The data center industry is undergoing an unprecedented period of expansion with a substantial increase in data center capacity deployment in the US, as per the Global Data Centers Report by Knight Frank. The surge in capacity faces a bottleneck due to power scarcity, with AFCOMâs report revealing a significant number of data center projects seeking grid interconnection beyond the current grid capabilities. To address these challenges, the Data Center World POWER event will bring together stakeholders in San Antonio, Texas, to develop solutions for the industryâs power availability crisis.
The New Site Selection Reality
The Washington, DC metro area around Loudoun County and Prince William County, Virginia, known as âData Center Alley,â is the largest and fastest-growing data center market globally. With over 5 GW of current capacity and more under development, this region is at the forefront of data center growth, according to Knight Frank.
In response to the escalating demand for power, many are exploring alternative locations for data center operations. While proximity to metropolitan areas has traditionally influenced site selection, the availability of abundant power is now becoming the primary consideration for data center location.
Keynote speakers at this yearâs Data Center World POWER include (from left) Compass Data Centers CEO Chris Crosby, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, and ERCOT COO Woody Rickerson.
Solving the Data Center Power Problem
Addressing the power availability challenge necessitates collaboration among various stakeholders. Data Center World POWER has gathered experts, decision-makers, and innovators to shape the future of power in the data center sector. Energy providers, infrastructure leaders, sustainability experts, policy influencers, and data center operators are coming together at the event to devise strategies for aligning digital growth with resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Keynote sessions will shed light on how Texas and Alaska are navigating the delicate balance between data center growth, grid reliability, and sustainability. The event will delve into strategies for sustainable and scalable data center power, considering the escalating power demands driven by AI technology.
Insights from industry leaders operating within unique grid environments like ERCOT in Texas offer valuable lessons for shaping national and global power strategies for data centers.
DCW Power: Panels and Energy Sessions
At Data Center World POWER, attendees will explore various industry topics, including power sourcing, energy efficiency, grid constraints, and technological innovations in power systems. The event will feature panels and sessions focusing on alternative power sources, grid modernization, and power procurement strategies employed by hyperscale data center providers.
The conference aims to provide insights into fulfilling data center power requirements through innovative solutions like microgrids, natural gas generation, SMRs, and hydrogen fuel cells to support the evolving needs of AI-driven data centers.
âThe number one constraint for AI data centers is power,â said Data Center World program chair Bill Kleyman. The event aims to address challenges such as grid stability, interconnection delays, and emerging power technologies to ensure sustainable and actionable power strategies for data centers.
Data Center World POWER takes place at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas, on September 29âOctober 1, 2025.
Networking and More
Attendees of the inaugural Data Center World POWER event in San Antonio can engage in networking opportunities and special events, including a pre-event golf outing. The Southwest Research Institute is hosting a tour showcasing cutting-edge technologies in hydrogen energy, next-gen cooling, and resilient power systems for data centers.
Data Center World POWER is set to unite industry professionals to tackle the pressing challenges and innovations in power, energy resourcing, and sustainability within the data center sector.
Data Center World POWER will be held from September 29 to October 1, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio.
