2026 Conference Sessions

Securing reliable onsite generation for data centers is often complicated by air permitting requirements that can impose operational restrictions and delay construction schedules. New fossil fuel-fired electric generating units require an air quality construction permit, which frequently becomes the critical path item for project approval. While minor source permits streamline the process, many projects face the more complex major source permitting pathway depending on unit size, fuel choice and operating profile.

This session will outline the key permitting challenges, including implications of grid-connected versus dedicated units, and provide strategies to anticipate regulatory hurdles early in project planning.