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Research, analysis, and perspectives on the built world.
Data Center Substation Development: Site Criteria, Utility Coordination and Delivery Risk
This article explains why substation development is now central to data center site selection and delivery. It covers site criteria, ownership models, utility coordination, equipment bottlenecks and the role AI can play in tracking risk before construction slips.
May 27, 2026 ·5 min read
Modular Data Center Development: When Prefab Beats the Ground-Up Build
Modular data center development uses prefabricated power, cooling and IT infrastructure to shorten delivery schedules. This guide explains where modular works, where it fails and how developers should underwrite prefab capacity in 2026.
May 22, 2026 ·5 min read
Data Center Microgrid Development: Site Criteria, Controls, and Tradeoffs
Data center microgrids are moving from resilience planning into development underwriting. This guide explains when microgrids help, which site criteria matter and where AI can support early feasibility without replacing utility and engineering judgment.
May 20, 2026 ·4 min read
Data Center Water Use Requirements: Cooling, Power and Community Risk
This post explains how data center developers should evaluate water use requirements before site control. It covers cooling systems, indirect power-sector water demand, municipal capacity, community risk and why water should be modeled with power from day one.
May 19, 2026 ·5 min read