Exploring Energy Reliability and AI's Impact on Supply Chains at GROUNDBREAKERS 2025

The GROUNDBREAKERS 2025 Forum: Where Energy Meets AI

On September 30, 2025, Prologis, Inc. held its fifth annual GROUNDBREAKERS™ forum in Los Angeles, bringing together influential figures from business, government, and academia to discuss the evolving landscape of global supply chains influenced by energy reliability and artificial intelligence.

Setting the Stage

The opening keynote was delivered by Hamid R. Moghadam, CEO of Prologis, alongside U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. In his address, Burgum emphasized the significance of energy dominance as a foundational element for technological advancements, especially in the realm of AI. He stated, "Energy dominance is energy abundance to power the next generation of technology, like AI." This reflects a growing consensus that reliable, affordable energy is critical for economic prosperity and growth.

Moghadam echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the discussion should not be about choosing between traditional energy sources and renewables but rather about harnessing a combination of all energy types to ensure a sustainable future. He pointed out that misjudging the impact of AI could lead businesses into obsolescence, drawing a parallel to Kodak's decline when they failed to adapt to digital photography.

Panel Discussions

The forum featured multiple panels, each addressing different aspects of the current and future states of global trade, energy, and technology.

Global Trade and Resilience

During the panel on global trade, notable figures such as Eugene Seroka from the Port of Los Angeles and Yossi Sheffi from MIT discussed the shift from cost-driven supply chains to ones emphasizing resilience and sustainability. Sheffi argued that investing in resilience is akin to paying for insurance; it may seem costly upfront but is essential for safeguarding against future failures in supply chains.

Energy Reliability

Another critical panel focused on energy reliability, where experts like Joseph Dominguez (Constellation) and Rebecca Kujawa (NextEra Energy Resources) emphasized the need for better integration between infrastructure planning and energy needs. Kujawa pointed out, "In the past, business decisions were often led by infrastructure teams, with energy considered an afterthought." The experts agreed that today's interconnected world requires a more cohesive strategy.

The Future of Delivery

As technology progresses, the movement of goods is also evolving. A panel featuring representatives from Uber Freight, Elroy Air, and the U.S. Department of Transportation discussed how autonomous systems are reshaping logistics. Lee White from the Department of Transportation noted, "If we're not ready network-wise, we risk falling behind globally. The challenge is in making American innovation both faster and data-driven."

Food Systems

Another engaging discussion centered on sustainable food systems, showcasing insights from leaders in agriculture and food technology. Scott Marshall from Prologis highlighted the need for agile adaptation in the food industry as consumer preferences shift rapidly. "Big companies excel at efficiency but need to be more responsive to changing consumer demands," he noted.

The 2028 Summer Olympics

The event also spotlighted the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Gene Sykes from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee shared insights into the scale and complexity of this monumental event, which is expected to be the largest in Olympic history.

Space Innovation

Further expanding the horizons of the discussion, experts from space and defense sectors explored the intersection of commerce and national security. Dr. Peggy Whitson from Axiom Space discussed the importance of aligning industry innovations with national security needs, emphasizing collaboration between sectors.

A Comedic Conclusion

To conclude the forum, comedian and author Trevor Noah engaged in a frank conversation with Prologis' Tracy Ward, intertwining themes of technology, laughter, and the human experience.

Conclusion

The GROUNDBREAKERS 2025 forum highlighted key considerations for leaders in various sectors. As AI and energy reliability continue to reshape the global supply chain landscape, collaborations across industries will become increasingly crucial. For those who missed the event, full session recordings are available on the Prologis website and their podcast platforms.

For more information on Prologis and their initiatives, visit Prologis.com.