A challenge in the rapidly growing data center industry has emerged as demand begins to eclipse current grid power infrastructure. In an interview with Bisnow, Akerman Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure Practice Chair James Grice lays out the pressing need for innovation not just on the engineering and infrastructure fronts, but in capital markets as well. One major shift he highlights is the growing trend of on-site, behind-the-meter power generation, and all of the considerations that brings.

"It's a complex challenge that's forcing the user side to look at innovative delivery techniques our clients may not have considered a few years ago," James said. "The next few years are going to be a time of tremendous innovation in the data center and energy marketplace, spanning financing, technology, contracting, and even business plan innovation."

James will be moderating a panel on financial innovation in the data center industry at the upcoming Bisnow National DICE Capital Markets conference on July 15. The discussion, titled "From Capital to Concrete, Translating Investment Into Data Center Construction," will center around what new solutions industry players are considering to fund these projects.