In a recent conversation moderated by DCD, I discussed the function of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the data center sector, accompanied by Rhett Weiss, Exus Digital’s chief development officer. A short while back, the subject would have had difficulty occupying a meeting.
Today, the topic of commercial development discussions consistently ranks near the top, due to a straightforward cause: the accessibility of dependable, safe, and ideally low-emission energy sources. The concept of power has evolved from being a mere component of a development plan to a driving force that influences the entire development process and the capital cycle.
This shift can be marked as the beginning point, or ‘Year zero’, of this new era. The transformation can be pinpointed with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Starting from late 2022, when ChatGPT debuted and AI gained prominence in public awareness.
In the 2023 World Energy Outlook by the IEA, data centers are hardly noticeable as a demand source. In the 2025 edition, a complete section discusses their plans for enhancing power systems. The industry has experienced consistent growth since the 1990s, predominantly operating behind the scenes.
