The Weekly Take from CBRE Powerhouse: The Future of Data Centers [Encore - 8.19.25]
Nov 25, 2025
Maja Rosenquist, EVP at Mortenson with a focus on data centers, joins Gordon Dolven, CBRE's research director for data centers, to explore the dynamic landscape of this sector. They discuss how AI is accelerating demand and influencing site selection due to power constraints. Maja shares insights on Mortenson's energy projects, while Gordon explains different types of data centers. The duo analyzes community concerns, potential risks of overbuilding, and trends in cooling technologies, all while forecasting sustained demand in the coming years.
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Cooling Tech Is Shifting The Resource Tradeoffs
- Cooling tech is evolving from air to water to direct liquid cooling, shifting water and energy tradeoffs.
- Maja Rosenquist says clients seek sustainable solutions but water and power demands still rise.
Data Centers Can Use Less Potable Water Than Farming
- Gordon compared planned data center potable water to alternative land uses and found centers often use far less potable water.
- He used a 200-acre example where a closed-loop data center used ~3,500 gallons/day versus far higher agricultural or residential use.
Sell Communities On Tax And Infrastructure Gains
- Emphasize tax revenue and infrastructure benefits when seeking community buy-in for data center projects.
- Maja Rosenquist shows local skeptics often accept projects once long-term revenues and investments are explained.