In Short : ReNew is planning a $500 million bond issuance to strengthen its financial position and support the expansion of its renewable energy portfolio. The proposed fundraising reflects strong investor confidence in clean energy assets and highlights the growing role of global capital markets in financing large-scale renewable projects and sustainability-driven infrastructure.

In Detail : ReNew is lining up a $500 million bond issue as part of its broader strategy to raise long-term capital for renewable energy expansion. The move signals the company’s intent to tap international debt markets to support its growth plans and strengthen its balance sheet amid rising investments in clean power and sustainable infrastructure.

The proposed bond issuance is expected to help ReNew refinance existing debt, lower financing costs, and improve overall liquidity. By accessing global capital markets, the company can secure competitive funding terms while maintaining financial flexibility to pursue new projects across solar, wind, and hybrid energy segments.

Bond issuances have become an increasingly popular financing tool for renewable energy companies, as they provide access to large pools of institutional capital. Investors are showing growing appetite for green and sustainability-linked instruments, driven by environmental, social, and governance considerations as well as the long-term stability of clean energy assets.

For ReNew, the fundraising initiative aligns with its long-term objective of scaling up its renewable capacity and strengthening its position as a leading clean energy player. The company continues to expand its operational portfolio, develop new projects, and invest in advanced technologies such as energy storage and digital grid solutions.

The $500 million bond issue also reflects broader trends in the global energy sector, where capital is increasingly being redirected from fossil fuel-based assets toward renewable and low-carbon infrastructure. This shift is supported by favorable policy frameworks, climate commitments, and rising corporate demand for green electricity.

From a financial perspective, bond funding allows companies like ReNew to diversify their capital structure and reduce reliance on traditional bank loans. Long-tenure bonds are particularly suitable for infrastructure projects, as they align well with the long operational life and predictable cash flows of renewable energy assets.

The success of the bond issue will depend on market conditions, investor sentiment, and the company’s credit profile. However, the strong global momentum behind green finance is expected to support robust demand, especially from funds focused on climate-aligned and sustainable investments.

In addition to funding capacity expansion, the bond proceeds may also be used for acquisitions, project development, and operational efficiencies. This can help ReNew enhance scale, optimize asset performance, and strengthen its competitive positioning in both domestic and international renewable markets.

Overall, ReNew’s planned $500 million bond issue highlights the growing role of capital markets in driving the clean energy transition. By attracting global investors and securing long-term funding, the company is reinforcing its ability to deliver large-scale renewable projects and contribute meaningfully to the shift toward a low-carbon energy future.

Duos Technologies Group Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT), through its operating subsidiary Duos Edge AI, Inc, has expanded its Edge Data Center (EDC) infrastructure beyond Texas. The company has deployed its first EDC serving the Greater Chicagoland Area and added two carrier-neutral EDCs in Lubbock, Texas.

This milestone marks a significant step in Duos Edge AI’s national growth strategy as the company broadens its geographic footprint into the Midwest. The expansion builds on strong momentum across multiple Texas markets, where Duos Edge AI has deployed EDCs supporting Education, Healthcare, and Service Providers in Amarillo, Victoria, Waco, Dumas, and Corpus Christi.

​Each modular facility is designed for rapid 90-day deployment and delivers scalable, high-performance computing power with enterprise-grade security controls, including third-party SOC 2 Type II certification under AICPA standards.

“Expanding within Texas and into the Illinois market is a meaningful milestone that reflects both execution discipline and rising demand for our Edge Data Center,” said Doug Recker, President of Duos and Founder of Duos Edge AI. “We are building a scalable, repeatable deployment model that supports education, carriers, and enterprises with secure, low-latency infrastructure. These expansions align with our growth strategy and reinforce our confidence in continued momentum as we execute against our long-term guidance.”

The Chicagoland deployment represents the first of multiple planned Midwest installations, while the two carrier-neutral EDCs in Lubbock emphasize the company’s focus on service provider demands. Duos Edge AI’s patented modular infrastructure incorporates a U.S. patent for an Entryway for a Modular Data Center (Patent No. US 12,404,690 B1), providing customers with secure, compliant, and differentiated Edge infrastructure.

Duos Edge AI continues to expand nationwide, capitalizing on growing demand for carrier-neutral facilities with localized compute, AI enablement, and resilient digital infrastructure across underserved and high-growth markets.

