823: The Battle for AI Power: Data Centers vs. The Electric Grid

This episode of SunCast features an interview with Ryan Abbott, President of the Southwest Region for Clayco Design and Engineering. Abbott discusses the evolving landscape of data centers, highlighting the shift from standardized designs to customized solutions that optimize power usage and heat rejection. He emphasizes the increasing importance of access to power and the integration of renewable energy sources, including solar, geothermal, and cogeneration, to meet the growing demands of AI and compute. The conversation explores the factors influencing data center locations, the potential of small modular nuclear reactors, and the innovative approaches Clayco is taking to address the challenges of technological adoption in the data center industry.