May 5, 2025

While modular data centers, pioneered by companies like Sun Microsystems and Dell in the mid-2000s, transformed IT infrastructure, a new wave of innovation is reshaping power distribution: modular substations. These pre-fabricated, flexible units offer the same functions as traditional substations but with enhanced efficiency, scalability, and rapid deployment. Miller Industries is at the forefront of this revolution, delivering cutting-edge solutions for modern energy needs. This article explores the innovations, benefits, and market trends driving the modular substation boom.

The Rise of Modular Substations

Modular substations are gaining traction as a game-changer in power infrastructure, offering faster installation and greater flexibility than conventional substations. According to a 360iResearch report, the modular substation market is projected to grow by USD 28.84 billion at a CAGR of 7.25% by 2030, driven by the need for scalable and efficient power solutions. From urban grids to remote industrial sites, these units are addressing the global demand for reliable electricity with minimal downtime.

Key Innovations Driving Adoption

Innovations in modular substation design are accelerating their adoption. Esfro Solutions’ Powerskid exemplifies the plug-and-play approach, enabling rapid deployment with minimal on-site work. Similarly, Flex Air’s 10,000 kVA (5.6MW) modular substation reduces labor costs through off-site manufacturing, minimizing disruptions during installation. These advancements, including compact designs and advanced monitoring systems, make modular substations ideal for dynamic energy demands in industries like utilities and renewables.

Sustainability and Scalability Benefits

Modular substations are uniquely suited to support sustainable energy systems. As noted by DataHorizzon Research, their flexibility accommodates the variability of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, enabling smoother grid integration. Their scalability allows operators to expand capacity without extensive retrofitting, making them a cost-effective choice for urban settings and growing energy demands. By reducing construction waste and energy losses, modular substations align with global sustainability goals.

Market Trends and Growth Projections

The modular substation market is shaped by trends like cost-efficiency, rapid deployment, and enhanced reliability. Global Market Insights highlights their long-term benefits, such as reduced operational downtime and improved safety, which are driving adoption in power utilities and industrial applications. With a projected market size of USD 47.69 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 7.7%, the industry is poised for robust growth, fueled by urbanization and electrification initiatives.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite their advantages, modular substations face challenges, including higher initial costs compared to traditional setups. However, their quick installation and flexibility offer significant opportunities, particularly in urban areas and temporary setups like construction sites or disaster recovery. As outlined in industry analyses by Mordor Intelligence, the Asia-Pacific region, with its rapid urbanization, is expected to lead market growth, creating opportunities for innovative designs tailored to dense environments.

Looking Ahead

The future of modular substations is bright, with their role in global electrification and sustainability becoming increasingly vital. As investments in renewable energy and smart grids accelerate, modular substations will provide the backbone for resilient, efficient power systems. Future Market Insights projects the market to reach USD 48 billion by 2034, underscoring their potential to transform energy infrastructure. By addressing challenges and embracing innovation, the industry can power a sustainable, electrified future.

— Reported based on industry insights and market research, May 2025

May 3, 2025

The data center industry is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by the demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and the need for sustainable, high-performance infrastructure. In this dynamic landscape, Avtron Power Solutions is making waves with its innovative load bank solutions, as highlighted in an upcoming episode of Planet TV Studios’ New Frontiers, set to air in Q3 2025. This article explores Avtron’s impact, the growing load bank rental market, and the critical role of liquid cooling in addressing data center challenges.

Avtron Power Solutions Spotlighted on New Frontiers

Planet TV Studios’ New Frontiers series, known for showcasing industry pioneers, will feature Avtron Power Solutions in its Q3 2025 episode titled “New Frontier in Data Centers.” The episode will delve into how Avtron, a Cleveland-based global leader in load bank technology, is redefining power testing for critical infrastructure. With over 70 years of expertise, Avtron’s advanced load banks ensure the reliability of backup power systems in data centers, hospitals, and beyond. The episode highlights groundbreaking products like the LC-20 liquid-cooled load bank, a 500kW unit tailored for data centers adopting liquid cooling to manage heat and boost energy efficiency, and the SIGMA Unity software, which streamlines load bank testing for unparalleled control.

Load Bank Rental Market Set for Exponential Growth

The load bank rental market is poised for significant expansion from 2025 to 2034, driven by the rapid growth of data centers and the need for reliable power testing. Load banks are essential for validating backup power systems, simulating real-world stresses to ensure generators and UPS systems perform under pressure. As data centers scale to meet AI-driven demand, the flexibility of rental load banks offers a cost-effective solution for commissioning, maintenance, and expansion. Industry forecasts predict robust growth in this sector, fueled by the increasing complexity of data center infrastructure and the adoption of advanced testing solutions like Avtron’s liquid-cooled load banks.