To learn more about Duos Edge AI, visit www.duosedge.ai.

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The 2025 INCOMPAS Show, held November 2–4 at the JW Marriott and Tampa Marriott Water Street in Tampa, Florida, brought together more than 3,000 leaders across communications, broadband, fiber, and technology sectors to explore the evolving landscape of connectivity and competition. One of the most influential gatherings in the U.S. communications ecosystem, the event provided a platform for senior executives, policymakers, and innovators to align on strategies shaping the future of broadband deployment, infrastructure investment, and digital transformation.

This year’s theme of collaboration and convergence set the tone for a comprehensive agenda that highlighted how technology, policy, and innovation are coming together to expand connectivity and bridge the digital divide. Across three days of panels, workshops, and executive-level discussions, speakers addressed the accelerating impact of AI, automation, and public-private partnerships on both network operations and competitive strategy.

The Convergence Era: Policy, Infrastructure, and AI

The opening remarks emphasized the urgency of convergence in today’s communications landscape. Chip Pickering, CEO of INCOMPAS, framed the event with a focus on consolidation, critical infrastructure, and the growing interdependence of networks, power, and policy.

That theme carried into high-profile sessions featuring executives from Verizon, Lumen Technologies, and Bluebird Fiber, where speakers examined how fiber density, cloud connectivity, and edge infrastructure are reshaping both network design and M&A strategy. Panels such as Future-Proofing the Network and Strategic Convergence: How Wireline-Wireless Integration Is Impacting M&A highlighted how capacity planning and integration are now central drivers of transaction value.

AI-driven transformation emerged as a defining force throughout the agenda. In the session Powering Intelligence: The Convergence of Energy, Networks, and AI Infrastructure, leaders including Jeff Uphues, CEO, DC BLOX and Dan Davis, CEO and Co-Founder, Arcadian Infracom explored the mounting energy demands of AI workloads and the need for resilient, scalable infrastructure. Discussions emphasized that AI is no longer an overlay, but a foundational consideration in network architecture, power strategy, and long-term investment planning.

Cybersecurity also took center stage, with experts from Granite Telecommunications, UNITEL, Axcent Networks, and Verizon Partner Solutions outlining how AI is being deployed to detect threats, automate responses, and protect increasingly complex telecom environments.

Policy at the Center of Broadband Expansion

Policy reform remained a cornerstone of the INCOMPAS agenda. Sessions focused on the future of the Universal Service Fund, broadband permitting reform, and federal regulatory alignment drew strong engagement from both providers and policymakers. Led by INCOMPAS policy leadership and legal experts from firms including Morgan Lewis, Cooley, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, and JSI, these discussions reinforced the critical role of permitting, spectrum access, and funding mechanisms such as BEAD in accelerating equitable broadband deployment nationwide.

Modern Marketing and the Human Element

Beyond infrastructure and policy, the Marketing Workshop Series delivered some of the show’s most actionable insights. The opening session, Marketing’s New Blueprint: Balancing AI, Automation, and Authenticity, featured Laura Johns, Founder and CEO of The Business Growers, and Joy Milkowski, Partner at Access Marketing Company. Together, they explored how communications and technology companies can leverage automation and AI tools without losing the authenticity and strategic clarity required to build trust and drive revenue.

The discussion reinforced that AI should function as a strategic enabler rather than a replacement for human insight. Follow-on workshops expanded on this theme, with sessions focused on revenue-driven AI strategy, practical prompt frameworks, and marketing automation systems designed to align sales and marketing teams while supporting scalable growth.

Networking, Partnerships, and Industry Momentum

As always, the INCOMPAS Show excelled as a venue for relationship-building and deal-making. The Buyers Forum and Deal Center facilitated high-value, pre-scheduled meetings, while exhibit hall programming and networking events fostered collaboration across fiber providers, technology vendors, and service partners.

Workforce development, sustainability, and inclusion also emerged as shared priorities. Speakers stressed the need to build talent pipelines capable of supporting AI-driven networks while ensuring that digital transformation delivers measurable benefits across communities.

The Road Ahead

The 2025 INCOMPAS Show made one thing clear: the future of communications will be defined by integration, collaboration, and adaptability. From AI-powered networks and evolving policy frameworks to authentic marketing and workforce readiness, the conversations in Tampa reflected an industry actively shaping its next chapter.

