January 28, 2026
by Jake Ring, PDM CEO
Guest podcast, “When waiting isn’t an option…”
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii.
At PTC 2026, Zach Peña, CEO of Empirix Partners, and Jake Ring, CEO of PDM, sat down together to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of data center growth and power infrastructure – from transformer shortages and grid constraints to on‑site generation, engineering realities, and the race to power up is faster than ever before.
Why Power Infrastructure is Breaking: The Growing Voltage Gap
As demand for data center capacity surges, companies are chasing available power, not available land. Organizations are now building in remote areas simply because that’s where power is available, then building infrastructure around them… but this still isn’t plug-and-play infrastructure.
“Everybody wants to turn a random piece of dirt into data. You don’t just connect it. It’s not a Lego set. It’s not something you plug into a wall” Zach notes.
The challenge is no longer just securing land or building shells. It’s accessing and conditioning power. While grid power may be available at transmission voltages, getting it into a usable form is where projects slow down:
- High‑voltage transmission must be stepped down to distribution levels
- Pad‑mounted transformers bring power into the facility
- Protection, breakers, and coordination add complexity
The grid alone isn’t enough – the variety of applications and specifications has exploded, and much of it requires new design or application engineering – not just off‑the‑shelf equipment.
The Rise of On‑Site Generation and Microgrids
When grid availability lags but timelines don’t, developers are going directly to power sources on day one, the utility feed, then adding additional power sources: gas generators, solar, battery storage, etc.
You can expect explosive growth in hybrid and mobile substation models that allow commissioning before grid interconnect – cutting months off critical paths.
The takeaway: power is being brought to the site, not the other way around.
Engineering is the New Differentiator
Data centers are now utility builders. Many customers assume specifications already exist for what they need and underestimate the complexity involved. When in reality, much of today’s equipment must be engineered, reviewed, and validated for unique conditions and applications.
The #1 thing separating successful operators from the pack is engineering clarity… and partnerships that combine design, protection, and fulfillment speed are separating true operators from the crowd.
AI is Reshaping the Grid
AI infrastructure is pushing power innovation faster than ever. Massive “AI Factories” and distributed inference nodes are rewriting power architecture… Nvidia and others are exploring solid‑state transformer concepts that convert medium voltage directly to DC, eliminating traditional power supplies in the rack.
Solid State Transformers will be a game-changer.
Speed WINS – If You Can Execute
Despite the complexity, speed remains a decisive advantage. Fast, configurable power systems – from Padmounts to 50 MVA transformers – are defining who delivers in months, not years.
PDM: Built for Speed, Scale & Safety
PDM goes beyond the product – combining engineering, oversight, fulfillment, logistics, and field support – which is just as critical as product design itself. We can help customers refine specifications, identify hidden constraints, and avoid costly mistakes before manufacturing begins.
We’re committed to helping hyper-scalers, developers, and operators navigate this transformation with proven engineering, trusted partnerships, and industry‑crushing lead times.