Liquid Cooling: A Necessity Facing Challenges

A ScienceDirect article underscores the growing necessity of liquid cooling in data centers, driven by the heat generated by high-density AI workloads. Liquid cooling, including direct-to-chip and immersion systems, offers superior energy efficiency compared to traditional air cooling, addressing the thermal challenges of modern servers. However, challenges such as liquid quality, maintenance complexity, and structural considerations—like reinforced flooring for heavy immersion cooling baths—persist. Despite these hurdles, liquid cooling is becoming a default in new data center designs, with retrofits gaining traction in existing facilities to support AI-driven workloads.

Water-Cooled Load Bank Testing: The Future of Power Validation

Water-cooled load bank testing is emerging as a game-changer for data center commissioning and maintenance. Avtron’s LC-20 liquid-cooled load bank, launched in October 2024, exemplifies this trend. Designed for modern data centers, the LC-20 offers a 500kW capacity with a fine 5kW resolution, corrosion-resistant stainless steel components, and the ability to network with up to 200 load banks. This technology aligns with the shift toward liquid-cooled data centers, providing efficient, reliable testing for high-power environments. Similarly, Aggreko’s 500 kW liquid-cooled load bank supports precise testing of cooling systems, ensuring optimal server performance. Other providers, like ComRent and Simplex, offer tailored liquid-cooled solutions for data center testing, enhancing infrastructure resilience. As AI workloads push rack density beyond 150 kW, water-cooled load banks will play a critical role in ensuring infrastructure resilience. Note: ComRent is no longer in business and has been purchased by Sunbelt.

Balancing Innovation and Sustainability

The rise of AI and liquid cooling introduces both opportunities and complexities for data center operators. Innovations like Avtron’s SIGMA Unity software and liquid-cooled load banks enhance testing precision and efficiency, but the industry must also address sustainability. Liquid cooling reduces energy consumption compared to air cooling, yet the environmental impact of water usage and cooling fluid disposal requires careful management. Avtron’s commitment to UL and CE standards ensures its solutions meet stringent quality and safety requirements, supporting data centers in their quest for sustainable, high-performance operations.

Looking Ahead

As featured in New Frontiers, Avtron Power Solutions is at the forefront of the data center revolution, delivering cutting-edge load bank technology to meet the demands of AI-driven infrastructure. The exponential growth of the load bank rental market and the adoption of liquid cooling signal a future where efficiency and reliability are paramount. By overcoming the challenges of liquid cooling and embracing water-cooled load bank testing, the industry can build resilient, sustainable data centers capable of powering the digital age. The Q3 2025 episode of New Frontiers will offer a compelling look at how Avtron is shaping this future.

— Reported based on industry insights and Avtron Power Solutions announcements, May 2025

May 2, 2025

The demand for data center infrastructure is surging, driven by the explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI). A recent Colliers report projects a 160% increase in data center demand, with $57 billion invested in the sector in 2024 alone. As this “supercycle” reshapes the industry, data centers face the dual challenge of powering AI’s immense computational needs while prioritizing sustainability.

A $57 Billion Supercycle

The rapid rise of AI has triggered unprecedented investment in data centers, with 2024 marking a historic $57 billion in global spending. According to Colliers, AI-driven workloads are expected to increase data center demand by 160%, pushing the industry to expand capacity at an extraordinary pace. This supercycle is not just about scale—it’s about reengineering infrastructure to handle the unique requirements of AI, from high-density computing to advanced cooling systems.

The Race for AI Leadership

Tech giants are fiercely competing to dominate the AI market, and data centers are the backbone of this race. The need for optimized infrastructure has led to innovations in server design, power distribution, and cooling technologies. However, these advancements come with operational complexities, including managing larger data center footprints, diverse load mixes, and the integration of cutting-edge systems like water-cooled load and capacitive load banks for commissioning new facilities, as discussed in industry analyses.

Sustainability Challenges

As data centers grow to meet AI’s energy demands, sustainability has become a critical concern. AI workloads are notoriously power-hungry, requiring operators to explore diverse energy sources, including renewables like solar and wind, alongside advanced energy storage solutions. The push for sustainability is driving innovation, but it also complicates infrastructure planning as operators strive to balance performance with environmental responsibility, according to initiatives like the Uptime Institute.

Water Cooling and Load Banks

The rise of AI has increased the demand for water-cooled load systems and capacitive load banks during data center commissioning. Water cooling is emerging as a sustainable solution to manage the intense heat generated by AI-driven servers, offering greater efficiency than traditional air-cooling methods, as noted in research on liquid cooling. Meanwhile, capacitive load banks, such as those provided by Avtron Power Solutions, are critical for testing infrastructure under the high-power conditions required by modern data centers, ensuring reliability and performance.

