What will it take to power our AI goals? With Carol Yan and Tom Harris

What will it take to power our AI goals? With Carol Yan and Tom Harris

Author: Deloitte UK November 18, 2025 Duration: 40:01

When you imagine the future, is it powered by clean energy or driven by AI?

As the UK works towards its net-zero goals, our energy system is being asked to do more than ever before – delivering power that's cleaner, smarter, and more reliable to support an increasingly digital and connected world

The future isn't just electric – it's intelligent. Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live and work, boosting productivity, driving economic growth, and helping to tackle some of society's biggest challenges. But AI doesn't run on ideas and data alone – it runs on energy. And as its capabilities expand, so does the demand for power to keep it running.

So how do we make sure the UK's ambition to lead in AI and achieve net zero go hand in hand? Can we build an energy system of the future that powers both our digital and sustainable ambitions? What will it take to get there, and who needs to lead the charge?

That's what we're exploring in this episode of The Green Room with Carol Yan, General Manager responsible for Amazon Web Services' Energy & Utilities business across the UK & Ireland, and Tom Harris, leader of Deloitte's Sustainable Business Solutions practice, as we ask: What will it take to power our AI goals?

Tune in to find out:

  • How AI and new technology is accelerating the journey towards a more sustainable future
  • What really happens when energy giants and tech companies innovate together
  • Why "coopetition" is key to tackling AI's environmental impact
  • How businesses can scale AI responsibly without losing their competitive edge

Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: Deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts

Find out more about The Yard here: The Yard Charity | Supporting disabled children and young people

Guests: Carol Yan, General Manager responsible for Amazon Web Services' Energy & Utilities business across the UK & Ireland, and Tom Harris, leader of Deloitte's Sustainable Business Solutions practice.

Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Steph Dobbs

Original music: Ali Barrett

Recording date and location: London, 10.11.25


In The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business, conversations move beyond surface-level trends to examine the underlying forces reshaping the commercial landscape. Hosted by Deloitte UK, this award-winning podcast creates a space where complex, pressing questions are met with clarity and depth. Every discussion is built around a single, significant inquiry, bringing in leading voices from across various sectors to unpack it. What you'll hear is not just commentary, but substantive strategic analysis and expert insights designed for leaders and professionals who need to understand the 'why' and the 'how'. The dialogue consistently returns to critical, interconnected areas like digital transformation, the practical implications of AI and technology, evolving leadership models, and the realities of the future of work. It also delves into core business strategy, the pathways to genuine innovation, and the urgent demands of sustainability and climate action. This podcast functions as a dedicated forum for thought leadership, where each episode provides a focused lens on the topics that define success and responsibility in modern business. The aim is to equip listeners with perspectives that are both broad and deeply relevant, turning abstract concepts into actionable understanding. It’s a resource for anyone looking to engage with the substantive ideas that are currently challenging and changing organizations worldwide.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business
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