Connect | Madrid // DCD>ESG Forum

Location: 6th Floor, Eurostars Madrid Tower.

^{09h45 - 10h15}

Keynote presentation: The next generation of data centers in Europe – Can we keep the lights on?

Speaker: Lex Coors, President & Policy Committee Chair, European Data Centre Association; Board Member, Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact; Chief Datacenter Technology and Engineering Officer, Digital Realty.

Data center demand is exploding, but where will the energy come from? Grid capacity is stretched, sustainability targets are tightening, and efficiency is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s the only way forward. Meanwhile, global AI superpowers are accelerating. Some nations are racing ahead, securing energy dominance to fuel their AI ambitions. Where does that leave Europe? Can we balance growth, sustainability, and energy security while staying competitive in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape?

Please join Prof. Lex Coors, Chief Data Center Technology & Engineering Officer at Digital Realty & President of the European Data Centre Association (EUDCA), as he unpacks the energy crisis behind the digital boom.

^{10h15 - 11h00}

DCD>Panel: Cooling vs. efficiency - Are we winning the sustainability battle?

Speakers: Janis Strelits-Strele, CEO, Smart Cooling; Jorge Manuel Ferreira Peças, Critical Environment Manager - Data Center Operations, Data4; David Watkins, Solutions Director, Virtus Data Centers; Srdjan Jovanovic, Leading Data Center Cooling Expert, Enel PS.

This panel explores the evolving challenge of balancing cooling demands with energy efficiency, crucial for sustainable data center operations. As data storage and processing needs expand, the scale and complexity of cooling infrastructure have similarly grown, leading to unprecedented volumes of cooling equipment. This surge often generates additional heat, potentially leading to equipment failures or performance issues not anticipated in original designs. Our experts will discuss how modern data centers can navigate these challenges, implementing cooling solutions that not only manage the immense heat generated by high-performance infrastructures but also adapt to the increased thermal loads without compromising on efficiency.

The discussion will delve into the trade-offs between cooling performance and operational efficiency. Panelists will evaluate whether current cooling strategies sufficiently address both the sustainability objectives of data centers and the escalating demands of technological advancements. Insights will be shared on innovative approaches to mitigate the risks associated with large-scale cooling systems, ensuring data centers can achieve a sustainable and energy-efficient future.

This conversation aims to shed light on the complex dynamics of data center cooling and provide actionable strategies to enhance system reliability and efficiency amidst growing operational demands.

^{11h00 - 11h30}

Coffee Break

^{11h30 - 12h00}

Keynote presentation: The current regulatory environment and what this means for European developers, operators, and investors working with US companies

Speaker: Sarah Peterson, Managing Director, Clear Sustainability.

This session will examine the current regulatory landscape and its direct impact on European stakeholders in the data center sector who operate or partner with U.S. companies. Legal challenges, opportunities for regulatory alignment, and key factors for secure and efficient transatlantic collaboration will be explored.

^{12h00 - 12h45}

DCD>Panel: How can ESG take center stage in Southern Europe's data center industry and be translated into tangible actions?

Speakers: Thomas De Colle, Head of Design & Construction South Europe, Data4; David Blázquez, Head of Public Policies Infrastructure, Energy and Sustainability Iberia, AWS; Christian Goldsmith, Data Center Global Solutions Lead, Arcadis; Amparo Garcia Puente, Senior Development Manager, CyrusOne.

This panel will explore how ESG can shape the future of data centers in Southern Europe, focusing on reducing environmental impact, promoting social responsibility, and enhancing governance.

Experts will discuss key trends driving sustainable data centers, such as the shift to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon footprint reduction. They will share practical insights on implementing ESG initiatives, including energy optimization, circular economy practices, and compliance with regulations.

The discussion will also cover the social and governance aspects of ESG, such as workplace diversity, community engagement, and ethical practices in data center operations.

Attendees will gain actionable strategies for integrating ESG principles into their investments and operations, aligning with global sustainability goals and meeting the growing expectations of socially-conscious investors and customers.