AI’s Energy Problem: Why Collaboration Is the Only Solution

Barclays Europe CEO Francesco Ceccato warns that no single entity—corporate or governmental—can shoulder the colossal energy and infrastructure demands of AI alone. Speaking at Davos, Ceccato emphasized that AI's rapid expansion requires massive investment in energy infrastructure to power data centers and supercomputers.

Europe faces an uphill battle, as fragmented capital markets hinder the ability to mobilize funds efficiently. Ceccato called for urgent market reforms to enable scalable AI financing and stressed the importance of balancing sustainability goals with innovation.

“Getting to cleaner energy is a dial, not a switch,” he said, underscoring Barclays’ commitment to €1 trillion in sustainable and transition financing by 2030.

Explore Ceccato’s full insights on AI, energy, and sustainability challenges—watch the full Davos interview here.