The Data Center Frontier Show

Meeting Energy Demand for Data Centers with Distributed Energy Resources and Small Modular Reactors

The exponential growth of data center energy demand, particularly driven by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges for energy infrastructure globally. 
However, existing grid infrastructure is increasingly constrained, particularly in regions with concentrated data center activity. Transmission bottlenecks, aging infrastructure, and long timelines for grid upgrades present significant challenges for meeting this explosive demand.
Podcast takeaways:
How Microgrids, powered by Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) offer a promising solution by reducing dependency on centralized grids, integrating generation from multiple fuels and storage, and providing load flexibility. 
The benefits of a strategy that includes and prepares for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) when they become commercially available.
The immediate and long-term benefits of this multi-year approach through real-world data center examples in Santa Clara, California and Ashburn, Virginia, USA 
How to optimize your energy investments, reduce OPEX costs by 60-80%, and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions by using Xendee’s advanced Microgrid Modeling platform to design the right site-specific multi-year strategy.

Innovating the Future: Next-Generation Data Centers

As high-performance computing (HPC), cloud computing, blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to expand globally, the demand for more capable data centers has surged. These next-generation data centers must manage workloads far beyond traditional capacities while addressing challenges such as finding skilled professionals and ensuring operational efficiency. By leveraging software-defined technologies, these data centers achieve better control over physical and virtual resources. Join Alan Farrimond and Andrew Jimenez, industry experts with decades of experience, as they discuss the innovations and strategies that are shaping the future of data centers, focusing on sustainability, energy efficiency, and cutting-edge technologies.

Phill Lawson-Shanks, Chief Innovation Officer, Aligned Data Centers Talks AI, Hyperscalers, Sustainability, SMR Nuclear, LATAM

In the latest episode of the Data Center Frontier Show podcast, DCF Editor-in-Chief Matt Vincent sits down with Phill Lawson-Shanks, Chief Innovation Officer at Aligned Data Centers, for a wide-ranging discussion that touches on some of the most pressing trends and challenges shaping the future of the data center industry.
From the role of nuclear energy and natural gas in addressing the sector’s growing power demands, to the rapid expansion of Aligned’s operations in Latin America (LATAM), in the course of the podcast Lawson-Shanks provides deep insight into where the industry is headed.
Scaling Sustainability: Tracking Embodied Carbon and Scope 3 Emissions
A key focus of the conversation is sustainability, where Aligned continues to push boundaries in carbon tracking and energy efficiency. Lawson-Shanks highlights the company’s commitment to monitoring embodied carbon—an effort that began four years ago and has since positioned Aligned as an industry leader.
“We co-authored and helped found the Climate Accord with iMasons—taking sustainability to a whole new level,” he notes, emphasizing how Aligned is now extending its carbon traceability standards to ODATA’s facilities in LATAM. By implementing lifecycle assessments (LCAs) and tracking Scope 3 emissions, Aligned aims to provide clients with a detailed breakdown of their environmental impact.
“The North American market is still behind in lifecycle assessments and environmental product declarations. Where gaps exist, we look for adjacencies and highlight them—helping move the industry forward,” Lawson-Shanks explains.
The Nuclear Moment: A Game-Changer for Data Center Power
One of the most compelling segments of the discussion revolves around the growing interest in nuclear energy—particularly small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors—as a viable long-term power solution for data centers. Lawson-Shanks describes the recent industry buzz surrounding OKLO’s announcement of a 12-gigawatt deployment with Switch as a significant milestone, calling the move “inevitable.”
“There are dozens of nuclear plants operating in the U.S. today, but people just don’t pay much attention to them,” he says. “Companies like OKLO are designing advanced modular reactors that are walk-away safe, reuse spent fuel, and eliminate the risks associated with traditional light-water reactors. This is the path forward.”
However, he acknowledges that the widespread adoption of nuclear will take time, given the regulatory hurdles of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the challenges of getting sites certified. Still, he remains optimistic: “We need this, and as an industry, we’re pre-buying energy because we see the challenges ahead.”
Bridging the Energy Gap with Natural Gas and Hydrogen
While nuclear is a long-term solution, data centers need reliable power sources today. Lawson-Shanks sees natural gas as a practical interim solution, provided emissions can be mitigated. He also points to hydrogen as an emerging technology with potential, though challenges remain.
“Hydrogen is really an energy transportation methodology rather than an energy source,” he explains. “It’s highly corrosive, and the infrastructure isn’t fully in place yet, but it’s something we’re closely monitoring.”
He predicts that natural gas reciprocating engines will serve as a bridge solution until nuclear modules become widely available. “Once we reach steady-state nuclear power, those gas engines could replace diesel generators, which we all want to phase out,” he says.
Explosive Growth in LATAM and the Evolution of Aligned’s Global Strategy
The conversation also covers Aligned’s expansion into Latin America following its acquisition of ODATA. Lawson-Shanks describes the region as a booming market, particularly in Brazil, where Aligned has access to renewable energy through its investment in wind farms.
“LATAM is an enormous growth market, and our waterless cooling system is ideal for places like Santiago, where water scarcity makes evaporative cooling unfeasible,” he explains.
Aligned is integrating its advanced cooling technologies—such as Delta³ and DeltaFlow—into ODATA’s new facilities, ensuring that sustainability remains a core component of their LATAM operations.
Innovating Beyond Cooling: The Future of Heat Reuse
Another forward-looking topic is Aligned’s interest in heat reuse, an area where Lawson-Shanks sees significant potential for innovation. Through its partnership with QScale in Canada, Aligned is exploring methods to capture and repurpose waste heat from data centers for other applications.
“Their heat reuse strategy is really interesting, and we’re looking at how we can implement similar solutions in North America,” he says, hinting at future developments to come.
Looking Ahead: A Future Shaped by Innovation and Sustainability
As the conversation wraps up, it’s clear that Lawson-Shanks sees the data center industry at an inflection point. The combination of sustainability commitments, new energy technologies, and rapid global expansion is forcing companies to rethink traditional models and embrace innovation at an unprecedented scale.
“We’ve always fought against the idea that data centers have to be built the same way they were in the 1970s,” he says. “We’re constantly redesigning, rethinking how we procure energy, and pushing the industry forward.”
With Aligned continuing to lead the charge in sustainability, energy innovation, and international expansion, the insights shared in this episode offer a compelling look at the challenges and opportunities ahead for the data center industry.

