Tulane Energy Forum Explores America's AI-Fueled Power Appetite
The Tulane Future of Energy Forum 2026 is set to take place at Tulane University's uptown campus in New Orleans, from September 28 to 30. The event, organized by the Tulane Energy Institute, will feature more than 40 sessions and draw dozens of energy executives.
Pierre Conner, executive director of the Tulane Energy Institute, noted that 'all pipelines lead to Louisiana,' highlighting the state's significant role in the nation's energy industry. The Henry Hub in Erath, Louisiana serves as the physical delivery point for NYMEX natural gas futures and connects 13 major interstate and intrastate pipeline systems.
The forum will cover various topics, including data center growth, carbon capture, and LNG growth. Meta finalized a power agreement with Entergy Louisiana to fund seven new gas-fired power plants generating 5.2 gigawatts, as well as 240 miles of transmission lines and battery storage, to feed its Hyperion data center campus.
The forum will also address concerns about energy reliability and sustainability, which have reached a level not seen since the early 1970s due to rising costs and concerns about reliability. Tulane launched the forum three years ago to spark conversations among industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, technology experts, and consumers.