The data centers for the Genesis Mission and other national security programs will house vast amounts of sensitive data, intellectual property, and national infrastructure information. How do we promote emerging AI enterprises and develop the necessary infrastructure to power them? Their power, water, and fiber use are stressing national utility systems. This session examines technology solutions and discusses policy options that reduce the impacts of scaling digital infrastructure. In this high-stakes discussion, leaders from NERC, Hangar, and the Potomac Institute provide an implementation roadmap for uninterruptible AI operations.

Hon. Lucian Niemeyer (Moderator), CEO, Building Cyber Security; former Assistant Secretary of Defense

John Moura, Director, North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)

Josh Mendelsohn, Partner, Hangar

• Energy load Is the central constraint on AI expansion, and compute density has fundamentally altered power requirements.
• Grid reliability and reserve capacity are structural vulnerabilities, but behind-the-meter generation offers tactical flexibility.
• Nuclear expansion and micro-reactors are potential long-term energy solutions.
• National classification of data centers by function and strategic planning are necessary.
• Infrastructure buildout faces land constraints and public opposition.
• State-level moratoriums on data center construction introduce deployment uncertainty.
• Research and scientific centers are key to global competitiveness.