At the PTC'24 conference in Hawaii, The Tech Capital engaged in a conversation with James Grice, the Chair of the Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure Practice at Akerman LLP. The discussion delved into several key legal and regulatory challenges, the integration of renewable energy, data privacy and security concerns, recent policy developments, international compliance, and the impact of cross-border legal and regulatory differences on the global expansion of digital infrastructure projects. Furthermore, insights into Akerman's future business plans were shared. Firstly, the conversation addressed the current legal and regulatory challenges facing the digital infrastructure and data center industry. Grice highlighted the impact of stringent regulations on the development and operation of digital infrastructure projects. He emphasized the need for a deep understanding of intricate federal, state, and local laws and regulations and their impact on the sector, given the central and crucial role data centers play in the global economy. As a response, Akerman’s Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure Practice offers targeted experience and knowledge, addressing all aspects of the data center ecosystem, including technological, operational, and legal challenges. The integration of renewable energy into data centers and digital infrastructure was another critical topic. Grice outlined the legal and regulatory considerations involved in this process, emphasizing the need for expertise in project finance and tax incentives to help clients structure deals to their best advantage. Additionally, he discussed the measures being implemented to address data privacy and security concerns, stressing the importance of advising companies on the legal complexities associated with data center operations, leasing, subleasing, co-location, and related services, as well as data privacy policies and various user agreements. Regarding recent policy developments affecting investment in the digital infrastructure sector, Grice highlighted the increasing need for experienced legal counsel to navigate the complex technical, regulatory, and operational challenges. He also addressed the legal considerations involved in ensuring international compliance for digital infrastructure and data center operations, emphasizing the importance of a seamless, comprehensive solution provided by Akerman’s Real Estate, Corporate, Tax, Construction, and Litigation Practices. The conversation then turned to the impact of cross-border legal and regulatory differences on the global expansion of digital infrastructure projects. Grice provided insights into how the collective knowledge and experience of Akerman's Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure team are utilized to meet the nuanced needs associated with data center development, tax incentives, construction, acquisition and sales, various financing arrangements, operations, leasing, subleasing, co-location, environmental permitting, power purchases, power procurement strategies and agreements, user agreements, service level agreements, and maintenance agreements. Finally, Grice shared Akerman's plans for the next 12 months, highlighting the firm's commitment to serving the evolving needs of clients and overseeing a growing practice in the data center and digital infrastructure field. +++ Follow us on: Subscribe: https://thetechcapital.com/register/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/thetechcapital_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tech-capital Instagram: https://instagram.com/thetechcapital_ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Tech-Capital-101679965480510 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPZ8yuPvtECZCwV2g9OkX1w #digitalinfrastructure #datacenter #thetechcapital #cloudadoption #cloudcomputing #datacentre #infrastructure #youleadwereport