Energy Solutions for Data Centers Aren’t Always Obvious. Take These Ideas.

Source: Lisa Cohn | · ENERGY CHANGEMAKERS · | July 19, 2025

What We Learned After We Gathered in a Room with Data Center and Distributed Energy Experts

Data center developers face some tough questions as they struggle to secure electric supply in an increasingly tight market. Where will they find power? Should they rely solely on the grid? Or should they secure on-site power for all or part of their supply? What are the cleanest and most reliable choices?

And where does distributed energy fit in?  Over 100 data center and distributed energy experts gathered on July 10 in Bend, Oregon, to tease out some of the answers.  

Here’s some of what we learned from panel discussions and interviews with participants during and after “The Great Transformation: A Data Center and Energy Innovation Summit,” hosted by Cross Consulting, the Technology Association of Oregon, Xendee and Mayfield Renewables.

Microgrids and the value of phased development

Choosing which generation resources to use — solar, storage, small modular reactors, or another supply technology — is only one step. Data center operators also need to think about timing.

Adib Naslé, co-founder and CEO of Xendee, said that data center industry members should consider adding distributed energy resources (DERs) and other forms of generation in a phased, multi-year approach.  Microgrids are often the best option for a phased approach because they are flexible and can accommodate new technologies as they are developed. Microgrids are also more cost-effective than grid power, which is often not immediately available for large loads. Microgrids can provide power more quickly.