Big Tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are on a mission to find sustainable energy solutions to tackle the skyrocketing power demands fueled by artificial intelligence. The U.S. tech giants are pouring hundreds of millions into exploring unconventional energy sources like hydrogen, fusion, fission, and geothermal, aiming to ensure a greener future for their data centers. However, the competition from China, which is surpassing the U.S. in certain energy-related investments, poses a challenge in maintaining dominance in the sector. DeepSeek has raised doubts about the actual energy needs, prompting a reassessment of the current strategies. Meanwhile, CNBC takes a closer look at two emerging energy start-ups, investigating their plans to deliver environmentally friendly, scalable, and cost-efficient energy solutions. The article sheds light on the intense competition and substantial investments in the pursuit of energy innovation to meet the escalating demands in the digital era.