The Maryland Tech Council hosted its first-ever Data Center Summit at Frederick Community College (FCC) on Thursday, August 29, 2024. The event attracted industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss the burgeoning data center sector in Maryland. The sold-out event underscored the state’s growing role in the digital infrastructure landscape.
Dr. Annesa Cheek, president of FCC, welcomed attendees to the campus. During her opening address where she highlighted FCC’s commitment to preparing students for success in an interconnected world and its collaboration with the Maryland Tech Council to foster meaningful discussions at the summit.
“Just as technology is perpetually anchored in the future, FCC, having served over 200,000 students since our founding in 1957, is also a responsive anchor to the educational and workforce needs in Frederick County,” Dr. Cheek stated.
Exploring Industry Growth and Sustainability
The summit featured a series of presentations and panel discussions focused on the rapid expansion of data centers and the accompanying challenges. Key topics included sustainable practices, workforce development, and the increasing demand for energy to power these facilities.
The various discussions cemented Maryland’s unique position as a prospective leader in data center development, thanks to its strategic location and supportive policies. However, it was also noted that to fulfill that role, the state must address the issues of power supply and environmental impact to ensure purposeful and sustainable growth.
Power Supply and Economic Impact
A significant portion of the discussions centered around the power demands of data centers. Industry representatives highlighted the critical need for reliable and sustainable energy sources to support future growth. The economic benefits of data centers, including job creation and increased tax revenue, were also emphasized. While the event focused on data centers, it’s noteworthy to emphasize that the general power constraints are not solely driven by data center demand.
Community Concerns
The summit was not without controversy. During the lunch break, a small group of protesters gathered outside the venue to voice their opposition to the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP), a proposed regional transmission line. The demonstrators expressed concerns about potential environmental damage and the impact of a proposed new transmission line on local communities.
While sharing their concerns about upgrades to Maryland’s power distribution lines, the protestors stressed the importance of considering the environmental and social costs of data centers. As a result, the protesters urged policymakers to find a balanced approach, respecting both industry needs and community rights.
Looking Ahead
The event concluded with a cocktail reception at Rockwell Brewing Company, providing attendees with an opportunity to network, visit with exhibitors and reflect on the day’s discussions. Organizers expressed optimism about the future of data centers in Maryland, highlighting the state’s potential to become a key player in the digital economy.
The inaugural summit has sparked important conversations about the future of data centers in Maryland. The Maryland Tech Council has demonstrated that it is up to the task of enabling discussions and working together with community, government and businesses to build a sustainable and prosperous future for Maryland.
The MTC event was organized in support from a number of organizations and sponsors, including: Title Sponsor Quantum Loophole; Gold Sponsors Aligned Data Centers and Rowan Digital Infrastructure; Host Sponsor Frederick Community College; Cocktail Reception Sponsor STULZ; Registration Sponsor Turner; Supporting Sponsors Bluestone Communications, CoreSite, EVR, Flexnode, IBEW Local 24, Maryland Broadband Cooperative, Pillsbury, Technology Trading Partners, United Rentals, Vision Technologies, and Whiting-Turner; and Friend Sponsors Boland, Controlled Contamination Services, Edgewater Federal Solutions, Hatzel & Buehler, Inc., Interim Homes, Mount St. Mary’s University, and Warner Mechanical.
As the data center industry continues to evolve, Maryland stands at a crossroads, balancing the promise of economic growth with the imperative of sustainable development. The summit marked a significant step in shaping the state’s role in this dynamic sector.
For those that missed the summit, the Maryland Tech Council will host another in the fall of 2025. Stay tuned for more information.
