The Data Center Frontier Show

Paul Bogansky, founder and CTO of Packet Power, and Troy Wyborny, Senior Director of Global Sales, delve into transformative monitoring for data centers. They discuss how Packet Power's wireless technology streamlines energy management and enhances operational visibility with minimal effort. The conversation highlights the advantages of rapid deployments and robust security tailored for evolving needs. Plus, discover how their solutions offer substantial cost savings while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure. A game-changer in operational efficiency!

Rodolfo Rossini, CEO of Vaire Computing, is revolutionizing the future of AI data centers with a focus on energy-efficient reversible computing. He argues that as traditional chip technology hits its limits, new computing architectures are necessary. Rossini reveals how reversible logic can recover energy lost during computation, presenting a promising path to 'near zero energy' chips. He emphasizes the importance of integrated hardware and software in product development, looking to Nvidia's success as a blueprint for innovation.

Tony DeSpirito, Vice President of Enterprise Sales at Vertiv, shares his expertise in AI densification and the evolving demands on data center infrastructure. He discusses the shift from traditional computing to AI, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced power and cooling solutions. The conversation highlights innovative strategies like the 600 kilowatt rack and liquid cooling for effective thermal management. DeSpirito also invites listeners to join Vertiv's AI Roadshow for further insights and resources on adapting data centers for AI workloads.

Phill Lawson-Shanks, managing director of the Nomad Futurist Foundation, and Phillip Koblence, co-founder of the same foundation, discuss the evolving landscape of the data center industry. They dive into the rising demands of AI workloads and innovative solutions to power and cooling challenges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of nurturing community-driven talent pipelines and integrating digital infrastructure education into curricula. They also explore the feasibility of AI factories and the shift to modular designs for future-proofing data centers.

Santiago Suinaga, CEO of Infrastructure Masons (iMasons), leads a global initiative to innovate and promote sustainability within the digital infrastructure sector. He discusses the intersection of rapid AI demand and sustainable data center construction, emphasizing the need for speed without compromising eco-friendliness. Suinaga highlights the role of AI in enhancing site selection and energy efficiency while advocating for renewable energy partnerships. He also addresses the talent shortage in the industry and introduces new platforms to bridge this gap.

In this episode of the Data Center Frontier Show podcast, Matt Vincent, Editor-in-Chief of Data Center Frontier, talks to Craig Compiano, CEO of Modius, about how data centers are evolving to meet modern demands, specifically in terms of scalability, security and intelligence. They also discuss Modius’s commitment to enabling the next generation of data centers with scalable and secure solutions.

Andrew Lindsey, Co-Founder and CEO of Flexnode, dives into the transformative world of modular data centers. He explains how the industry is evolving to meet the demands of AI, highlighting the growing trend of high-density liquid-cooled solutions. Lindsey shares insights on the challenges and opportunities for integrating more sustainable and efficient hybrid cooling methods. He also discusses innovative power solutions and the evolving relationship between data centers and utility companies, all while emphasizing the need for flexibility in infrastructure design.

The latest episode of the DCF Show podcast addresses one of the most critical challenges facing the data center industry: the search for sustainable, high-density power solutions. As hyperscale operators like Google and Meta face growing energy demands and resistance from utilities unable or unwilling to support their expansion, the conversation around nuclear energy has gained momentum. Both established nuclear providers and innovative startups are vying for the data center industry's future business, each offering distinct approaches. Our guest, Matt Loszak, co-founder and CEO of Aalo Atomics, shares insights into his company's fresh approach to nuclear energy. Aalo Atomics, which raised $29.5 million in Series A funding in 2024, has developed a 10-megawatt sodium-cooled reactor that eliminates the need for water cooling, offering greater siting flexibility. Inspired by the Department of Energy’s MARVEL microreactor, Aalo’s design benefits from direct expertise, as the company’s CTO was the chief architect behind MARVEL. Aalo’s vision extends beyond reactor design to full-scale modular plant production. Rather than simply building reactors, the company aims to manufacture complete nuclear plants using prefabricated, modular components that can be shipped in standard containers. These plants are designed to fit within the footprint of a data center and require no onsite water—features that make them especially attractive to hyperscale operators seeking localized, high-density power. Aalo has made significant progress, with the Department of Energy identifying Idaho National Laboratory (INL) as a potential site for its first nuclear facility. The company is on an accelerated timeline, planning to complete a non-nuclear prototype within three months and break ground on its first reactor in about a year—remarkably fast for the nuclear sector. Aalo’s modular nuclear power solution for data centers is designed to deliver 50 megawatts, using a sodium-cooled reactor inspired by the MARVEL microreactor at INL. “In just 30 months, Marvel became the first reactor the DOE has ever authorized for construction,” said Loszak. Aalo has brought in key members from the Marvel project, including its chief architect, to speed up development. During our conversation, Loszak discusses the implications of this new wave of nuclear innovation, including the shifting stance of the Trump administration on nuclear energy, the evolving economics of nuclear power (where past projects faced cost overruns and delays), and common misconceptions about nuclear safety, such as fears of reactor meltdowns and waste management.

Adib Nasli, Co-founder and CEO of Zendee, discusses the growing energy demands of data centers, particularly due to AI advancements. He explores how Microgrids and Distributed Energy Resources can relieve pressure from traditional grids. Nasli emphasizes the future role of Small Modular Reactors in providing reliable energy with a low carbon footprint. He also shares insights on optimizing energy investments, achieving massive operational cost reductions, and showcasing real-world examples from Santa Clara and Ashburn that illustrate these innovative solutions.

Alan Farrimond, Vice President of Data Center Solutions at Wesco, is a sustainability expert, while Andrew Jimenez, Senior Director of Technical Sales at Wesco, specializes in advanced cooling technologies. They dive into the urgent need for next-generation data centers driven by high-performance computing and AI. The duo discusses how software-defined technologies enhance operational efficiency and tackle workforce challenges. They also explore innovative cooling solutions, energy strategies, and the paramount importance of sustainability in future data center designs.