As global data center demand accelerates—driven by AI, cloud growth, and rising uptime expectations—power infrastructure strategies are under increasing pressure to scale quickly while maintaining reliability and resilience. In a recent DCD>Talks interview, David Burke of Rehlko’s Clarke Energy explores why integrated, end‑to‑end support across the power stack is becoming essential for operators navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.

In the conversation, Burke discusses how power planning for mission‑critical facilities can no longer be addressed in isolated stages. From early design and engineering through deployment, operation, and long‑term service, data center operators need cohesive power strategies that account for grid constraints, onsite generation, and future flexibility. The discussion highlights the growing role of distributed and onsite energy solutions—such as gas engines, combined heat and power (CHP), and hybrid systems—in providing dependable capacity where traditional grid connections may fall short.

The interview also underscores the importance of lifecycle support and service capability as a differentiator in today’s data center market. As facilities expand globally and become increasingly complex, consistent engineering expertise, local service presence, and long‑term partnerships are critical to sustaining performance over decades of operation. Burke further addresses how resilience and sustainability can be balanced through flexible infrastructure that delivers reliability today while enabling a transition toward lower‑carbon fuels and technologies over time.

Watch the full interview here >