Data Center Planning for Grid Resiliency
Presented in Partnership with: CohnReznick and Voltus
What’s Powering the Future of Data Centers in America?
The expansion of data centers is accelerating at a breakneck pace, and nowhere is that more evident than in Loudoun County, Virginia, home to the world’s largest concentration of data centers. For over 25 years, their team has been at the forefront of planning, zoning, infrastructure innovation, and policy that shaped the digital backbone of the modern economy.
Join us November 6th from 8am-2pm as we explore the biggest trends impacting data center growth in the U.S., from skyrocketing AI demand to breakthroughs in:
⚡: Cooling & heating efficiency
🔋: Microgrids & nuclear integration
💰: Innovative financing strategies
📐: Smart design & long-term planning
🔌: Grid resiliency across the Mid-Atlantic & D.C. regions
As the power needs of data centers soar, how do we strike a balance between expansion and sustainability? What lessons can other regions learn from the Loudoun County playbook?
This is a critical conversation for energy experts, developers, public officials, and technology leaders alike. You won’t want to miss it.
Summit Agenda & Speaker Lineup
8:00 - 8:50 AM – Registration & Networking
Morning Sessions
8:50 - 9:00 AM - Opening Remarks
Jenny Brusgul, Managing Director at CohnReznick
- Drives holistic ESG integration and business transformation through climate risk and decarbonization strategies, sustainable supply chains, social impact, and governance excellence. LinkedIn
9:00 - 9:40 AM - Challenges in Decarbonizing Data Centers and How to Overcome Them
Anjana Turner (moderator), Principal at Anjana Turner Law
- A multilingual energy project finance attorney focused on decarbonizing power-intensive infrastructure. An internationally-seasoned commercial advisor, she advises green banks, developers, governments, and emerging tech companies. Her experience includes structuring PPA/ESA, EPC, and O&M contracts for renewables, storage, microgrids, and thermal energy networks, and counseling on regulatory matters, energy grid resilience, ESG, and AI/data governance. LinkedInMike Turner, Vice Chair at Loudon County
– Elected Ashburn District Supervisor in 2019 and Vice Chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors in 2025, and represents Loudoun on the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board. LinkedInKristy David, Senior VP, Clean Energy and Infrastructure at JLL
- Leverages 16+ years of project finance expertise to structure and secure complex financing for infrastructure, energy, and public-private partnership projects, advising on deals exceeding $60 billion and driving sustainable development outcomes. LinkedInBryan Holland, Managing Director - Technical Field Representatives at National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
- A licensed Building Code Administrator, Plans Examiner, and Inspector in Florida, he brings deep expertise in electrical codes and standards—holding dozens of ICC and FEMA certifications and the SES Certified Standards Professional credential. Bryan represents NEMA on NFPA, ICC, and IEC technical committees, advancing safe, efficient, and resilient electrical systems. LinkedIn
9:40 - 10:10 AM - Networking & Coffee
10:10 - 10:30 AM - Energy Trends Shaping the Future of Data Centers
Rajiv Bazaj, VP of Sustainability Solutions at Constellation
- Helping retail customers execute decarbonization and broader sustainability goals through advanced analytics, energy efficiency, and renewable power and gas products. With 30+ years spanning sales, marketing, product, manufacturing, and logistics, he brings a transformation-focused approach to energy strategy. He also serves on the board of the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA). LinkedIn
10:30 - 10:50 AM - Investing in Data Centers: Perspectives from Asset Managers & Private Equity
Scott Donachie (moderator), CEO at Decarb Summits
– Connecting decision-makers across real estate, finance, and technology to drive sustainable impact, leading over 170+ organizations in transforming the built environment. LinkedInYaowen Ma, Principal, Climate Strategy Lead at Apollo Global Management
- ESG and sustainability expert specializing in climate risk management, TCFD implementation, and decarbonization. He drives data-driven initiatives that align business strategy with robust climate solutions.
LinkedIn
10:50 - 11:10 AM - Inside Data Center Alley with Buddy Rizer. A fireside chat hosted by Dale Ewing from Installnet.
