The convergence of digitization and decarbonization
Feb 7, 2024
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Will Smales, Partner and CIO at Morrison, discusses the intersection of digitalization and decarbonization in the infrastructure sector. They explore trends in energy transition and digital investments, focusing on data center customers driving renewables. The discussion also covers efficiency in data centers, renewable deployment based on location, and the resilience of infrastructure investments during economic challenges.
Investing in energy transition and decarbonization is a key focus for Morrison's infrastructure investments.
The intersection of energy demand from data centers and renewable energy requirements is driving utility-scale solar and wind projects.
Deep dives
Morrison: A Global Infrastructure Manager
Morrison, a Global Infrastructure Manager with 180 professionals across seven offices worldwide, focuses on investing in infrastructure assets. With over 30 years of experience, Morrison initially participated in government privatization of infrastructure assets like electricity networks, ports, airports, and waterworks. Currently, Morrison emphasizes investing in energy transition, decarbonization, and digitization themes to drive the next wave of infrastructure investments.
Convergence of Energy Transition and Digitization
The convergence between energy transition and the digital world is evident through the increasing energy demand from data centers, with predictions of significant acceleration. Large hyperscale customers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure demand 100% renewable energy by 2030, influencing the development of utility-scale solar and wind projects. The relationship between energy and digitization necessitates investments that integrate both technologies to meet sustainability goals.
Renewable Energy Opportunities and US Market Outlook
Morrison's focus on utility-scale solar with storage and alternative energies like hydrogen reflects continued interest in renewable energy development. Despite challenges like supply chain disruptions and policy uncertainties, the Inflation Reduction Act provides investment certainty. The outlook for the US renewable energy market remains positive, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure assets in navigating volatile market conditions.
Will Smales, a partner and the chief investment officer for the global infrastructure manager Morrison, joins Infralogic New Editor, Energy Americas Andrew Vitelli to discuss trends in the sector including the intersection of digitalization and decarbonization.