In 2026, data center management is undergoing a major shift driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and sustainability. As argued in the Brookings Press book, “Turning Point: Policymaking in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” it is powering applications in finance, health care, education, transportation, defense, and e-commerce, among other sectors. Organizations are now focusing on smarter, faster, and greener data centers to meet increasing demand. The global data center sector will likely expand at a 14% CAGR through 2030, which will require energy innovations to alleviate grid constraints. Hyperscalers will remain a key driver of sector growth. The race for speed: Data center projects are being delivered faster than ever, with modular construction and digital innovation transforming timelines and efficiency.
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