benefit from this model by gaining the flexibility to deploy consistent infrastructure across multiple locations, while also adapting to the specific needs of each site – whether that be high power density, geographic limitations, or sustainability targets.

Sustainability and Scalability

Sustainability remains a defining consideration in modern data center planning. According to the same industry insights report, nearly 90% of industry professionals cited sustainability as a key priority in 2025, up from 81% the previous year. Notably, the majority (72%) reported measurable cost savings from their sustainability efforts.

As operators seek to balance environmental responsibility with performance and profitability, modular configurations present a compelling solution. Factory-built modules reduce waste and emissions associated with on-site construction, and high-efficiency energy storage systems reduce reliance on diesel generators for backup power. The ability to scale incrementally also minimizes the risk of overbuilding and underutilizing infrastructure. When paired with sustainable nickel-zinc chemistry, these systems deliver environmental responsibility across the entire lifecycle, providing clean, reliable energy storage and immediate power from cradle to grave.

New Roles for Energy Storage

One of the most notable shifts in energy strategy is the increasing importance of backup systems that do more than simply keep systems online during outages. Batteries are now being called on to perform new functions – including supporting cooling systems during outages, managing power transients caused by AI clusters, and even participating in grid-level stabilization programs.

Modular battery systems designed with high power density and fast discharge capabilities are particularly well-suited for this new role. These systems can be delivered fully prepackaged and tested, minimizing on-site integration time and aligning with the modular ethos of modern data center design.

The use of next-generation battery chemistries that require less cooling and fire suppression infrastructure, such as nickel-zinc, also contributes to lower total cost of ownership (TCO). By reducing the size and complexity of energy storage components, operators can improve rack density and reclaim valuable floor space.

Looking Ahead: A Landscape in Flux

The pace of change in data center design continues to accelerate. Over the next three to five years, we can expect to see a proliferation of design approaches as operators balance innovation with the need for standardization and reliability.

While the journey may feel like the Wild West today, the destination is clear: data centers that are faster to build, easier to maintain, and more responsive to the needs of high-performance workloads.

Meeting this future will require deep collaboration across the supply chain. Energy storage, thermal systems, compute hardware, and software must be harmonized to deliver the performance, reliability, and sustainability that the next generation of applications demands. Modular design isn't just a trend—it's the blueprint for data center innovation in the AI era.