As the ecosystem looks toward 2026, the momentum from INCOMPAS reinforces a collective commitment to closing connectivity gaps, modernizing infrastructure, and aligning innovation with opportunity.

To learn more about INCOMPAS and upcoming events, visit www.incompas.org and www.show.incompas.org.

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As 2025 comes to a close, Tim Hickinbottom, Head of Strategic Accounts at Datalec Precision Installations (DPI), is reflecting on a milestone year both personally and professionally. With nearly four decades in the digital infrastructure and technology sector, Hickinbottom’s perspective offers insight into how experience, adaptability, and long-term vision continue to shape growth in an evolving industry.

A Career Built on Experience and Adaptability

Hickinbottom’s career began in 1986 at Compucorp and includes formative years in the Royal Navy and with British Aerospace in Saudi Arabia. These early experiences helped shape a leadership approach grounded in resilience, discipline, and adaptability. These are qualities that remain critical as data center and mission-critical services grow more complex and globally connected.

A Defining Year 

In 2025, DPI sustained its year-on-year growth while expanding into new regions. The launch of operations in APAC, continued momentum in the Middle East, and steady growth across Europe marked one of the company’s busiest periods to date. By year-end, DPI expects to operate 23 entities worldwide, with further expansion already underway.

According to Hickinbottom, this progress reflects both strong market demand and a deliberate strategy focused on operational discipline and long-term stability.

Strategy, Engagement, and Sustainability

Behind the visible growth is a leadership team focused on reinvestment and sustainable expansion. While much of this work occurs behind the scenes, evolving strategies and internal alignment are shaping DPI’s direction.

Throughout the year, DPI reinforced its global presence at major industry events including Datacentre World and GITEX conferences across multiple regions. At the same time, the company advanced its sustainability efforts, earning recognition from CDP and EcoVadis and preparing to share its Science Based Targets.

“These initiatives matter deeply to our clients and partners,” Hickinbottom notes, emphasizing accountability and environmental stewardship as core elements of industry leadership.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As DPI looks toward 2026, Hickinbottom remains optimistic about the challenges and opportunities ahead. With hard work embedded in the company’s culture and a clear focus on innovation, DPI is positioned to continue supporting data center operators and digital infrastructure stakeholders worldwide.

“Work should be enjoyable,” Hickinbottom reflects. “It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m excited for what’s next.”

To explore Hickinbottom’s full reflections on 2025 and his perspective on the year ahead, read the complete blog on Datalec Precision Installations’ website here.

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Empire Fiber Internet, a leading fiber optic internet service provider serving communities across New York and Pennsylvania, is expanding its high speed fiber network in Williamsport, bringing more residents and businesses access to fast, reliable connectivity. This latest buildout continues the company’s investment in Pennsylvania communities and supports long term economic growth across the region.

Since first announcing plans to enter Williamsport in 2023, Empire Fiber Internet has grown to serve more than 9,000 homes across Williamsport and South Williamsport. With this new phase of construction, service is extending into the Garden View, Grimesville, and Newberry neighborhoods, as well as northern and eastern areas of Downtown Williamsport.

“Our commitment is to expand fiber access where it’s needed most, and Williamsport has been a priority for us in Pennsylvania,” said Kevin Dickens, CEO of Empire Fiber Internet. “Strong, reliable connectivity plays an important role in supporting economic growth, education, telehealth, and remote work, and we are proud to help bring these benefits to more households and businesses.”

The project will add fiber access to 2,500 additional homes, giving residents and businesses access to symmetrical speeds and performance advantages that traditional cable or copper networks cannot match. Plans in serviceable areas start at 55 per month with symmetrical speeds up to 2 Gig, free installation, no hidden fees, and 24/7 local customer support.

Empire Fiber Internet’s investment in Williamsport strengthens local infrastructure and supports long term community growth, backed by local customer service teams and partnerships with organizations such as area chambers of commerce.

To learn more about Empire Fiber Internet, visit www.empireaccess.com.

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Evocative, a global provider of Internet infrastructure, has announced that it has raised debt financing from a large global investment firm, complementing continued equity support from its long-term investment partner, Crestline Investors. The financing reflects the next phase of a multi-year growth plan focused on scaling capacity in step with customer demand.

The investment will enable targeted infrastructure initiatives, including capacity upgrades, strategic metro expansions, and continued enhancements across Evocative’s data center, network, bare metal, and cloud platforms as the company responds to rising requirements for power, space, and network density to support enterprise and service provider customers.

