Global Energy Competition and AI
The next global energy conflict won’t just revolve around oil and gas; it hinges on who can best supply power for artificial intelligence. According to Mike Somers, the president of the American Petroleum Institute, the U.S. must excel in this competition.
Somers indicated that the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers are proactively pushing to secure significant gains in domestic energy production by 2025. With the rising demand for electricity fueled by advancements in AI, energy infrastructure is becoming a vital area in the ongoing race for both economic and national security.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 U.S. Energy State Forum, Somers mentioned that “by 2025, we have achieved 90%” of the targets defined in API’s plan over the past two years. He noted that while an array of reforms is still pending approval, AI represents both a growing need for energy and a tool for enhancing industry practices.
What’s noteworthy is that President Trump has stated that all artificial intelligence facilities developed in the U.S. will be self-sufficient, generating their own energy.
Somers reflected on the challenges of balancing inflation control with energy security. He expressed gratitude for what he described as a historic win in 2025, thanks in part to the actions of the Trump administration.
Despite aggressive efforts to secure permits at the federal level, Somers emphasized that Congressional collaboration is essential for further progress. As the industry moves into 2026, they are focused on lifting permit forms that could garner bipartisan support.
Somers believes the pressing frontier is AI, stressing that the U.S. not only needs to efficiently power AI but also to leverage that power innovatively to streamline energy development itself.
He predicted a 50 percent surge in energy demand over the next 15 years, underscoring the need for a diverse range of energy sources—particularly natural gas, which he labeled the “backbone” of contemporary electricity and the U.S. power grid.
This conversation around AI interlinks with a new bipartisan initiative aimed at simplifying the approval processes for substantial projects. Leaders from both parties seem to recognize the stakes involved. State governors from both sides, including Republicans and Democrats, have acknowledged the importance of reforming permitting systems to realize their states’ energy potential.
Somers urged lawmakers to prioritize collaboration, noting that future energy needs are pressing. He pointed out that a cohesive, enduring legislative bill will be crucial for navigating the political oscillations in the country.
When discussing AI, Somers mentioned the necessity for solid infrastructure development to set the U.S. squarely in the AI era. He boldly stated that winning the energy battle is foundational to competing in AI.
Reflecting on AI’s potential, Somers shared optimism about how it could redefine resource exploration methods. He likened the future impact of AI to the hydraulic fracturing revolution, suggesting that it might soon enable energy companies to tap into resources previously considered unreachable.
He remarked that while today’s technologies have advanced, a substantial portion—up to 80%—of oil and gas resources remain hidden underground. The industry is actively pursuing AI applications to enhance exploration efficiency and boost profitability.
In closing, Somers reiterated the dual message: a call for lasting reforms to create the necessary infrastructure for AI and the assertion that AI will be pivotal in securing the future energy landscape for the United States.
