https://www.morganlewis.com/rss/blogsBlogs RSS Feed25https://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/06/morgan-lewis-to-participate-in-powerup-data-centers-infrastructure-conferenceAs AI adoption, cloud computing, and digital transformation continue to drive unprecedented demand for data center capacity, access to reliable power has become one of the industry's most pressing challenges. Developers, utilities, investors, and policymakers are increasingly focused on solutions that can support growth while navigating evolving regulatory, financing, and infrastructure considerations.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -050034bf517f-6803-464a-ad31-2c0e80c2f46dUnited StatesTechnologyData CentersBarbara Murphy MelbyCarson HaddowMark A. LazaroffMichael Espinozahttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/06/patent-risk-is-moving-into-the-data-centerAs investment in data center infrastructure accelerates, intellectual property (IP) risk is becoming an increasingly important consideration for developers, operators, investors, and cloud providers. While data center projects are often viewed through the lenses of real estate, power, financing, and construction, patent holders are now focusing on the technologies deployed within these facilities and the ways in which they are integrated and operated.Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -05004dd0193b-3b90-479a-9de9-e70b56756954Intellectual PropertyIntellectual Property LitigationPatentUnited StatesData CentersTechnologyIPIPLITPATC. Erik HawesManita RawatJason E. Gettlemanhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/06/what-nercs-emerging-large-load-guidance-means-for-data-center-developers-and-operatorsThe North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s new Reliability Guideline Risk Mitigation for Emerging Large Loads should be on the radar of data center developers and operators. The guideline is voluntary, and it does not directly impose mandatory compliance obligations on data centers. Nonetheless, the guideline is important because it reflects a shift in how NERC and the electric industry are thinking about large data centers.Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -050096e4838e-9065-48f0-be45-4a1d47d68e22Energy & InfrastructureUnited StatesEnergyElectric Power & TransmissionData CentersTechnologyENEStephen M. SpinaJ. Daniel SkeesArjun P. RamadevanahalliRobert P. Goldfinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/06/data-center-growth-is-reshaping-energy-strategy-and-infrastructure-planningAs AI adoption and hyperscale computing continue to drive significant data center growth, companies are facing increasing challenges related to power availability, infrastructure constraints, and long-term energy planning.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -05009677fa91-f4f9-4a16-96bd-99aa7ddcdaccCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementEnergy & InfrastructureTaxUnited StatesEnergyNuclear EnergyEnergy StorageTechnologyData CentersArtificial IntelligenceCBTENETAXBarbara Murphy MelbyJane AccomandoArjun P. RamadevanahalliPaul A. GordonM. Jared Sandershttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/06/singapores-latest-data-center-initiative-signals-continued-focus-on-digital-infrastructure-growthSingapore continues to position itself as a leading hub for digital infrastructure development in Asia while balancing demand for data center capacity with sustainability, land, and energy constraints.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -050040d8070c-2c7a-474d-8f77-a111b890c8f5Corporate, Finance & Investment ManagementEnergy & InfrastructureAsiaSingaporeEnergyTechnologyData CentersCBTENEBarbara Murphy MelbyBernard LuiGeorge CyriacChrystle KuekWidya RianitaYujie Zhanghttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/05/renewable-energy-continues-to-shape-sustainable-data-center-strategiesThe rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, cloud computing, and hyperscale data center development is increasing pressure on data center operators to secure reliable electricity while advancing sustainability objectives. Against this backdrop, renewable energy credits (RECs) have emerged as an advantageous instrument, among other renewable energy strategies.Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -050070917e73-c31c-4227-8210-70155f0452d4Corporate, Finance & Investment ManagementEnergy & InfrastructureESG & Sustainability AdvisoryCarbon EmissionsUnited StatesTechnologyData CentersEnergyCBTENEBarbara Murphy MelbyLevi McAllisterhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/05/nuclear-power-projects-bring-new-focus-to-complex-partnershipsAs investment in nuclear energy continues to grow, driven in part by rising electricity demand from data centers, AI infrastructure, and other large-load users, project developers and investors are navigating increasingly sophisticated commercial and regulatory structures.Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500455d1066-e553-46ec-a763-b788a8f5db24Corporate, Finance & Investment ManagementEnergy & InfrastructureLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsAdministrative Law & Federal AgenciesUnited StatesEnergyNuclear EnergyTechnologyArtificial IntelligenceData CentersCBTENELITBarbara Murphy MelbyJane AccomandoBrooke Poole ClarkFelipe Alicehttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/05/the-new-ai-corridor-how-the-us-europe-and-middle-east-are-rewiring-the-future-of-digital-infrastructureGlobal power is shifting from oil and shipping to AI infrastructure—fiber, power, semiconductors, and data centers that will define sovereignty and influence.Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500db4d5c4e-c0d0-405a-9f97-ed1dc5461847Corporate, Finance & Investment ManagementReal EstateTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsUnited StatesEuropeAsiaMiddle EastTechnologyArtificial IntelligenceData CentersCBTSECOUTKsenia AndreevaDanièle DarmonAnastasia DergachevaDr. Florian HarderDr. Chloé LignierBarbara Murphy MelbyUlises R. Pinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/05/activating-the-colo-model-what-really-matters-in-data-center-colocation-agreementsData center capacity has become one of the most sought-after resources in today’s digital economy. The rapid growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-intensive applications—particularly those driven by high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs)—has significantly increased demand for power, cooling, and physical infrastructure. As a result, a growing number of companies are turning to colocation arrangements as a faster and more cost-effective alternative to building and operating their own data centers.Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500dad7aeda-d131-4e46-8286-c90eec5024ddEnergy & InfrastructureCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementUnited StatesEnergyData CentersTechnologyCybersecurity & InfrastructureENECBTMarina G. AronchikA. Benjamin KlaberBarbara Murphy Melbyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/05/nerc-alert-signals-growing-reliability-focus-on-data-centersThe North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has issued a Level 3 Alert calling for immediate attention from NERC registered entities regarding the reliability risks associated with large computational loads, including data centers, artificial intelligence training facilities, cryptocurrency mining operations, and similar facilities.Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -050029e260f4-d6aa-46b1-bee2-5787409fcb80Energy & InfrastructureCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementUnited StatesEnergyTechnologyArtificial IntelligenceElectric Power & TransmissionCybersecurity & InfrastructureENECBTStephen M. SpinaJ. Daniel SkeesArjun P. RamadevanahalliRobert P. Goldfinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/04/german-government-strengthens-digital-infrastructure-with-adoption-of-national-data-center-strategyGermany has taken a significant step toward strengthening its digital infrastructure with the adoption of a National Data Center Strategy aimed at expanding capacity, supporting artificial intelligence development, and addressing sustainability concerns.Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500c14bb832-bd9e-49ea-8814-9471e96b510bEuropeGermanyTechnologyData CentersBarbara Murphy MelbyDr. Florian HarderDr. Chloé Lignierhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/02/charting-a-path-to-us-export-controls-compliance-when-building-out-global-data-centersAmong the many considerations for building, operating, and monetizing data centers, a vital aspect is whether the data center owners and customers will be able to export to—and use within—a non-US data center competitive hardware and software, namely the advanced semiconductors used in training and running large-language models.Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -06002d6abc0c-dc97-4d37-a2f0-26f99a02d3f7International Trade & National SecurityUnited StatesArtificial IntelligenceData CentersTechnologyMichael H. Hunekehttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/01/2026-us-data-centers-and-energy-key-trends-shaping-power-demandS&P Global Market Intelligence recently released its 2026 US Datacenter and Energy Report, which summarizes the forces that may shape data center and power generation development in the coming year.Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600d9be7495-0028-44ef-8453-24c6df40f2d3Energy & InfrastructureUnited StatesTechnologyData CentersEnergyENEBarbara Murphy MelbyChristopher William Pisano, Jr.https://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/01/japanese-government-publication-has-important-implications-for-tmk-ownership-of-data-center-fit-outOur prior blog post discussed an issue faced by investors who use the tokutei mokuteki kaisha (TMK) as the vehicle to own a data center in Japan. The primary issue the post explored was whether a TMK is required to entrust movable assets (including the data center fit-out) with a Japanese trustee.Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -06005447e2f1-f0f7-41ab-95a0-3169760723cbAsiaJapanData CentersTechnologyJerry FujiiNaoki Ueyama https://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/01/contracting-for-cloud-computing-capacity-key-concerns-for-customersCloud computing has been sold as elastic, on-demand access to virtually unlimited resources. However, the rapid growth of data-intensive and artificial intelligence–driven workloads has strained the availability of certain types of computing, particularly specialized processors and region-specific capacity. As a result, customers (and their lawyers) are questioning whether compute resources will be available when needed.Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -06003566f2ff-3c57-417f-96a4-56b238036f96Technology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsUnited StatesTechnologyData CentersOUTBarbara Murphy Melbyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/01/investing-in-data-center-focused-hvac-businesses-an-increasingly-strategic-asset-classThe continued expansion of data centers—driven by cloud adoption, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing—is reshaping how investors evaluate infrastructure risk and opportunity. Among the most critical, and often underestimated, components of this ecosystem are heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and related thermal-management infrastructure.Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -06005c589008-2a9e-448b-98d7-30b820643052Corporate, Finance & Investment ManagementEnergy & InfrastructureReal EstateTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsMergers & AcquisitionsPrivate EquityAfricaAsiaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUnited StatesData CentersTechnologyArtificial IntelligenceEnergyNuclear EnergyTelecoms & InfrastructureCBTENESECOUTMAPEJohn J. SheehanMark L. OpitzBarbara Murphy Melbyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/01/why-commercial-facility-services-are-a-quiet-value-driver-in-the-data-center-boomExplosive growth in cloud computing, AI workloads, edge deployments, and enterprise digitization continues to drive unprecedented demand for capacity, leading the data center sector to become one of the most closely watched segments of the digital infrastructure market. While investor attention often gravitates toward hyperscalers, colocation platforms, and real estate assets, commercial facility services are emerging as a compelling—and frequently underappreciated—source of value for investors and operators in the data center sector.Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -06006ede7eb7-630c-49f3-9b65-9211cb9e0c64Corporate, Finance & Investment ManagementEnergy & InfrastructureReal EstateTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsMergers & AcquisitionsPrivate EquityAfricaAsiaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUnited StatesData CentersTechnologyArtificial IntelligenceEnergyNuclear EnergyTelecoms & InfrastructureCBTENESECOUTMAPEJohn J. SheehanMark L. OpitzBarbara Murphy Melbyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/01/california-takes-a-study-first-approach-to-data-center-regulationCalifornia lawmakers have recently focused renewed attention on the rapid growth of data centers, driven in large part by cloud computing and artificial intelligence capacity demands. Concerns about grid reliability, electricity costs, and environmental impacts prompted a flurry of legislative proposals in the 2024–2025 session. The result, however, is a more incremental regulatory approach than many industry participants initially expected. This post highlights what has passed, what stalled, and what data center developers and operators should be monitoring going forward.Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -06005c26c4eb-45ca-4452-bd7c-45ef0176d572Corporate, Finance & Investment ManagementEnergy & InfrastructureReal EstateTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsTelecommunications, Media & TechnologyEnvironmental Counseling & LitigationUnited StatesData CentersTechnologyArtificial IntelligenceEnergyNuclear EnergyTelecoms & InfrastructureCBTENESECOUTTMTLITMarc A. LiverantBarbara Murphy Melbyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2025/12/ferc-weighs-in-on-pjm-data-center-co-location-rulesThe Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued its long-awaited order on December 18, 2025 (the Order), directing PJM Interconnection, LLC to reform its Open Access Transmission Tariff (Tariff) rules for generators co-located with large loads, most notably data centers, after finding the current Tariff lacks sufficient clarity and consistency regarding applicable rates, terms, and conditions of service.Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600662f1eb2-ef76-4d6e-8432-1f143e45664dEnergy & InfrastructureUnited StatesData CentersTechnologyEnergyENEStephen M. SpinaArjun P. RamadevanahalliPamela T. WuPatrick R. Pennellahttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2025/12/a-conversation-with-ayman-khaleq-on-data-center-investment-in-the-uae-and-saudi-arabiaAyman Khaleq, a partner at Morgan Lewis, is widely recognized as one of the leading advisors on cross-border investments, digital infrastructure transactions, and securities technology–industry regulatory frameworks in the Middle East. Ayman guides institutional investors (including sovereign wealth funds), private equity investors, and regional operators as they navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes and structure large-scale data center and tech-sector investments. His perspective offers valuable insight into how the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have become two of the most dynamic and competitive data center markets globally. His on-the-ground experience offers helpful insight into where the market is today—and where it is headed next.Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600b27e9bed-42cf-4b35-be0a-ac69ea3a19cbMiddle EastUnited Arab EmiratesSaudi ArabiaData CentersArtificial IntelligenceBarbara Murphy MelbyAyman A. Khaleqhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2025/11/adaptive-reuse-of-vacant-real-estate-for-data-centers-investor-takeaways-from-the-cboe-headquarters-flipProfessional investors eyeing data center opportunities may want to consider adaptive reuse of vacant real estate assets. A recent Chicago transaction demonstrates how power provisioning and strategic repositioning can unlock value in underutilized properties, particularly as demand for data center facilities expands.Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -060075df6652-32fc-4662-9f30-aa7bc649dcc4Real EstateCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementData CentersSECCBTFerdinand J. Gallo IIIhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2025/11/planned-doe-rulemaking-would-apply-to-data-center-interconnectionThe proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and other high-demand facilities is imposing significant new energy and infrastructure demands on the electric grid. This rapid pace of development is testing the limits of legacy regulatory rules, forcing policymakers and industry participants to consider a patchwork of solutions, ranging from new tariff designs to special contracts. There is also growing concern in some corners of the industry over rate hikes, resource adequacy, and reliability.Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -06004acb2746-2b38-421c-97ab-711d37bcbb1fEnergy & InfrastructureUnited StatesEnergyData CentersENEJane AccomandoArjun P. RamadevanahalliStephen M. SpinaRobert P. Goldfinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2025/11/coming-up-morgan-lewis-data-center-bytes-navigating-the-capacity-race-webinar-seriesJoin us for the next chapter in Morgan Lewis’s Data Center Bytes webinar series Navigating the Capacity Race. This upcoming series dives into the big opportunities and pressing challenges shaping the fast-moving data center world.Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600d8056674-e6a1-44bb-8cb2-10a7dc5cbac0Telecommunications, Media & TechnologyTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsReal EstateCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyEnergy & InfrastructureMergers & AcquisitionsPrivate EquityInvestment ManagementFinanceAfricaAsiaLatin AmericaMiddle EastEuropeUnited StatesData CentersTechnologyEnergyBankingInvestment FundsRetail & EcommerceTMTOUTSECACCPLITENECBTMAPEIMPGEBESOPBarbara Murphy MelbyUlises R. PinMichael A. MüllerJane Accomandohttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2025/11/data-center-lease-considerationsWhile data center leases need to include most of the standard provisions of typical warehouse or manufacturing facilities’ leases, special attention should be given to their unique operational needs and special investments for the site. When leasing a data center building it is essential, among other things, to ensure the lease will address a high level of security, protect the privacy of both the tenant and the premises, and provide for continuity of operations throughout the lease term.Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600993cf5e8-8f6d-458a-9732-e938781b8b86Real EstateTechnologyData CentersSECJeannine T. BishopKelly G. Kuschelhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2025/09/nuclear-powered-data-centers-get-a-boost-from-us-uk-tech-collaborationA landmark set of US-UK agreements signed during US President Donald Trump’s 2025 state visit is poised to accelerate deployment of advanced nuclear technologies—and with it, nuclear-powered infrastructure like data centers. As part of the broader Technology Prosperity Deal, the United States and United Kingdom committed to developing secure AI infrastructure, including high-performance computing and data centers that will be increasingly powered by clean, reliable nuclear energy. This collaboration highlights how advanced reactors can play a central role in supporting the energy-intensive AI and digital economy.Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -05008ae83845-b40e-4a6e-b1d3-5bdfce83ba22Energy & InfrastructureData CentersArtificial IntelligenceTechnologyENEJane AccomandoErin McClelland