Executive Summary

As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates across every sector of the global economy, data centers have emerged as foundational infrastructure. Designed to support AI workloads and cloud computing, these facilities are increasingly shaping national energy strategies, regulatory policies, and economic competitiveness.

This white paper provides a comprehensive overview of the shifting landscape of data center siting, design, and regulation, with a particular focus on AI-driven demand. It offers practical insights into emerging industrial practices, energy sourcing decisions, and evolving global policies. Drawing from in-depth case studies and international comparisons, the report highlights best practices for building scalable, climate-resilient digital infrastructure.

Key Insights

The Rise of AI-Centric Infrastructure

Next-generation data centers must accommodate high-density, energy-intensive AI workloads. This requires specialized cooling systems, advanced hardware integration, and new approaches to capacity planning.

Sustainability and Energy Innovation

Leading operators—Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google—are investing in long-term clean energy agreements and building AI-focused facilities powered by renewable and nuclear energy. Innovations in modular architecture and closed-loop cooling systems are driving efficiency gains.

Global Case Studies

Through detailed case studies, this paper explores how major hyperscalers are selecting sites based on access to energy, favorable regulation, and infrastructure readiness. Locations include the U.S., Europe, Southeast Asia, and emerging digital hubs.

The Nuclear Pivot

AI’s around-the-clock power needs have renewed interest in nuclear energy. The paper discusses the growing role of small modular reactors (SMRs) and direct energy partnerships in enabling reliable, zero-carbon computing.

Data Centers as Strategic Assets

As computing power becomes the “new oil,” nations are racing to attract digital infrastructure. Control over energy, land, and semiconductors now shapes the geopolitics of AI development and national security.

Regulatory Trends

The paper compares regulatory frameworks across 12 countries and 5 U.S. states, identifying how tax incentives, grid access, and land use policies shape data center growth. Emphasis is placed on aligning local development with climate and economic goals.