Vantage Data Centers Leaders Reflect On Ohio Campus Plans, North American Industry Surge

Recorded last December, for this episode of the Data Center Frontier Show Podcast, DCF Editor in Chief Matt Vincent spoke with Vantage Data Centers' North American President Dana Adams, and Katilin Monaghan, Vantage Data Centers' North American Public Policy Director.
As president of Vantage Data Centers’ North America business, Dana Adams oversees market development, sales, construction and operations across the United States and Canada. With nearly 18 years of experience in the data center sector, Adams has a track record of successfully leading high-growth companies and diverse teams at scale.
Prior to joining Vantage, Adams was the Chief Operating Officer for AirTrunk, the hyperscale data center giant serving the Asia-Pacific region. She was responsible for scaling operations, service delivery and customer success from one to five countries and established other critical business capabilities, including award-winning people, culture and sustainability programs, as the company grew from $3 to $10 billion.
Earlier in her career, Adams served as vice president and general manager at Iron Mountain where she helped drive nearly $2 billion in growth through global acquisitions and development projects. In addition, she held several leadership positions at Digital Realty, including vice president of portfolio management, where she oversaw $3 billion in data center assets.
Considered to be one of the most influential female executives in the industry, Adams was recognized by Data Economy on its power women list in 2019. She was a finalist in the 2020 and 2022 PTC awards as an outstanding female executive, an Infrastructure Masons (IM) 2022 award recipient and was recently featured by InterGlobix Magazine as an Inspiring Woman in Leadership. Adams earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a Master of Business Administration from Simmons University.
Kaitlin Monaghan serves as the Director of Public Policy, North America, for Vantage Data Centers. In this role, she is responsible for leading a public policy program to support the company’s North American business. Monaghan partners with site selection, sustainability, tax, legal, energy and construction stakeholders to develop and advocate for Vantage’s position on a multitude of issues in current and future markets. 
Prior to joining Vantage, Monaghan held public policy roles at Rivian Automotive and the American Clean Power Association where she managed legislative, regulatory and economic development matters at all levels of government. She also serves as Energy and Environment Co-Chair for the Data Center Coalition (DCC). A Florida native, she is a graduate of the University of Florida with a B.S. in Environmental Science and has a law degree from Florida State University College of Law with a concentration in Energy Law.
Podcast
Talk on the podcast kicks off with a framing of Vantage Data Centers' recently announced $2 billion investment in a new data center campus in New Albany, Ohio in the environs of Tier 2 industry hotspot Columbus, focusing on sustainability and efficiency. The discussion touches on how the Ohio market is becoming increasingly relevant for data centers due to strong connectivity and power availability, with most major hyperscalers already investing in the region. 
Along the way, we learn how Vantage's new campus in New Albany will utilize a sustainable design aimed at achieving LEED Silver certification, emphasizing low power usage effectiveness (PUE) and waterless cooling systems. The discussion also examines how partnerships with local organizations, such as the New Albany Community Foundation and Columbus State Community College Foundation, will support workforce development and community engagement. 
Vantage's Adams and Monaghan also speak on how continued collaboration with utilities and policymakers is essential to address power generation challenges while supporting future data center industry growth in North America.
Here's a timeline of the interview's key moments:
Dana Adams shares insights on how her experience as COO of Air Trunk in Sydney informs her current role, focusing on scaling hyperscale data centers in North America. 1:36
Kaitlin Monaghan discusses her background in energy law and highlights her focus on renewable energy policy. 3:57
Investment trends in Ohio's data center market are discussed. Connectivity and power availability are identified as key factors. 7:11
The forthcoming OH1 data center campus is discussed. It will cover 70 acres and focus on sustainability. 9:57
The 200 megawatt campus will be built in phases. The first phase is set to open in late 2025. 10:37
Sustainable design principles are emphasized in the project. The design aims for low power usage effectiveness and minimal water usage. 11:31
Innovations in Ohio are discussed. The focus is on signal innovations for deployment. 13:00
Sustainable fuels integration is highlighted. Collaboration across the industry is emphasized to increase demand. 13:30
Challenges with new chip designs are addressed. Maximizing efficiency with GPUs in data centers is a key concern. 14:01
Partnerships with local organizations are discussed. Workforce development is emphasized as a key focus. 14:48
The importance of community engagement is highlighted. Vantage's long-term commitment to local hiring is noted. 15:19
Trends in workforce development within the data center industry are analyzed. The significance of workforce as a pillar of sustainability is mentioned. 16:43
Insights into Vantage Data Centers' growth are shared. Anticipation for 2025 includes a focus on infrastructure and workforce needs. 17:49
Challenges in power generation and transmission are addressed. Engagement with utilities and policymakers is emphasized for future growth. 19:54