“Crestline has worked closely with Evocative as the company continues to execute its strategic business plan,” said Will Palmer, Executive Managing Director and Co-Head of US Corporate Credit. “We believe Evocative is well positioned to meet the increasing demands of the digital infrastructure industry, and we are pleased to support their ongoing expansion and long-term vision.”

Crestline Investors has partnered with Evocative for several years, supporting the company through multiple phases of its strategic growth plan and backing its efforts to scale a global digital infrastructure platform focused on high-density colocation and connectivity. This latest financing builds on that foundation, providing capital to expand where demand is already taking shape.

“This financing marks a significant milestone in Evocative’s continued journey to expand capacity and deliver on our long-term vision of high density colocation and a robust global network to support next generation AI applications,” said Derek Garnier, CEO at Evocative. “We remain committed to building with discipline, scale, and customer focus. Our aim is to continue delivering the space, power, and connectivity required for AI development, hybrid cloud environments, and infrastructure diversification.”

As demand for AI-driven and hybrid infrastructure continues to grow, Evocative remains focused on expanding capacity with discipline across its digital infrastructure platform, aligning investment with real-world deployment needs rather than speculative buildout.

To learn more about Evocative’s digital infrastructure solutions, read the full press release here.

The post Evocative Advances Data Center Growth Strategy With New Financing appeared first on Data Center POST.

Fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (1547) is building on years of network activity in South Texas with the launch of the McAllen Internet Exchange (MCT-IX) and a series of infrastructure expansions at Chase Tower in downtown McAllen. Together, these developments reflect how the region’s role as a U.S.–Mexico connectivity point continues to take shape.

MCT-IX is deployed inside the 1547-owned Chase Tower, long recognized as the primary carrier hotel and aggregation point for cross-border network traffic in McAllen. By placing the exchange directly within this established ecosystem, MCT-IX creates a natural place for networks to exchange traffic locally and has secured formal ARIN recognition under ASN AS402079. Early port commitments from participating networks mark the initial phase of onboarding and signal early interest from the existing ecosystem.

The launch of MCT-IX builds on a year of sustained growth inside Chase Tower, which has seen new carrier deployments, capacity expansions from long-standing partners, and rising cross-connect activity throughout 2025. To support this momentum and maintain the building’s role as the region’s primary network interconnection hub, 1547 has invested more than $6 million in critical infrastructure upgrades, including backup power, elevators, fire and life safety systems, and a comprehensive HVAC overhaul.

Beyond core building upgrades, 1547 is expanding its interconnection infrastructure with a new meet-me room and a dedicated carrier room designed to serve dozens of carrier cabinets. These additions are intended to simplify how networks connect with one another, with MCT-IX, and with the broader Chase Tower ecosystem. To meet future demand from both data center tenants and MCT-IX participants, 1547 is currently developing 500 kilowatts of additional colocation capacity inside the tower, along with a 3 megawatt, 13,000-square-foot dedicated data center annex targeted for completion in Q4 2026.

MCT-IX is designed to address a long-standing challenge in the region, where cross-border connectivity has traditionally relied on upstream routes that leave McAllen before reaching their destination. By enabling a more localized peering option, the exchange gives networks greater control over routing efficiency and performance, while supporting route diversity and resiliency.

“Announcing MCT-IX is an important milestone for both 1547 and the McAllen market,” said J. Todd Raymond, CEO and Managing Director of 1547. “With formal ARIN recognition and early port commitments already underway, it is clear there is strong demand for an Internet Exchange that builds on the long-established interconnection ecosystem inside Chase Tower. As owners of the carrier hotel, we are committed to supporting this next phase of growth.”

As interconnection activity continues to increase, 1547’s leadership sees MCT-IX as a natural extension of what is already happening inside Chase Tower. “Across Chase Tower, we are seeing measurable increases in interconnection activity, from new deployments to expanded capacity and growing interest in route diversity,” said John Bonczek, Chief Revenue Officer of 1547. “MCT-IX aligns with the needs of the ecosystem inside the building and adds another layer of functionality as that activity continues to grow.”

Read the full release here.

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At infra/STRUCTURE Summit 2025, industry leaders from Inflect, NTT and NextDC explored how AI is accelerating development timelines, reshaping deal structures, and redrawing the global data center map.

