

823: The Battle for AI Power: Data Centers vs. The Electric Grid
Jun 10, 2025
Ryan Abbott, President of Clayco Design and Engineering, dives into the transformative world of data centers designed for the AI era. He explains how the focus has shifted from land to power supply, highlighting the challenges of providing sustainable and reliable energy. Abbott discusses the importance of innovative cooling systems and the role of renewable energy integration. He also reveals why Arizona may emerge as a key hub for AI compute, showcasing the exciting future of data centers and their collaboration with electric grids.
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Power Limits Data Center Capacity
- Data center capacity is primarily limited by power availability rather than land footprint.
- AI compute demands are driving the need for more reliable, redundant, and specialized power systems.
Customization Over Standardization
- Data centers are transitioning from standardized, modular designs to highly customized builds based on local power inputs.
- Heat rejection methods and power redundancy now must align with site-specific energy sources and cooling strategies.
Future Data Centers Are Networked
- Future data centers will be smaller but more interconnected, stitching together multiple sites for scaled compute.
- Proximity to diverse power sources and geographies matters for redundancy and satellite communication.