As Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B)(BRK.A) enters a new era under recently anointed CEO-to-be Greg Abel, the timing could not be more opportune for a leader with deep roots in the energy sector. While Berkshire has long resisted the allure of chasing the latest technology fads, the explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI) — and its insatiable appetite for electricity — has thrust energy into the center of the next economic revolution. Abel’s extensive experience in utilities and energy positions him uniquely to steer the conglomerate through this pivotal moment, potentially making him the perfect CEO to capture the opportunities of the AI era.

A Legacy Built on Energy Expertise

Greg Abel’s career is inseparable from the story of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. After joining CalEnergy in 1992, Abel rose through the ranks as the company evolved into MidAmerican Energy and, following Berkshire Hathaway’s acquisition, into Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE). 

As CEO of BHE, Abel oversaw one of the most successful and sustainable arms of the conglomerate, managing vast portfolios in utilities, renewables, and infrastructure. His operational acumen and detail-oriented management style have been credited with driving performance and ensuring the long-term stability of Berkshire’s energy holdings.

Energy: The New Battleground for AI Growth

The emergence of AI has dramatically increased demand for data centers, which are notorious for their massive energy consumption. Industry analysts now predict that AI data centers could soon rival entire countries in electricity usage. This shift has made energy infrastructure—not just silicon chips or algorithms—the critical bottleneck and opportunity in the AI supply chain.

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Berkshire Hathaway, with its significant investments in utilities and renewables, is already a major player in this space. Under Abel’s leadership, the company has expanded its footprint in wind, solar, and transmission, building the kind of robust, scalable energy networks that AI-driven industries will increasingly require. Abel’s deep understanding of utility economics and regulatory environments gives Berkshire a strategic edge as companies and governments scramble to secure reliable, sustainable power for their AI ambitions.

A Contrarian Advantage: Not Chasing, But Enabling Tech

Berkshire Hathaway’s historic reluctance to chase technology trends — famously avoiding dot-com bubbles and speculative startups — has often been seen as conservative. Yet, in the context of AI, this stance may prove prescient. Rather than competing in crowded fields of software or hardware, Abel can position Berkshire as the indispensable backbone of the AI revolution: the provider of energy and infrastructure without which no AI system can operate.

This approach plays directly to Abel’s strengths. His tenure at BHE has demonstrated a commitment to long-term, asset-heavy investments—precisely the kind that underpin the physical infrastructure of the digital economy. By doubling down on energy, transmission, and grid modernization, Berkshire can capture value from the AI boom without abandoning its disciplined, value-driven ethos.

Shareholders and analysts have noted that Abel’s leadership offers both continuity and renewal. He embodies Berkshire’s culture of decentralized management and operational autonomy, while also bringing a more active, hands-on approach to capital allocation and subsidiary oversight. This balance is crucial as Berkshire faces the challenge of deploying its vast cash reserves in a world where traditional acquisition targets are increasingly scarce and competition is fierce.

Buffett’s Vote of Confidence

Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and outgoing CEO Warren Buffett’s endorsement of Abel was unequivocal. Not only did Buffett select Abel as his successor, but he also stated his belief that “the prospects of Berkshire will be better under Greg’s management than mine,” underscoring the board’s confidence in Abel’s ability to lead the company into a new era.

Greg Abel’s unique blend of energy sector expertise, operational excellence, and alignment with Berkshire Hathaway’s core values makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead the company into the AI era. As AI accelerates global demand for electricity and infrastructure, Abel’s stewardship could position Berkshire not as a follower of fleeting tech trends, but as a foundational enabler of the digital future — capturing value where it matters most.