Built To Fail
Todd Zabelle explains how digital transformation and energy transition are connected, exploring the challenges and opportunities of implementing new technologies at scale while managing economic and environmental concerns.
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Todd R. Zabelle began his talk by focusing on the surging demand for digital infrastructure and how this trend intersects with efforts to transition to cleaner energy. He emphasized the rapid growth in data center construction fueled by artificial intelligence and the critical shift toward renewable energy sources. Zabelle outlined major obstacles such as supply chain bottlenecks, worker shortages, and the difficulties in scaling up production systems for digital and energy projects simultaneously.
Using real-world examples, Zabelle demonstrated how separating digital and energy efforts often leads to inefficiencies. He advocated for integrated strategies that use production management science to streamline processes and achieve better outcomes. He explained the need to shift from traditional construction approaches to manufacturing-style execution to improve reliability, cut down on waste, and meet tight timelines. Zabelle also discussed how private equity and venture capital play a role in financing these large-scale changes, warning of potential pitfalls when financial incentives do not align with project goals. He ended with a strong message encouraging the adoption of production-based approaches to overcome the combined challenges of digital transformation and energy transition.
PPI works to increase the value Engineering and Construction provides to the economy and society. PPI researches and disseminates knowledge related to the application of Project Production Management (PPM) and technology for the optimization of complex and critical energy, industrial and civil infrastructure projects.
The Project Production Institute (PPI) exists to enhance the value Engineering and Construction provides to the economy and society. We are working to:
1) Make PPM the dominant paradigm for the delivery of capital projects,
2) Have project professionals use PPM principles, methods and tools in their everyday work,
3) Create a thriving market for PPM services and tools,
4) Fund and advance global PPM research, development and education (higher and trade), and
5) Ensure PPM is acknowledged, required and specified as a standard by government and regulatory agencies.
To that end, the Institute partners with leading universities to conduct research and educate students and professionals, produces an annual Journal to disseminate knowledge, and hosts events and webinars around the world to discuss pertinent and timely topics related to PPM. In order to advance PPM through access and insight, the Institute’s Industry Council consists of experts and leaders from companies such as Chevron, Google, Microsoft and Merck.
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