DCD Zero Downtime: The Bi-Weekly Data Center Show Bonus festive episode - 2025 in review with the DCD editorial team
Dec 25, 2025
Zachary Skidmore, a senior reporter on energy and sustainability, dives into the shifting focus from sustainability to power abundance under the new US administration. Charlotte Trueman, the Compute and Storage Editor, highlights the impact of the Chips and Science incentives on US chip manufacturing, while discussing the challenges of custom silicon. Paul Lipscombe, Telecoms Editor, covers the accelerated fiber rush by major carriers and the struggles of the Broadband Equity program. The team shares insights on advanced nuclear momentum and the dynamic landscape of data centers.
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Episode notes
Policy Shift Reframes Energy Priorities
- The US administration shift reframed industry priorities from pure sustainability to power abundance and alternative low-carbon options.
- Zachary Skidmore highlights nuclear, geothermal and storage gaining political support while traditional renewables lose momentum.
SMRs Gain Traction But Face Big Hurdles
- Small modular reactors are receiving corporate and federal attention as alternatives to wind and solar.
- Zachary Skidmore warns commercialization still faces regulatory, capital and fuel-supply bottlenecks delaying large-scale use until the 2030s.
US Carriers Racing To Build Fiber
- US carriers are aggressively building fiber to support 5G and replace copper, with large acquisition-led strategies.
- Paul Lipscombe notes targets and federal programs shape rollout, but policy changes may broaden acceptable technologies beyond fiber.