The infra/STRUCTURE Summit 2025, held at The Wynn Las Vegas from October 15–16, 2025 convened the brightest minds in digital infrastructure to explore the seismic shifts underway in the age of artificial intelligence. Among the most forward-looking sessions was “AI Impact on Global Market Expansion Patterns,” a discussion that unpacked how AI is transforming where and how data centers are developed, financed, and operated worldwide.

Moderated by Swapna Subramani, Research Director, IMEA, for Structure Research, the panel featured leading executives including Mike Nguyen, CEO, Inflect; Steve Lim, SVP, Marketing & GTM, NTT Global Data Centers; Craig Scroggie, CEO and Managing Director, NEXTDC. Together, they examined how the explosive demand for AI compute power is pushing developers to rethink long-held assumptions about geography, energy, and risk.

AI Is Rewriting the Rules of Global Expansion

For decades, site selection decisions revolved around a handful of core variables: power cost, connectivity, and proximity to major user populations. But in 2025, those rules are being rewritten by the unprecedented scale of AI workloads.

Regions once considered secondary are suddenly front-runners. Scroggie noted how saturation in markets like Singapore and Hong Kong has forced expansion across Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India, each now racing to deliver power, land, and permitting capacity fast enough to attract global hyperscalers.

“You can’t build large campuses in Singapore anymore,” Scroggie said. “But throughout Southeast Asia, we’re seeing rapid acceleration as operators balance scale, sustainability, and access to emerging population centers.”

The panelists agreed that energy constraints, not capital, are now the primary limiting factor. “The short term is about finding locations where power exists at scale,” explained Scroggie. “The longer-term challenge is developing new storage and generation models to make that power sustainable.”

Geopolitics and Sovereignty Are Shaping Investment

AI’s global reach has also brought geopolitics and national sovereignty to the forefront of infrastructure strategy.

“We’re living in more challenging times than ever before,” said Nguyen, referencing chip export restrictions and international trade interventions. “AI is no longer just a technological conversation, it’s a matter of national defense and economic competitiveness.”

He noted that ongoing trade restrictions with China are reshaping who gets access to advanced chips and where they can be deployed. “The combination of geopolitical and local legislative pressures determines the future of global trade management,” Nguyen said.

As countries strengthen data sovereignty and privacy laws, regional differentiation is intensifying. “Every geography has a different view,” Nguyen continued. “Some nations are creating frameworks to enable AI and cross-border data sharing, others are locking down their ecosystems entirely.”

Scroggie echoed this, adding that sovereignty-driven strategies are driving a surge in localized buildouts. “We’re seeing more countries push to ensure domestic control of digital assets,” he said. “That’s changing the structure of global supply chains and creating ripple effects that extend well beyond national borders.”

The Industry’s Race Against Time

The conversation turned toward construction velocity, a challenge every developer feels acutely.

“Are we building fast enough?” Subramani, the moderator of the conversation asked.

“Simply put, no,” said Scroggie. “We can’t keep up with demand. Traditional 12-to-24-month build cycles no longer align with AI’s acceleration curve. We have to find a way to build differently.”

The group discussed the need for new modular construction methods, accelerated permitting, and AI-assisted project management to meet scale and speed requirements.

Nguyen framed it within the broader context of industrial history. “We are standing at the dawn of the next industrial revolution,” he said. “Just as steam, electricity, and the internet reshaped economies, AI will redefine global competitiveness. The countries that can deliver sustainable, affordable power will lead.”

He pointed to the “Jacquard Paradox” of AI infrastructure: the more intelligence we produce, the cheaper it becomes, and the more of it the world demands. “The hallmark of global competitiveness will be the unit cost of producing intelligence,” Nguyen explained. “That requires deep collaboration between developers, energy providers, and governments.”

Evolving Deal Structures Reflect a More Complex Market

The financial framework of data center development is also changing dramatically. Traditional “build-to-suit” models are giving way to more creative, multi-tiered partnerships as both hyperscalers and institutional investors seek flexibility and risk mitigation.

“There’s a diversity of players now entering the market, some with deep operational experience, others completely new to the space,” said Scroggie. “Everyone’s chasing the same megawatts, but their risk tolerance and credit profiles vary widely.”

