Most large commercial buildings and factories still rely on industrial boilers for heating, but nearly all burn oil or natural gas to generate steam. The next industrial revolution could be just around the corner.

From the mid-2000s to the early 2020s, growth in electricity demand has been steady and moderate. Within the past six years, that demand has soared due to factors including the increased construction of data centers to accommodate AI computing, the continuing electrification of transportation, and increasing global temperatures.

How will demand and supplies for critical minerals change in the next decade? What is the right capital stack for companies focused on critical minerals? And what skills should students and early-career engineers develop if they are interested in mining and other industries sourcing critical minerals?

This conversation explores clean hydrogen and the role standards play in moving the industry from promise to practice. Kang Xu of Linde shares how ASME Code Case 3078 established clear requirements for high-pressure hydrogen electrolyzers, helping improve safety, consistency, and scalability.

Industrial transformation no longer relies on future breakthroughs – it starts by scaling the technologies available today. From industrial heat pumps to carbon capture and reuse, companies are already improving efficiency and building more resilient operations. The opportunity now is scaling the adoption of proven solutions.

The defining test for advanced nuclear is no longer proof of concept—it is whether developers can fuel, license, manufacture, and replicate plants on credible schedules. That challenge is central to how nuclear power company Oklo, Inc. approaches commercialization.

The next wave of advanced energy growth will be shaped by the partnerships we build today. In his new article, Jigar Shah draws on his experience as an advisor, investor, and former DOE Loan Programs Director, along with insights from McKinsey & Company, to highlight which technologies are accelerating, where the biggest scaling opportunities lie, and why ASME CATALYZE arrives at a pivotal moment for the sector.