Greenfield vs. Brownfield: Navigating Site, Regulatory, and Stakeholder Risks when Siting Renewable Power & BESS in Data Centers

As data centers accelerate their transition to renewable energy and battery energy storage systems (BESS), developers face a critical decision: greenfield versus brownfield sites. Each path carries unique challenges—from navigating complex regulatory frameworks to managing stakeholder expectations and mitigating environmental risks. In this fast-paced session, I will share actionable insights drawn from real-world projects on how to evaluate site viability, anticipate permitting hurdles, and build resilient strategies that balance speed, cost, and sustainability. Attendees will leave with practical approaches to de-risk development and optimize outcomes for renewable integration in the data center ecosystem.