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