Nomads at the Frontier - Data Center Industry Views from PTC'25 in Honolulu

For this episode of the recurring Data Center Frontier/Nomad Futurist field report podcast series -- aka "Nomads at the Frontier" -- DCF Editor In Chief Matt Vincent checked in for a fun yet informative discussion with Nomad Futurist Foundation Co-Founders Phillip Koblence and Nabeel Mahmood from the grounds of PTC'25, the annual telecom and data center industry conference put on by the Pacific Telecommunications Council in Hawaii, which has become one of the sector's most important live events.
Podcast Series
Nomad Futurist is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established, per its mission statement, "to demystify the world of digital infrastructure and the related technologies that impact every aspect of our daily lives."  Committed to educating youth in underprivileged communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and opening up opportunities for growth and new career paths, the group says its "primary focus is to empower and inspire younger generations through exposure to the underlying technologies that power our digital world." 
Nomad Futurist is known for appointing individuals throughout the data center industry to its ranks of Ambassadors and Advisors, who work to promote the organization's ethos and goals in their professional spheres. The group's members are a pervasive presence in the data center sector, to be found in attendance and presenting at most industry events in the U.S. and abroad.
The purpose of the Data Center Frontier/Nomad Futurist joint podcast series is therefore to gather valuable industry insights, expertise and commentary from Nomad Futurist leaders and ambassadors, firsthand and in the field, as they participate in these events. 
PTC'25
PTC'25 in Honolulu attracted over 10,000 attendees, highlighting a significant data center presence alongside telecommunications. As revealed in the course of the podcast, key data center topics at this year's PTC included artificial intelligence, power demands, and the integration of natural gas as a bridge for energy needs. 
Importantly at this year's PTC, the Nomad Futurist Foundation announced the launch of the Nomad Futurist Academy and an associated job board in furtherance of its mission to enhance career pathways in the data center industry. 
During the course of the talk, emphasis was also placed on on the value of "organic networking," with the Futurists advising on the strategic need to balance scheduled meetings with informal interactions at such industry events. 
Here's a timeline of the podcast's key moments:
PTC'25 Event Overview- The event is noted as one of the largest in years; attendance in Honolulu is reported at over 10,000 individuals. 2:11- A significant data center presence is highlighted at the event. The program's integration of telecommunications and data center sectors is emphasized. 2:33- Questions about the logistics of the event are addressed. 3:39
Meeting Intensity at PTC'25- Nomad Futurist held more than 40 meetings at this year's PTC. The meetings occurred over three days. 4:08- High levels of physical activity were noted. Walking 10,000 to 30,000 steps a day was common, notes Mahmood. 4:36- The five-year anniversary of the Nomad Futurist initiative was celebrated at this year's PTC. 6:01
Nomad Futurist Academy Launch - The Nomad Futurist job board highlighting data center career pathways is mentioned as upcoming news for the Foundation. 6:16- Discussion turns to power demands in data centers, as discussed at the event. The shift in baseline power requirements from 10-20 megawatts to over 100 megawatts is highlighted. 7:01- AI and its implications for power needs are explored. Conversation touches on large language models and their impact on efficiency ratios. 9:11
Global Networking at PTC'25 - A significant percentage of PTC attendees are from the United States. Approximately 45-46% of attendees are American, with the rest coming from around the world. 11:25- The event in Hawaii is praised for its renowned industry networking opportunities. 13:28- In-person interactions at conferences are emphasized as invaluable. The importance of networking and organic conversations is highlighted as crucial for setting the pace for the year. 13:47

