Shay Peretz on the AI Energy Surge: “We’re Not Just Building Power Systems. We’re Building the Future”

With President Trump’s recently announced AI Action Plan signaling deep national investment in artificial intelligence, the energy infrastructure race is officially on. For Shay Peretz, the question isn’t whether AI will reshape the world—but whether the world is ready to power it.

Shay Peretz, CEO of Ralco Energy, has always operated at the edge—first in Israel’s defense and aerospace sectors, and now at the cutting edge of renewable energy innovation. But he’s not interested in hype. When asked about the future of clean energy in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, he gives a surprisingly grounded response.

“The real story isn’t just about green power,” he says. “It’s about how we build resilient infrastructure that can evolve as fast as technology does. That’s where the game is headed.”

The AI-Energy Collision

At the heart of this transformation lies the data center—the engine room of the AI revolution. These facilities now require far greater energy densities than ever before, often in remote areas where grid access is limited or unstable.

“AI changed the rules, overnight,” Peretz explains. “We’re seeing clients go from needing 5 megawatts to 50 or even 100. But the grid wasn’t designed for this. You can’t just plug in and hope for the best.”

This new reality means traditional energy strategies won’t cut it. Ralco, under Peretz’s leadership, is responding with integrated systems: on-site solar, smart storage (ESS), modular microgrids, and real-time energy management platforms tailored to each site.

“We don’t sell equipment. We build ecosystems. It’s engineering, regulation, software, logistics—and a bit of war-room strategy.”

Innovation Under Pressure

Peretz believes two technologies are set to redefine this space in the coming years:

BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) – Photovoltaic materialsembedded directly into facades, rooftops, and windows.

Green hydrogen, which he sees as “essential but not quite ready,” due to current limitations in cost and smart transportation infrastructure.

Still, the most impactful shifts may be in the software layer. From digital twin modeling to predictive maintenance via AI, the goal is to turn energy into a smart, self-optimizing service.

“Cost is king,” he admits. “If we can bring down both CAPEX and OPEX through smarter design and smarter operations, we not only future-proof the site—we help the business thrive.”

Real-World Results

In one recent project (details under NDA), Ralco supported a global cloud provider with a 70 Mwh hybrid system combining solar, storage, and advanced load balancing. The site now runs 24/7 with zero reliance on fuel backup – a milestone Peretz is visibly proud of.

“That’s where this is going. Autonomous energy sites and cities. Not just sustainable, but reliable, modular, and intelligent.”

The Bigger Picture

Despite his technical expertise, Peretz keeps the focus on people.

He talks about municipal clients struggling with grid constraints, industrial operators needing to comply with stricter ESG mandates, and the pressure CEOs face to stay ahead of regulation and innovation at once.

“Energy used to be a line item. Now it’s a strategic pillar,” he says. “If your data center or logistics hub can’t scale with your AI demands, you’re in trouble.”

Final Thoughts

Peretz doesn’t frame himself as a disruptor—but his work clearly is. He sees the coming decade not as a sprint, but as a marathon where only those who master integration—across technology, regulation, and business strategy—will win.

What keeps him up at night? “The speed of change,” he says. “But I love that. I wouldn’t be in this if it were easy.”

“At the end of the day,” he says, “you have to deliver. And you have to do it smarter than the guy next to you. That’s what keeps me up at night—and gets me out of bed in the morning.”

Who is Shay Peretz?

Shay Peretz is the CEO of Ralco Energy, a company delivering full-stack renewable energy and storage solutions across Israel and Europe. With roots in Israel’s renewable and high-tech defense sectors, he brings a systems-oriented approach to one of the world’s most urgent challenges: powering the future without destroying the planet.

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