Scroggie also described how education and transparency have become critical. “We’re constantly advising clients on what’s feasible and what’s not. Many are coming in with unrealistic expectations about speed, power, or pricing. It’s part of our job to bridge that gap.”

The consensus was clear: AI-driven demand has transformed data centers from real estate assets into strategic infrastructure platforms, with financial, political, and environmental implications far beyond the industry itself.

Looking Ahead: The Next Decade of AI-Driven Infrastructure

As the discussion drew to a close, the panelists reflected on the extraordinary pace of change. “AI is not replacing, it’s additive,” said Scroggie. “Every new workload, every new inference model adds demand. The scale we’re dealing with is unprecedented.”

In this new era, speed, sustainability, and sovereignty are the defining dimensions of competitiveness. The industry’s success will hinge on its ability to innovate faster than the challenges it faces, whether those are regulatory, environmental, or geopolitical.

“We’re building the highways of the digital era,” said Nguyen in closing. “And like every industrial revolution before it, those who solve the energy equation will lead the world.”

Infra/STRUCTURE 2026: Save the Date

Want to tune in live, received all presentations, gain access to C-level executives, investors and industry leading research? Then save the date for infra/STRUCTURE 2026 set for October 7-8, 2026 at The Wynn Las Vegas.  Pre-Registration for the 2026 event is now open, and you can visit www.infrastructuresummit.io to learn more.

The post AI’s Impact on Global Market Expansion Patterns: How Artificial Intelligence Is Redefining the Future of Global Infrastructure appeared first on Data Center POST.

Hivelocity has named David Brolsma as its new Chief Financial Officer, strengthening the company’s leadership team as it continues expanding its global bare metal, enterprise cloud, and virtual server footprint. In his new role, Brolsma will guide Hivelocity’s financial strategy, including capital planning, governance, and risk management.

Reflecting on his new role, David Brolsma shared, “I’m glad to be joining a team with such a strong focus on customer experience and collaboration. As CFO, I look forward to strengthening Hivelocity’s strategy on a global level.”

Brolsma brings over 20 years of global finance experience across high-growth technology companies. He previously served as CFO at Smarsh and held leadership roles at WP Engine and Rackspace, contributing to major acquisitions, global expansion, and Rackspace’s IPO. His background also includes finance roles at Valero Energy and EY in Europe and the U.S.

Hivelocity CEO Jeremy Pease added, “Bringing David onboard marks a significant milestone as we continue fortifying our leadership team. His expertise will be crucial to our next phase of growth.”

This latest announcement follows a period of significant momentum for the company, including ongoing global network expansion, new infrastructure investments, and enhanced cloud and bare metal offerings designed to meet rising enterprise and AI-driven workloads. The company recently advanced its collaboration with key partners such as Digital Realty and continued strengthening its leadership team through the appointment of Chief Revenue Officer Matt Schatz. These steps, along with expanded availability across international markets, underscore Hivelocity’s commitment to delivering high-performance, low-latency infrastructure worldwide.

Brolsma’s appointment reinforces the company’s dedication to disciplined expansion and customer-focused execution as demand for high-performance infrastructure continues to rise globally.

To learn more about Hivelocity’s global infrastructure offerings and services, visit hivelocity.net.

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How master planning, power strategy, and early-stage development are reshaping the data center industry

At the infra/STRUCTURE Summit 2025, held October 15–16 at The Wynn Las Vegas, one of the event’s most forward-looking discussions tackled the changing dynamics of the pre-development phase in digital infrastructure.

Moderated by Philbert Shih, Managing Director of Structure Research, the session, “Pre-Development and Evolving Models”, explored how early-stage development has evolved into a strategic discipline of its own. Joining Shih on stage were Nat Sahlstrom, Chief Energy Officer at Tract; Brandon Amber, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder of Doma Infrastructure Group; and Mark McComiskey, CEO of AVAIO Digital Partners.

Together, these leaders shared how they are navigating challenges around power access, land readiness, and entitlement complexity while shaping new models designed to meet the unprecedented pace of global demand.

Creating a Market Segment Out of Pre-Development

Shih opened the session by framing the conversation around an emerging market reality: pre-development is no longer a supporting activity, it’s becoming its own business model.

“From a research perspective, pre-development has grown into a market segment in and of itself,” Shih noted. “It’s where timelines, capital, and innovation intersect, and where future capacity is truly created.”

