving DoD Impact Level 6 authorization for Google Distributed Cloud, enabling the Defense Department to maintain sensitive data while utilizing advanced AI services. Collaborations with General Dynamics Information Technology will further enhance security-focused AI solutions for defense and civilian agencies.

Introducing Gemini for Government, we streamlined access to top-tier AI services, empowering agencies to drive innovation. Notably, the U.S. Department of War adopted Gemini for Government, enabling efficient handling of unclassified tasks. The FDA also adopted agentic AI workflows to bolster public health, enhancing regulatory processes.

Across the U.S. Department of Transportation and cities like Los Angeles, we implemented Google Workspace with Gemini to enhance collaboration and productivity. Our partnership with Old Dominion University launched an AI incubator aimed at driving research and student success.

As we look ahead, our commitment to transforming the public sector grows stronger, and I am excited about the possibilities AI brings to improving government operations and serving our nation more effectively. Together, we are building a brighter future through innovative solutions.

IBM and The All England Lawn Tennis Club have renewed their groundbreaking technology partnership, enhancing fan engagement through innovative digital solutions. This collaboration dates back to the launch of the Wimbledon website in 1995 and the mobile app in 2009, with the integration of AI technologies beginning in 2017. For 36 years, IBM and the All England Club have set a high standard for technology in sports, focusing on expanding the event's global reach and creating deeper fan connections through digital enhancements.

The partnership produces unique fan experiences, utilizing IBM’s watsonx AI to analyze data generated during The Championships. Notable applications include the Live Likelihood to Win and Match Chat features. These initiatives led to a 16% increase in overall engagement in 2025, with more than 20 million fans engaging via the app and website; the app recorded a 19% rise in engagement and an impressive average rating of 4.9 stars.

Recognized for their innovation, the All England Club was awarded 'Sports Organisation of the Year' at the 2025 Sports Technology Awards for their transformative AI applications. Usama Al-Qassab, Marketing & Commercial Director at the All England Club, emphasizes that IBM's AI capabilities will be crucial in drawing the next generation of Wimbledon fans by ensuring digital experiences are personalized and relevant.

Jonathan Adashek of IBM highlighted the importance of delivering engaging digital experiences through cutting-edge data and AI technology, making the Championships more accessible worldwide. A survey indicated that 86% of tennis fans value AI-powered features, showcasing the growing relevance of these tools in enhancing fan experiences. Together, IBM and The All England Club are committed to creating immersive technological advancements that allow tennis to flourish on a global scale.

AI and Trademark Law: Essential Insights for Clients

AI is revolutionizing trademark practice at an unprecedented pace, significantly speeding up tasks that previously took days. For instance, preliminary clearance searches and portfolio analyses can now be initiated in minutes. While AI serves as a powerful tool, it cannot substitute for the essential legal expertise of seasoned professionals.

Internal Applications of AI

We leverage AI in several concrete ways to enhance our services:

1. Faster Clearance Screening: AI tools identify phonetic, visual, and conceptual conflicts across jurisdictions, streamlining the strategic analysis process.

2. Portfolio Management: Automated monitoring helps identify inactive trademarks, upcoming renewals, and maintenance gaps, allowing clients to optimize their expenditures.

3. Litigation Support: AI analyzes trends from the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), attorney behaviors, and litigation outcomes—equipping us with critical insights for preparing responses and briefs.

4. Drafting Assistance: AI is capable of generating first drafts for routine documents, allowing our team to concentrate on complex arguments and strategies.

Cautionary Measures

Despite AI's capabilities, it can produce errors, such as fabricated citations or misapplied legal standards. To mitigate these risks, we adhere to strict protocols:

• Verify each citation.
• Cross-check all legal standards.
• Trace claims back to their sources.
• Ensure human oversight on any AI-generated work.

Guidance for Clients

Clients seeking to incorporate AI should consider the following:

• Utilize AI for routine tasks but always apply legal judgment.
• Implement verification processes—trust but verify.
• Understand AI's strengths, such as pattern recognition, along with its limitations in novel reasoning.
• Train teams on crafting quality prompts—remember, poor input leads to poor output.

AI is a lasting presence, enhancing the efficiency and quality of trademark work. The future lies in a responsible collaboration between human judgment and AI capabilities, which will define excellence in brand protection for years to come.