The year 2025 marked the grand opening of Data Center World in the heart of Washington, D.C. Thousands of industry experts and enthusiasts from across the globe gathered to address the significant challenges posed by the rapid expansion of AI technology and the imperative to build sustainable infrastructure.
Bill Kleyman, the Program Chair of AFCOM Data Center World, emphasized the critical juncture faced by the data center industry. He highlighted the escalating demand for data services, supply chain limitations, and the evolving workforce. However, Kleyman pinpointed power sustainability as the primary obstacle hindering industry growth and adaptation to an AI-centric future.
Industry analysts echoed the urgency for scalable and resilient infrastructure, as discussed at the Omdia Analyst Summit preceding Data Center World. The summit provided insights into the current state of the industry and projections for its future trajectory.
The Omdia Analyst Summit at Data Center World captured significant attention. Image: James Walker.
Vlad Galabov, a research director at Omdia’s cloud and data center practice, projected a substantial industry value of $1 trillion by 2030.
Galabov also highlighted the rapid growth of AI’s share in data center power consumption, surpassing initial estimates and expected to reach 27% of total usage by the year’s end.
“AI is poised to drive 70% of the industry’s revenue,” Galabov emphasized.
Navigating the Path to Sustainable Energy
The central theme of Data Center World 2025 revolves around ‘Powering the Industry’s Future,’ with a strong focus on energy supply sustainability and scalability.
Dave Bell, leading data center and microgrid development at VoltaGrid, emphasized the significant energy consumption of data centers, currently amounting to 176 TWh annually and projected to rise to 325-580 TWh by 2025-2027.
Referencing official statistics, Bell highlighted that data centers consume approximately 4.4% of U.S. electricity, with natural gas comprising 43% of the grid’s energy sources.
“Data centers consume more natural gas than major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago combined,” Bell revealed. “The U.S. possesses abundant natural gas reserves, but efficient utilization is crucial to avoid wastage.”
As the demand for digital services continues to surge, Bell stressed the importance of efficiency and proximity. He proposed colocation of data centers near natural gas reservoirs like the Permian Basin to minimize energy transmission losses and reduce expenses.
Data Center World 2025 is hosted at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Image: James Walker.
Christian Belady, a renowned figure in the industry and recipient of the 2025 AFCOM Lifetime Achievement Award, broadened the discourse beyond power consumption. He emphasized the interconnected challenges shaping the industry’s trajectory.
“Our focus should extend beyond power considerations to encompass the entire supply chain. The industry’s rapid growth necessitates a holistic approach, addressing standardization and collaborative efforts,” Belady remarked.
Belady stressed the industry’s need for ambitious action, urging stakeholders to think beyond conventional boundaries.
“The industry is still in its nascent stages. We must adopt a mindset of exponential growth. Incremental progress is no longer sufficient,” Belady concluded.
