The U.S.-based National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has published a white paper on its recommendations to achieve national goals for AI. Manufacturing lies at the intersection of American energy dominance, it says. NAM has identified four ‘pillars’ that must be addressed legislatively to ensure U.S. AI innovation and leadership, and a robust American power grid. AI has become integral to modern manufacturing, as it increasingly transforms and supports a multitude of aspects of manufacturers’ operations, from product design, to shop floor operations, to supply chain management. This digitalization of manufacturing means more dependence on cutting-edge data centers. Manufactured inputs, such as cooling systems, electrical equipment, water treatment facilities, concrete, steel, servers and semiconductors, are critical components of data centers, AI facilities and the utility grid on which they depend.
Manufacturers need abundant energy sources to power their operations—as do the data centers underpinning AI innovation in America. AI-powered modern manufacturing depends on an ambitious energy and innovation policy framework. Policymakers must:
- Reform America’s broken permitting process to get shovels in the ground faster—with
fewer delays and less uncertainty; - Bolster American energy dominance via an all-of-the-above energy strategy;
- Ensure a reliable, resilient and affordable grid that can power manufacturing growth
and data center operations; and - Strengthen American AI leadership by fostering innovation and preventing regulatory overreach
To download the complete white paper, go to this link.
