Powering Possible 2026 captures an important moment in the evolution of artificial intelligence. As AI becomes more powerful and more widely used, its relationship with energy is becoming increasingly important. Each will play a critical role in enabling the other, and together they will help shape the next era of economic growth and technological progress. This year’s findings also show how quickly the conversation is maturing. The question is increasingly moving beyond whether organizations will adopt AI to how they can use it to create lasting value. Across the energy sector, AI is already helping organizations operate more efficiently, make better-informed decisions, and get more from existing infrastructure. The opportunity now is to build on those gains and think more broadly about how AI can strengthen resilience in a world that is becoming more complex. Trust will be fundamental to that progress. As AI becomes more deeply integrated into organizations and increasingly capable of taking action, people need confidence in how these systems are governed. Innovation and responsibility need to advance together, with people remaining at the center of how AI is developed and used. What gives me optimism is the growing recognition that realizing AI’s potential will depend on more than technology alone. It will require continued investment in the infrastructure and skills needed to support it, along with collaboration across industries and borders. The opportunity ahead is significant. By bringing together advances in energy and artificial intelligence, while building the trust and human expertise needed to support them, we can help create stronger, more resilient economies and new opportunities for people around the world. Brad Smith Vice Chair & President, Microsoft