McComiskey agreed, explaining that his firm identified early on that the long lead times required to secure land, entitlements, and power were creating bottlenecks that could stall digital growth.

“We saw that power and transmission constraints were going to slow down the digital revolution,” McComiskey said. “Our solution was to think like a utility, secure the land and power first, so when customers are ready, they can move immediately.”

AVAIO Digital Partners is offering “ready-to-build” campuses at scale, helping hyperscalers and operators bypass years of red tape. Which is done through acquiring and master-planning large tracts of land with utilities and infrastructure pre-engineered.

The Master Plan Advantage

Sahlstrom emphasized that master planning goes beyond speed to market. He believes it’s about resilience, predictability, and community impact.

“Even with strong utility partnerships, unexpected constraints can always emerge,” Sahlstrom said. “By approaching development as a 10-year master plan, you reduce risk and create predictability, not just for investors, but for the communities where we build.”

Sahlstrom pointed out that large-scale digital campuses are now being designed for hundreds of megawatts of capacity. These campuses integrate everything from power distribution and water systems to long-term sustainability planning, positioning them as both critical infrastructure and engines of economic development.

Finding Value in Underserved Markets

Amber offered a global perspective on how pre-development strategies are unlocking value in underserved regions.

“We’re seeing similar challenges around power and land across the Asia-Pacific and U.S. markets,” Amber explained. “Whether it’s Australia, Malaysia, or emerging economies like Thailand, success starts with solving those pre-development problems early.”

Amber noted that the industry’s traditional focus on Tier 1 markets is expanding outward. Companies like Doma are targeting secondary cities and edge regions, where power can be secured faster and closer to end users. A strategy that’s increasingly critical for AI workloads and latency-sensitive applications.

Filtering the Noise: Quality Over Quantity

As the discussion turned toward the market landscape, the panelists agreed that one of the biggest challenges today is information overload. With speculative projects and site proposals flooding the industry, separating viable opportunities from noise has become a strategic necessity.

“Teams are getting thousands of site proposals every month,” Sahlstrom said. “The real challenge is filtering for quality and identifying the projects that are actually entitled, powered, and deliverable.”

This growing “signal-to-noise” problem underscores the need for deeper collaboration between developers, utilities, and hyperscalers.

The Human Factor: Talent and Expertise

All panelists pointed to talent as another defining challenge in pre-development. With global expansion accelerating, competition for specialized skills in engineering, construction, and power management is intensifying.

“We’re seeing rotation across all levels. Hyperscalers hiring from operators, operators hiring from utilities,” Amber said. “Everyone’s competing for the same expertise, and that’s shaping how partnerships are formed.”

Rather than viewing the talent gap as a limitation, the panel saw it as an opportunity for specialization and partnership, allowing expert teams to focus on the most critical aspects of the pre-development lifecycle.

Building the Foundation for What’s Next

In closing, Shih summarized the session’s central message: pre-development has become the defining stage of digital infrastructure creation.

“This part of the industry used to be invisible,” he said. “Now, it’s where the most strategic value is being created, and where innovation will determine who leads the next wave of digital growth.”

By anticipating constraints, planning for resilience, and aligning with utilities and municipalities early, these leaders are laying the foundation for the next decade of cloud, AI, and edge infrastructure.

Infra/STRUCTURE 2026: Save the Date

Want to tune in live, receive all presentations, gain access to C-level executives, investors and industry leading research? Then save the date for infra/STRUCTURE 2026 set for October 7-8, 2026 at The Wynn Las Vegas. Pre-Registration for the 2026 event is now open, and you can visit www.infrastructuresummit.io to learn more.

The post Pre-Development and Evolving Models: The Next Frontier in Digital Infrastructure appeared first on Data Center POST.

Understanding What’s Next for Digital Infrastructure

At this year’s infra/STRUCTURE Summit 2025, held at the Wynn Las Vegas, industry leaders came together to unpack the state of digital infrastructure in an era defined by AI-driven demand and hyperscale expansion.

One of the standout sessions of the event was “Measured Optimism,” led by Philbert Shih, Managing Director of Structure Research. Known for his data-first insights and global perspective, Shih provided an in-depth look at where the data center market stands today, and where it’s heading next.

His central question set the tone: Are we in a period of sustainable growth, or are we overbuilding?

A Balanced View: Bullish but Realistic

Shih began by acknowledging the debate between the “bulls” and “bears” in digital infrastructure, those who see unbounded opportunity and those who warn of a potential correction.

