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Grid Evolution Intensive: Managing AI Demand and Policy Shifts
Certificate Program
The Grid Evolution Intensive is built for professionals who need to make sense of a rapidly shifting energy landscape. As AI-driven demand surges, electrification accelerates, and policy at both the state and federal level continues to evolve, energy systems are being fundamentally reshaped.
Advance Your Career in Energy, Utilities, and Climate Leadership
Based in downtown San Francisco, the epicenter of both clean energy innovation and the AI boom, this program offers a unique opportunity to understand today’s most pressing energy challenges and explore solutions shaping the future. Hosted in-person at USF's downtown campus, this program is designed for attendees from a wide range of professional backgrounds:
- Government & Public Sector Energy Stewards
- Regional Energy Leaders & Utility Innovators
- Early‑Career Energy & Climate Professionals
- Mid‑Career Transitioners & Advancement Seekers
Course Information
Dates & Location
August 12–14, 2026
University of San Francisco
101 Howard St., San Francisco, CA
Enrollment Fee
$1,250 Early Bird Rate (available until June 15, 2026)
$1,500 Standard Enrollment (after June 15, 2026)
Learn How AI and Electrification Are Transforming the Energy Grid
The Grid Evolution Intensive provides a clear, systems-level understanding of how modern energy systems are evolving under the pressure of AI-driven demand, electrification, and climate policy. You’ll learn to analyze shifting energy markets and infrastructure, assess grid reliability challenges, and evaluate the impact of emerging technologies like data centers and AI.
- Explain the structure and function of traditional and emerging energy systems.
- Analyze the impacts of climate policy and electrification on energy markets and infrastructure.
- Assess grid challenges related to renewable integration, storage, and reliability.
- Evaluate the energy implications of AI, data centers, and emerging technologies.
- Apply strategic frameworks to energy-related business and policy decisions.
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Jalel Sager is a globally recognized leader in distributed renewable energy technologies, and the historical evolution of economic and energy systems. His mission at USF centers on research and service that addresses linked climate change-equity challenges, and training the next generation of energy leaders.
Program Schedule
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Focus: How today’s energy system works—and why it is rapidly changing
- Fundamentals of energy systems, strategy, and market structure
- Overview of generation, transmission, and distribution
- Climate change, global energy policy, and regulatory environments
- California energy and climate policy leadership
- Electrification of transportation and grid infrastructure impacts
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Focus: Stress-testing the grid under new technologies and rising demand
- Renewable energy growth and grid integration challenges
- Energy storage and system reliability strategies
- Case study: California’s evolving electricity grid
- Electricity demand growth from AI and data centers
- Infrastructure co-location, efficiency, and utility implications
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Focus: Long-term risks, technologies, and global market shifts
- The future of nuclear energy and next-generation technologies
- Global energy markets and renewable manufacturing expansion
- Oil, gas, and LNG market dynamics
- Emerging technologies and energy innovation trends
- Capstone discussion: strategic outlook for energy leaders