Dale Ewing (moderator), Founder & CEO at Installnet
– Advocate for circular economy solutions, pioneering sustainable decommissioning programs that have diverted over 50 million pounds of waste from landfills. LinkedInBuddy Rizer, ED of Economic Development - Executive Director/Secretary - Economic Dev. Authority at Loudoun County
– Heads the IEDC-award-winning team that’s driven over $65 billion in new investment and 60,000+ jobs, spearheading “Data Center Alley,” now the world’s largest data center cluster. His efforts have cut Loudoun’s tax rate by over $0.48, saving residents thousands annually. A Certified Economic Developer with global business experience across 15+ countries and graduate credentials in business, economics, and local government management. LinkedIn
11:10 – 11:30 AM – Fireside Chat: Designing for Sustainability. A discussion on mass timber, scaling with speed, and reducing embodied carbon.
Steven Gentoso (moderator), Senior Associate at Peckar & Abramson
- Advises developers, contractors, and property owners on complex commercial contracts and resolves disputes from negotiation through litigation with practical, risk-aware counsel. LinkedInChris VanderWeyden, Senior Associate at Gensler
- Legal and commercial advisor with $1B+ in transactions, sharing key insights on next-gen data center design, including material choices, water preservation, and grid resiliency. LinkedIn
11:30 – 11:50 AM – Demand Response: Managing Peak Energy and Enhancing Sustainability
Scott Donachie (moderator), CEO at Decarb Summits
– Connecting decision-makers across real estate, finance, and technology to drive sustainable impact, leading over 170+ organizations in transforming the built environment. LinkedInAdam Scarsella, VP of Digital Infrastructure at Voltus
- Partners with large portfolios to monetize load flexibility through demand response and distributed energy programs across North America. With 7+ years at Voltus, he leads enterprise growth and customer adoption of grid services. LinkedIn
11:50 - 12:30 PM - Lunch & Networking
Afternoon Sessions
12:30 - 1:00 PM - Meeting the Energy Needs of Data Centers and Existing Ratepayers: How Do We Find the Balance?
Suzanne Glatz, Principal at Glatz Energy Consulting
- She advises public and private clients on grid modernization, interconnection of large loads, and long-distance transmission development, bridging technical design, regulatory strategy, and project delivery. LinkedInElise Caplan, VP of Regulatory Affairs at ACORE
- Leading federal policy on grid modernization—from transmission planning and permitting to advanced technologies and markets. Elise was previously the American Public Power Association's Director of Electric Markets Analysis. LinkedInFatmir Gjinaj, Co-Founder & President at F&D Partners
– Provides expert insights on energy procurement, regulatory trends, and market shifts. LinkedIn
1:00 - 1:15 PM - How Digital Energy Platforms Are Redefining Grid Resiliency
Alexandre Brandão, CEO at Alexandria
– Visionary entrepreneur and COP speaker leading one of the most innovative digital energy ecosystems in the Americas. As founder and CEO of Alexandria, Alexandre spearheads Lex, a next-generation energy platform enabling a community-based energy economy where producers, consumers, and financial partners collaborate through data to create resilient, decentralized, and self-balancing power networks. LinkedIn
1:15 - 1:35 PM - The Future of Microgrids and Onsite Power Generation
Scott Donachie, CEO at Decarb Summits
– Connecting decision-makers across real estate, finance, and technology to drive sustainable impact, leading over 170+ organizations in transforming the built environment. LinkedInWayne Barnett, Head, Public Policy and External Affairs at Cordia
– Drives strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, and brand awareness in energy infrastructure, supporting sustainable development and advancing regulatory frameworks across the industry. LinkedInBenjamin Locke, VP - DER and Microgrid at TRC Companies
- He is an experienced clean tech executive skilled in building relationships, leading teams, and achieving corporate goals across diverse technologies. A proven leader with strong P&L and cash flow management expertise, he excels at communicating strategy, developing effective teams, and driving industry initiatives. LinkedIn
1:35-1:50 PM - Workforce Development in a Time of Electrification
Lindsey Bruner, COO at CleanArc Data Centers
– Brings 20+ years across data centers and renewable energy. She blends expertise in power, real estate, and large-scale project development, and has helped advance hundreds of megawatts of digital infrastructure across North and South America and Europe. LinkedIn
1:50 - 2:00 PM - Closing Remarks
Scott Donachie, CEO at Decarb Summits
– Connecting decision-makers across real estate, finance, and technology to drive sustainable impact, leading over 170+ organizations in transforming the built environment. LinkedIn