While recognizing some speculative trends, such as “fake data centers” and build pauses in certain regions, Shih urged attendees to take a longer view.

“There’s a lot of interest in the space, a lot of people with assets to develop,” Shih said. “But the fundamentals remain strong. We’ve seen time and again that this sector has the ability to absorb and grow through cycles.”

Shih drew comparisons to previous market phases. From the dot-com era to the rise of cloud computing, he suggested that what we’re seeing today is a natural evolution, not a bubble.

What the Data Shows

Shih supported his analysis with Structure Research’s latest findings:

• Demand Continues to Outpace Supply. Hyperscalers and AI workloads are driving record demand. “We consistently see management teams reporting more demand than they can support,” Shih shared.
• AI is an Accelerant, Not a Disruption. Shih explained that Meta’s recent build pause was less about demand softening and more about re-architecting for AI infrastructure. “AI is reshaping how capacity is planned and deployed,” he said.
• Global Growth Momentum. While North America remains the largest market, growth across Europe and Asia is accelerating. Chinese and regional cloud providers are increasingly driving new development around the world.
• Healthy Cycles, Not Cracks. Shih described the current slowdown in some areas as part of the natural “build–pause–absorb” cycle that defines infrastructure development. “Infrastructure doesn’t grow in a straight line,” he noted.

Collaboration Over Competition

A recurring theme throughout Shih’s presentation was partnership. The idea that hyperscalers might replace colocation providers with self-built facilities has largely given way to collaboration.

“There’s more cooperation between hyperscalers and colocation providers than ever before,” Shih said. “These partnerships are becoming essential to meeting global demand efficiently and sustainably.”

Shih also highlighted opportunities in pre-development and edge-scale projects, where new entrants and established providers alike are finding innovative ways to meet demand closer to users.

A Measured but Positive Outlook

Despite capital market challenges, supply chain constraints, and growing power demands, Shih’s conclusion was optimistic, grounded in data and real-world momentum.

“I’m more confident today than I was two years ago,” Shih said. “We’re not overbuilding, we’re building smarter, globally, and with a clearer sense of what’s next.”

The session ended with a strong message: while the sector must navigate its cycles carefully, the long-term trajectory remains firmly upward.

Infra/STRUCTURE 2026: Save the Date

Want to tune in live, receive all presentations, gain access to C-level executives, investors and industry leading research? Then save the date for infra/STRUCTURE 2026 set for October 7-8, 2026 at The Wynn Las Vegas. Pre-Registration for the 2026 event is now open, and you can visit www.infrastructuresummit.io to learn more.

The post Measured Optimism: Balancing Growth and Realism in the Global Data Center Market appeared first on Data Center POST.

Datalec Precision Installations (DPI) is celebrating more than a decade of growth, innovation, and excellence in building advanced data center infrastructure. Founded in 2012, DPI began with a vision to raise standards in the industry through precision, performance, and constant improvement. Today, the company employs more than 300 people and operates in over 25 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Since its first turnkey data hall fit-out in 2014, DPI has continued to grow alongside the evolving data center market. The company has become known for delivering efficient, sustainable, and flexible digital infrastructure that supports modern technology and AI applications.

DPI’s success is built on its focus on quality, hands-on delivery, and innovation. Its UK manufacturing facilities handle everything from custom enclosures to powder coating and electronic security, allowing DPI to maintain control and consistency. The company’s powder coating site has achieved a 90% reduction in material waste, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.

Strategic growth has been central to DPI’s progress. The company’s 2022 acquisition of Technivo and the launch of a 52,000 square foot manufacturing facility in the United Arab Emirates marked the start of its expansion in the Middle East. A year later, DPI entered the Asia-Pacific region, where it completed the largest GPU installation of its kind outside the United States in 2025.

Today, DPI continues to broaden its services to include consultancy, facilities management, and project advisory. With new solutions like the Hyperion Ceiling System and modular data hall designs, the company remains focused on helping clients meet growing global demand for reliable and high-performance infrastructure.

DPI’s story is one of steady growth and clear purpose. From one person’s vision to a trusted global leader, the company continues to shape the future of data centers with precision, quality, and commitment.

To read more, please click here.

The post From Vision to Global Leadership: Datalec’s Journey appeared first on Data Center POST.