Navigating Operational Complexity

Today’s data centers are more complex than ever, with operators managing larger facilities and diverse workloads. The integration of AI-driven tasks alongside traditional computing requires flexible infrastructure capable of handling varied power and cooling needs. Additionally, the shift toward diverse energy sources, such as renewables and battery storage, adds another layer of complexity, challenging operators to maintain efficiency and reliability, as outlined in resources from Schneider Electric.

Looking Ahead

The AI-driven data center boom is reshaping the industry, pushing the boundaries of innovation while highlighting the need for sustainable practices. As investments continue to flow, the focus must remain on building infrastructure that can power the AI revolution without compromising environmental goals. By addressing challenges like energy diversity, cooling efficiency, and load management, the industry can pave the way for a future where AI and sustainability coexist, as projected in Deloitte’s industry outlook.

— Reported based on industry data and Colliers research, May 2025

May 1, 2025

The United States faces a growing energy deficit, driven by surging demand from data centers and the decommissioning of coal plants, while China ramps up its coal-fired power capacity. President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national energy emergency aims to address this gap by boosting domestic energy production, particularly coal, leveraging America’s vast reserves.

A 45GW Energy Deficit

The rapid expansion of data centers, fueled by AI and cloud computing, is projected to require an additional 45 gigawatts (GW) of power in the U.S. This surge in demand is straining the nation’s grid, with the largest grid operator, PJM Interconnection, warning of potential shortfalls due to planned power plant retirements (PJM Interconnection Reports). The Energy Information Administration (EIA) notes that coal production in 2023 was less than half of 2008 levels, exacerbating the challenge (EIA Coal Data).

China’s Coal Surge

In contrast, China has significantly increased its coal power capacity, commissioning approximately 94.5 GW of new coal plants in 2024, the highest in a decade (Reuters). This expansion, driven by energy security needs, contrasts sharply with global trends toward renewables and gas. China’s low electricity costs and robust infrastructure give it a competitive edge in meeting the energy demands of AI and other technologies (Global Energy Monitor).

U.S. Coal Decommissioning

In 2024, the U.S. decommissioned over 3 GW of coal-fired power capacity, part of a broader trend where 8 GW is slated for retirement in 2025, representing nearly 5% of the 2024 coal fleet (EIA Coal Data). This reduction, driven by cheaper natural gas and renewables, has left the U.S. with about 200 coal plants generating 16% of its electricity. The closure of plants like the Homer City Power Plant in Pennsylvania, now being redeveloped into a data center campus, highlights the shift away from coal.

America’s $9 Trillion Coal Reserves

Despite the decline, the U.S. holds an estimated $9 trillion worth of coal reserves ready to be mined. Industry advocates argue that coal can be repurposed with cleaner technologies, such as Core Natural Resources’ efforts to create synthetic materials for lithium-ion batteries and carbon foam for aerospace applications (Core Natural Resources). These innovations aim to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, particularly from China.

Trump’s National Energy Emergency

On January 20, 2025, President Trump declared a “national energy emergency” under the National Emergencies Act, emphasizing domestic fossil fuel production with his “drill, baby, drill” mantra. The White House announcement highlighted the need to fast-track energy infrastructure to meet rising demand (White House Executive Order). Executive orders signed in April 2025 aim to extend the life of coal plants and allow mining on federal land, reversing environmental regulations to keep older, dirtier plants operational (Washington Post).

Trump’s actions, however, face challenges. Experts note that coal’s decline is primarily due to market forces—cheap natural gas and renewables—rather than regulations alone. The New York Times reports that these economic realities may limit the impact of Trump’s policies (New York Times). Critics also warn of environmental trade-offs, as coal combustion emits more carbon and pollutants than other fuels (Scientific American).

— Reported based on industry data and White House announcements, May 2025

April 30, 2025

At the Hill and Valley Forum in Washington, D.C. (Hill and Valley Forum), Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivered a stark warning about the intensifying AI supremacy race between the U.S. and China, while highlighting AI’s transformative potential to revolutionize industries and create a surge in trade jobs.

A Fierce, Infinite AI Race

In an interview with CNBC’s Squawk on the Street (CNBC Interview), Huang emphasized the closeness of the competition. “China is right behind us. We’re very, very close,” he said, framing the rivalry as a long-term endeavor. “This is a long-term, an infinite race. In the world of life, there’s no two-minute drill or end of the quarter.” His remarks underscore the high stakes of AI development, with both nations investing heavily in the technology that promises to reshape global economies (Reuters).