Data Center Industry Discussion with Ron Vokoun, Everus Construction Group

For this episode of the Data Center Frontier Show Podcast, DCF Editor in Chief Matt Vincent and Senior Editor David Chernicoff sat down for a far-reaching discussion with data center industry luminary Ron Vokoun, a 35-year veteran of the construction industry with a primary focus on digital infrastructure. 
"I got into telecom back in ’92, which led to data centers," he said. "Probably worked on my first one around ’96 or ’97, and I’ve been involved ever since."
Currently the Director of National Market Development for Everus Construction Group, Vokoun has been involved in AFCOM, both regionally and nationally, for nearly two decades and is an emeritus content advisory board member for Data Center World. He has also written extensively for Data Center Dynamics.
Vokoun added, "I’ve just always been curious—very much a learner. Being a construction guy, I often write about things I probably have no business writing about, which is always the challenge, but I’m just curious—a lifelong learner. Interestingly, [DCF founder] Rich Miller ... gave me my first blogging opportunity."
Here's a timeline of the podcast's highlights:
Introductions - Ron Vokoun shares his extensive background. He has been in the construction industry for 35 years. 1:46- On his role at Everus Construction Group and the company's diverse services across the nation. 2:07- Vokoun reflects on his long-standing relationship with Rich Miller. He acknowledges Rich's influence on his blogging career. 3:05
Nuclear Energy - A discussion about nuclear energy trends occurs. The importance of nuclear energy in data center construction is probed. 3:35- Natural gas is highlighted as a key trend. Its role as a gateway to hydrogen is emphasized. 3:51- The impact of recent nuclear developments is analyzed. The reopening of Three Mile Island is noted as significant. 4:55
Future Power Sources for Data Centers - Discussion turns to the timeline for small modular reactors (SMR). Vokoun expresses some confidence that significant developments will occur within five years. 5:42- Natural gas is identified as a potential primary power source. Its role as a cleaner alternative to diesel generators is acknowledged. 7:49
Natural Gas Interest  - Vokoun talks about how natural gas generators are being considered by major companies, and how much more implementation is anticipated in the near future. 9:18- The advantages of multiple power sources are emphasized. Vokoun remarks on how natural gas plants can adjust more quickly than nuclear or coal plants. 10:53
Power Project Lawsuits and Concerns - Concerns about the impact on residential customers are raised. The relocation of power from one vendor to another is discussed. 12:12- The potential for increased power generation is highlighted. A net decarbonization effect is suggested due to more carbon-free power sources. 12:59
Impact of Liquid Cooling  - Discussion centers on advancements in power distribution. Insights are shared on liquid cooling infrastructure trends. 13:34- Direct liquid cooling is noted as prevalent. Immersion cooling is mentioned as having lost traction. 16:06
Immersion Cooling Technologies - A discussion about immersion cooling technologies occurs. The efficiency of direct to chip cooling is emphasized. 17:12- Concerns regarding the weight of new racks are raised. The need for plumbing in liquid cooling systems is highlighted. 17:48- The potential narrowing of the immersion cooling market is predicted. A quick market response is anticipated based on immersion cooling's market share. 19:00
Energy Storage Technologies Overview  - The advantages of various energy storage technologies are discussed. Lead acid, lithium ion, and sodium solutions are mentioned as key options. 20:00- The shift in market share from lead acid batteries is highlighted. Sodium-based products are noted as an exciting emerging technology. 20:41- Data centers in new locations are referenced. 21:50
Evolving Site Selection Criteria  - The evolution of site selection for data centers is discussed. The importance of having reliable power sources is emphasized. 22:57- The rise of data center locations in Indiana is highlighted, as an example of how previously overlooked areas are now experiencing significant development. 24:01

