In 2026, energy is no longer evaluated as a readily available, low-cost input or a purely environmental choice. It is being priced as constrained, strategic infrastructure that’s exposed to grid bottlenecks, AI-driven demand, geopolitical supply-chain risk, and rapidly evolving federal priorities directly influencing Washington-sponsored incentives.
For investors, developers, and advisors, the core question is no longer how clean an asset is, but whether it is reliable, still financeable under a host of new rules, and readily deployable for near-to-midterm development objectives.
This virtual forum hosted by Marshall & Stevens brings together senior leaders from private equity, international energy development, data center infrastructure, regulatory policy, and project finance law for a live, unscripted conversation examining how energy assets are being repriced, restructured, and reallocated in 2026 and beyond.
Who Should Attend:
PE Firms | Infrastructure & Energy Funds | SPACs | Accountants | Attorneys | Energy Developers | Data Center & AI Infrastructure Investors
Marshall & Stevens provides tailored valuation and consulting solutions for the data center sector, supporting investment decisions, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates real estate, equipment, finance, infrastructure, and tax, offering holistic insights to data center owners, operators, investors, and lenders.
See below and in “Related Resources” for our unique insights into the data center industry.
Growth brings new challenges. Energy strategy, regulations, and making sure your investments are accurately valued. Our specialists provide tailored valuation and consulting solutions for the data center sector, supporting investment decisions, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
The data center industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the increasing demand for data storage and processing. As data centers grow in complexity and significance, accurate valuations and expert advisory services are essential.
Thank you to the accomplished professionals who shared their knowledge and experience in our two-part virtual series, offering a strategic perspective of how energy, capital, and construction are shaping the next generation of data centers:
Part One: Moderator: Ralph Consola, Marshall & Stevens. Panelists: Anthony Orso, Newmark Group, Christy Rivera, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Winston Connolly, Connolly Inc., Sam Sixt, I Squared, Charles Miller, NgenX Energy.
Part Two: Moderator: Fernando Sosa, Marshall & Stevens. Panelists: Charles Miller, NgenX Energy; Akash Deshpande, SkyBlue AI; Anthony Festa, Marshall & Stevens; Paul Costanzo, Kais-AIR; Dino Barajas, Baker Botts LLP.
Our multidisciplinary team offers holistic insights to data center owners, operators, investors, and lenders. Our approach to data center valuation integrates deep expertise in real estate, critical equipment, financial modeling, tax optimization, and litigation support. Our team ensures that every aspect of a data center’s value is accurately assessed and strategically positioned.
Marshall & Stevens provides tailored valuation and consulting solutions for the data center sector, supporting investment decisions, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates real estate, equipment, finance, infrastructure, and tax, offering holistic insights to data center owners, operators, investors, and lenders.
The global data center market is expanding due to the increasing demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), digital transactions, and data storage. In 2025, global revenue is projected to reach approximately US$452.50 billion, with the U.S. contributing US$137.50 billion. The surge is driven by rising internet use, remote work trends, and digital content consumption.
Data centers benefit from Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) and Tax Equity Financing, particularly when integrating renewable energy solutions. These tools help reduce tax liabilities and attract investor capital for large-scale projects. However, eligibility depends on state and federal regulations, and such programs may change, requiring ongoing monitoring.
ESS are vital for ensuring reliability, cost savings, and sustainability. They store energy during off-peak hours, maintain operations during outages, and support renewable energy integration. These systems align with corporate environmental goals and help manage fluctuating energy demands.
Marshall & Stevens provides a comprehensive suite of services including:
The U.S. states of Northern Virginia, Texas, and Arizona are leading data center real estate development due to infrastructure availability and state incentives. These regions are seeing significant investment and expansion, supported by favorable regulatory environments.
Read our white paper about the data how center industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by advancements in
cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the increasing demand for data storage and processing.
Author: Patrick Craig, MAI, MRICS, CREA, Principal and Managing Director, Marshall & Stevens
A virtual forum on September 10 and 17 will examine how the Cayman Islands and similar offshore jurisdictions might play a growing role in financing the rapidly expanding global data center sector. The events, hosted by valuation firm Marshall & Stevens, will bring together financiers, developers, and infrastructure experts to explore investment flows…
This document captures the key takeaways from both of our Data Centers Forum.
Across both sessions, discussions emphasized that power scarcity is now the ultimate constraint on growth, and that financing, modular innovation, and integrated energy strategies will define the next wave of digital infrastructure.
