Data Center Summit (Mid-Atlantic)

This summit is designed for policymakers, investors, hyperscalers, owners and operators, and leading design and construction firms, as well as technology providers advancing onsite power generation and next-generation solutions in water, cooling, and data center resource optimization. Power Constraints & Grid CapacityExplosive demand for data centers—especially in Loudoun County—is straining the electric grid, creating challenges around interconnection timelines, transmission upgrades, and access to reliable, scalable power. Policy, Zoning & Regulatory UncertaintyPolicymakers across the Mid-Atlantic are reevaluating zoning rules, tax incentives, and permitting frameworks, creating a shifting landscape for investors, developers, and operators. Water Usage, Cooling & Environmental ImpactData centers require significant water and advanced cooling systems, raising concerns about sustainability and resource management while driving demand for innovative water, cooling, and efficiency technologies. Infrastructure Costs, Design & Speed to MarketRising costs, supply chain constraints, and the need for faster deployment are pushing cutting-edge design and construction approaches, along with new technologies that optimize performance from build-out to full operations Confirmed speakers: Jigar Shah, Co-Managing Partner, Multiplier Apoorv Goyal, Decarbonization Lead, HOK Gary Oppedahl, EVP, The Sun Company Chris VanderWeyden, Senior Associate, Gensler Joniel Cha, Global Energy & Infrastructure, Google Rajiv Bazaj, VP, Constellation Scott Donachie, CEO, Decarb Summits Summit Agenda 5:00 PM – 5:10 PM Welcome Remarks Principal, HOK 5:10 PM – 5:40 PM Opening Keynote: The Future of Energy Infrastructure for AI and Data Centers AI-driven growth, unprecedented energy demand, infrastructure deployment, and opportunities for investors, developers, and technology providers. Jigar Shah, Co-Managing Partner, Multiplier LinkedIn 5:40 PM – 6:10 PM Designing the Data Center of the Future: Power, Sustainability & Speed-to-Market How AI is reshaping data center design, power procurement, onsite generation, grid integration, resiliency, sustainability, and speed-to-market. Moderator: Scott Donachie, CEO, Decarb Summits Joniel Cha, Global Energy & Infrastructure, Google LinkedIn Apoorv Goyal, Decarbonization Lead, HOK LinkedIn Chris VanderWeyden, Senior Associate, Gensler LinkedIn 6:10 PM - 6:30 PM Onsite Power Generation: The New Frontier for Data Center Growth Solar, storage, distributed energy, resiliency, reduced grid dependence, and the economics of onsite generation for hyperscale facilities. Gary Oppedahl, EVP, The Sun Company LinkedIn 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Executive Roundtable: The Future of Data Center Growth Infrastructure demand from AI, power constraints, cooling, water management, speed-to-market, sustainability, policy, permitting, and investment strategies. Moderator: Scott Donachie, CEO, Decarb Summits LinkedIn 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM Networking Reception & Technology Showcase Featuring innovators in onsite power generation, energy storage, microgrids, advanced cooling, water optimization, AI-enabled infrastructure, and resource efficiency. 8:30 PM Closing Remarks