Tackling Global Data Center Challenges with Wesco’s Alan Farrimond

In this episode of the Data Center Frontier Show podcast, Matt Vincent, Editor-in-Chief of Data Center Frontier, talks to Alan Farrimond, Vice President Wesco Data Center Solutions, about how AI, globalization and power challenges are impacting the data center industry. They also discuss some wider challenges across the industry and how Wesco is uniquely positioned to solve those challenges.

Framing Data Center and AI Sustainability Imperatives with iMasons Climate Accord's Miranda Gardiner

On this episode of the DCF Show Podcast, iMasons Climate Accord (ICA) Executive Director, Miranda Gardiner,  shares insights on sustainability and emissions reduction strategies for data centers with DCF editors Matt Vincent and David Chernicoff. 
During the course of the talk, Gardiner explains how the iMasons Climate Accord (ICA), as part of Infrastructure Masons, focuses on data center industry emissions reductions as its primary goal, including approximately 300 member companies in the digital infrastructure space. The recent ICA flagship initiative emphasizing the value of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for materials and equipment, as signed by major hyperscale players like AWS, Google, and Microsoft, is also unpacked. 
We also learn how the Climate Accord aims to enhance global outreach and collaboration, particularly in regions such as APAC and Latin America, to address local sustainability challenges. Gardiner also discusses how the group's future efforts will prioritize transparency and verification in sustainability claims to ensure accountability within the data center industry. 

Customers, People, Planet: The EdgeConneX Blueprint for Sustainability

EdgeConneX's "Customers, People, and Planet" mission is the foundation for its sustainability efforts, shaping how the company designs, builds, and operates data centers worldwide. This podcast explores how this mission is implemented, embedding energy efficiency, renewable energy solutions, and local market engagement into every step of their operations. By prioritizing a balance between environmental responsibility and operational excellence, EdgeConneX demonstrates how sustainability can successfully align with business goals.

Safety First, Always: A Collaborative Approach to Data Center Safety

This podcast explores EdgeConneX's innovative approach to safety excellence, emphasizing its significant impact on operations and customer loyalty. Central to our discussion is the critical role of collaboration, as showcased by the "One Team, One Mission" theme from the EdgeConneX Safety Summits. EdgeConneX's commitment to safety extends beyond ensuring the well-being of its employees; it is a vital component of building trust with customers. The podcast highlights how EdgeConneX and its partners fortify collaborations to ensure data centers are designed and operated with paramount safety. This collaborative approach involves nurturing a learning culture that empowers employees to proactively identify and address potential risks, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and vigilance.