AI’s Industrial Transformation

During a conversation with Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment nominee, Huang outlined AI’s impact on manufacturing. He predicted a shift toward autonomous systems across industries. “Every company that makes things today—whether lawnmowers or construction machinery—will shift from manual to autonomous or semi-autonomous systems,” he said. This transition will require “AI factories” to produce the software that powers these systems, alongside traditional factories building physical products (Forbes).

A Net-Positive for Jobs

Huang acknowledged that AI will disrupt the labor market but argued its overall impact will be positive. “New jobs will be created, some jobs will be lost, every job will be changed,” he said, pointing to San Francisco’s AI-driven economic revival as evidence. The shift from human-coded software on CPUs to machine-learning-generated code on GPUs is creating new roles in data curation and AI safety. “All of that technology is being invented right now, and it creates tons of jobs,” Huang noted (Wall Street Journal).

The Rise of AI Factories

The most significant opportunity, according to Huang, lies in the construction of “AI factories”—massive facilities that convert electricity into computational intelligence. These factories represent a new industrial frontier, with a single one-gigawatt facility costing $60 billion, comparable to Boeing’s annual revenue (Bloomberg). Huang described plans for even larger 7-10 gigawatt factories, which will drive demand for skilled labor. “You need carpenters, steelworkers, masons, mechanical and electrical engineers, plumbers, and IT specialists,” he said, estimating a three-year construction cycle per factory (MIT Technology Review).

Huang’s vision paints a future where AI not only fuels technological innovation but also revitalizes the skilled trades, creating a new wave of economic opportunities.

Insights from the Hill and Valley Forum

Watch Jensen Huang discuss the global AI race, AI factories, and their impact on industries in this clip from the Hill and Valley Forum:

— Reported based on remarks by Jensen Huang at the Hill and Valley Forum, April 2025

April 29, 2025

Buckle up, because Kevin O’Leary, aka Mr. Wonderful, is diving headfirst into the A.I. revolution, and he’s got his sights set on North Dakota with a jaw-dropping 45 GW of power to fuel the future! Here’s why his plan is as bold as his Shark Tank zingers—and why you should be paying attention (Valley News Live).

A.I. and Data Centers: The Gold Rush of the 2020s

If you’re 25 and hungry for opportunity, Mr. Wonderful’s dropping wisdom like it’s a Shark Tank pitch: A.I. implementation and data center development are where the money’s at. Small businesses are tripping over themselves to adopt A.I. but don’t know where to start. That’s your cue—swoop in, solve their problems, and cash in. Meanwhile, data centers are the backbone of this tech tsunami. With hyperscalers like Tesla, Microsoft, and Google gobbling up capacity faster than you can say “cloud computing,” real estate and tech are colliding in the most lucrative way possible. As O’Leary puts it, “This is where the future’s heading. Don’t miss it” (Data Center Frontier).

Alberta’s Got Gas, But North Dakota’s Got Guts

While O’Leary’s raising $70 billion to build the world’s lowest-cost, highest-efficiency data center in Alberta—powered by abundant natural gas and a premier who’s all-in (Calgary Herald, TechRepublic)—North Dakota’s stealing the spotlight. Why? It’s got the land, the power, and the leadership to make A.I. and data centers thrive. With 45 GW on the table, North Dakota’s ready to power the A.I. revolution like nobody’s business. O’Leary’s already investing here, and he’s shouting it from the rooftops (or at least on AM 1100 The Flag): “Data centers, A.I., agtech, drones—North Dakota’s wide open for business!” (Kevin O’Leary Official, UND Today).

China’s Out, North Dakota’s In

Mr. Wonderful’s not mincing words: China’s been “stealing from American entrepreneurs for years,” and it’s time they face the music. Meanwhile, North Dakota’s rolling out the red carpet for innovation. Forget the Great Wall—think Great Plains, where A.I., data centers, and agtech are about to make waves. O’Leary’s betting big, and he’s got the receipts to prove it (Reuters).

Watch Mr. Wonderful Break It Down

Don’t just take our word for it—check out O’Leary laying out the vision himself in this video from AM 1100 The Flag. It’s got all the energy of a Shark Tank deal about to close:

Why North Dakota? Why Now?

Power Galore: 45 GW of juice to keep A.I. and data centers humming.
Land for Days: Wide-open spaces perfect for sprawling tech campuses.
Leadership with Vision: North Dakota’s ready to play ball and win the A.I. race.
Mr. Wonderful’s Stamp of Approval: If O’Leary’s investing, you know it’s legit (Kevin O’Leary Official).

So, whether you’re a 25-year-old hustler ready to help small businesses conquer A.I. or an investor eyeing the next big thing, North Dakota’s calling. Mr. Wonderful’s already there, powering up 45 GW of pure opportunity. Don’t get left in the dark!