The Weekly Take from CBRE Powerhouse: The Future of Data Centers [Encore - 8.19.25]
Nov 25, 2025
Maja Rosenquist, EVP at Mortenson with a focus on data centers, joins Gordon Dolven, CBRE's research director for data centers, to explore the dynamic landscape of this sector. They discuss how AI is accelerating demand and influencing site selection due to power constraints. Maja shares insights on Mortenson's energy projects, while Gordon explains different types of data centers. The duo analyzes community concerns, potential risks of overbuilding, and trends in cooling technologies, all while forecasting sustained demand in the coming years.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Data Centers Are Critical Infrastructure
- Data centers are infrastructure assets with permanence, not simple landlord-tenant plays.
- Gordon Dolven says our lives rely increasingly on digital infrastructure for everyday services and work.
AI Drives Gigawatt Site Race
- AI demand is a game changer driving pursuit of gigawatt sites combining land, power, and water.
- Maja Rosenquist notes finding that combination is increasingly difficult and reshaping site choices.
Data Center Types And Use Cases
- Data centers vary from carrier hotels in CBDs to wholesale colos, hyperscale campuses, and on-prem enterprise builds.
- Gordon Dolven explains each type serves different scale, latency, and ownership needs.