Cross-sector collaboration for scalable energy transformation More than 125 leaders across energy, technology, and academia are collaborating through OpenMinds to accelerate progress on the Dual Challenge of delivering more energy with less emissions, fast. United by a non-partisan mission, this network brings together current and future global leaders to address affordable energy access while rapidly reducing emissions. Microsoft is among OpenMinds contributors, working alongside peers to advance practical solutions and key initiatives that remove bottlenecks across the energy system. The group leverages collective expertise to communicate targeted actions, align existing leaders, develop future leaders, design and act on solution pathways, and lead impact projects. OpenMinds current flagship impact project, Grid Vision, aims to strengthen and expand the grid to deliver low-cost, abundant, reliable power. OpenMinds is driving impact projects on other key Dual Challenge solutions including methane abatement, CCUS, nuclear, and more. 11 Transforming grid reliability through AI collaboration Microsofts collaboration with EPRI exemplifies how cross-sector collaboration is accelerating the energy transition through practical AI innovation. The Open Power AI Consortium brings together utilities, technology leaders, and researchers to co-develop scalable AI solutions that address the industrys most pressing challenges. An early result is the joint development of an AI-powered transformer health monitoring model, which has doubled the accuracy in identifying high-risk transformers while achieving a 20% reduction in false positives compared to traditional rule-based systems. These solutions will empower utilities to proactively manage aging grid assets, prevent 11 OpenMinds, https://openminds203x.org/ 12 EPRI Launches Consortium to Drive Development of AI Applications in Power Sector, March 2025, https://www.epri.com/about/media-resources/press-release/yglqo5dymdh2nonjvdgqmmpgplyyj826 AI Transformation is accelerating scientific discovery, expanding access to knowledge, and empowering people and organizations in ways we are only beginning to imagine. With that promise comes responsibility. Microsoft is focused on meeting AIs compute demands sustainably by optimizing every layer of our infrastructurefrom silicon to softwareto reduce energy use, minimize water consumption, and improve efficiency. That means optimizing every watt, procuring more clean energy, and using AI itself to drive smarter, more sustainable operations. Judson Althoff CEO, Microsoft Commercial outages, and improve reliability showcasing how collaborative, AI-driven approaches are moving the industry from pilot projects to real-world impact. 12 Key Shifts from 2024 to 2025 Momentum is building behind cross-sector working groups and initiatives such as ENERGYai with ADNOC, AIQ, G42 and Microsoft. In addition, EPRIs Open Power AI Consortium has engaged over 300 key players in electric utility, technologies, hyperscalers, and national labs. The consortium is actively sharing real-world solutions and proven practices with this global community. Watch For in 2026 Formation of national or regional EnergyAI councils with utilities, tech firms, regulators, and financiers at the same table. Scaling pilots into multi- stakeholder, multi-year programs with shared platforms and protocols. 21 Powering Possible 2025