Power, Grid Constraints and Smarter Data Centre Growth | Live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026

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In the third episode of our series recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes, Andy Davis is once again joined by co-host Rory Flashman from Spa Communications to explore one of the biggest challenges facing the data centre industry: power. 

Joining the conversation: 

Chris Pennington, Director, Energy and Sustainability, Iron Mountain 

Afonso Salema, CEO, Exus Digital 

Together, they discuss whether the industry is really at power capacity, or whether data centres need to become smarter, more flexible and more responsive to the grids they depend on. 

The conversation looks at how the industry can unlock stranded grid capacity, the role of energy storage and flexible load, and why the traditional approach of simply asking the grid for constant supply may no longer be enough. 

Chris and Afonso also explore behind-the-meter power, the differences between the US and European markets, and whether on-site generation is a short-term bridge to grid connection or a longer-term part of the data centre power mix. 

The episode also tackles the debate around nuclear, microgrids, renewable energy, affordability, total cost of ownership and the need for data centres to work more closely with TSOs, regulators and local communities. 

Recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes. 

Key Topics: 

• Why access to power has become one of the industry’s biggest challenges 
• How data centres can use flexible load and storage to unlock grid capacity 
• The role of behind-the-meter power as a bridge to grid connection 
• Why power affordability is becoming central to AI infrastructure growth 
• The differences between US and European power strategies 
• Whether gas can play a viable role in European data centre power 
• The future of nuclear, SMRs and grid-connected clean energy 
• Why there is no one-size-fits-all solution to power constraints 
• How peak shaving and smarter energy use can reduce costs 
• The importance of community engagement and listening to local priorities 
• Why the industry needs to do more to challenge myths around power, water and local impact 

Tune in for a timely conversation on how power is shaping the future of data centre development, why flexibility and affordability matter, and how the industry can work more closely with grids and communities to support sustainable growth.

Support the show

The Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.

To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect