Ep. 177 David Chernis, Director, Flexible Compute Platforms at CPower Energy

Episode 177 of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast features an interview with David Chernis, Director, Flexible Compute Platforms at CPower Energy.

Discover why AI-driven load growth is straining grid capacity through 2030
Understand how data center flexibility can unlock 70–90 GW of additional capacity
Recognize the biggest misconceptions operators have about power availability and flexibility
Explore the emerging concept of the **AI factory and its implications for grid reliability
Examine how battery energy storage systems (BESS) trim peaks and protect AI compute
Identify flexibility levers across storage, cooling, and compute that don’t compromise SLAs
Analyze how spiky AI inference loads create challenges for utilities and grid operators
See how modern demand response actually works in mission‑critical data center environments
Map the evolving ecosystem of technology partners enabling energy flexibility
Evaluate how AI and advanced software model power flows down to the “each electron” level

Pinpoint design-phase decisions that accelerate interconnection and grid approvals
Assess how powered-land developers and hybrid crypto/AI sites are reshaping site selection
Contrast traditional colocation models with new AI data center and mining‑to‑AI pivots
Learn how regulatory changes (like ERCOT’s Senate Bill 6) are making DR table stakes
Appreciate the revenue potential of turning backup generation into grid assets
Connect sales, facilities, IT, and regulatory stakeholders around shared energy outcomes
Reframe sales roles as consultative, thought‑leadership‑driven careers in a fast‑changing market
Apply continuous learning and executive education strategies to stay ahead of disruption
Leverage generative and agentic AI tools to boost productivity and career reinvention
Envision new career paths at the intersection of data centers, energy markets, and AI innovation

David Chernis from CPower Energy discusses the critical role of battery storage in data centers, emphasizing its use in protecting AI compute, managing peak hours, and providing flexibility. He highlights the urgency of energy flexibility due to the rapid growth of AI and the strain on the grid. Chernis notes the misconception that power is always available and that data center loads are inflexible. He advocates for early involvement in data center design to leverage battery storage and other flexibility measures. Chernis also discusses the evolving role of sales professionals in a rapidly innovating industry, stressing the importance of continuous learning and leveraging AI tools.

Outline

Battery Storage and Digital Moat

David Chernis discusses the importance of battery storage in trimming peak hours and protecting expensive AI compute.
Battery storage helps tame transient swings and provides flexibility measures all the way to the rack.
David Chernis introduces himself as the director of flexible compute for CPower Energy.
Joshua Feinberg introduces the podcast and welcomes David Chernis.

Energy Flexibility and AI Innovation

Joshua Feinberg asks about the urgency of energy flexibility for data center operators.
David Chernis explains the impact of ChatGPT and meteoric load growth on power availability.
The solution involves data center flexibility, freeing up significant capacity for AI innovation.
David mentions a Duke University study highlighting data center flexibility.

Misconceptions About Data Center Loads

Joshua Feinberg questions the reception of data center operators from local communities.
David Chernis addresses the misconceptions that power is always available and that data center loads are not flexible.
The new AI factory type of data center can flex storage, cooling, and compute without harming SLAs.
Large AI inference clusters can be an asset for the grid with proper flexibility measures.

Energy Storage Systems and Flexibility

Joshua Feinberg and David Chernis discuss the adoption of energy storage systems (ESS).
David explains the role of battery storage in protecting power quality and managing transient swings.
Flexibility measures extend all the way to the rack, enhancing interconnection.
David highlights the rapid adoption of storage and its benefits for data center operators.

Modern Demand Response and Ecosystem Integration

Joshua Feinberg asks about best practices for modern demand response in mission-critical environments.
David Chernis emphasizes the importance of early involvement in the design phase.
CPower Energy collaborates with various technology partners to provide comprehensive flexibility solutions.
The ecosystem approach involves multiple partners working together to create tailored flexibility plans.

Innovation and AI Compute

David Chernis describes the rise of AI as the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
AI compute is creating grid constraints but also helping to solve power issues.
Niche software and AI companies are innovating rapidly, providing granular power flow modeling.
AI tools help optimize data center designs, potentially reducing power needs.

Workforce Talent and Career Opportunities

Joshua Feinberg discusses workforce talent shortages and the need for upskilling.
David Chernis encourages professionals to learn the language of facilities, critical power, and energy markets.
He advises going where the action is, focusing on solving grid-related problems.
David shares his excitement about the current pace of innovation and the opportunities it presents.

Grid Participation and Site Selection

Joshua Feinberg asks about the influence of grid participation on site selection.
David Chernis explains the trend of powered land developers providing turnkey sites.
The hybrid computing model combines AI and mining loads, offering flexibility and economic benefits.
Grid participation is becoming table stakes for new data center developments.

Sales Leadership and Automation

Joshua Feinberg inquires about the challenges faced by sales leaders in a consultative sales environment.
David Chernis emphasizes the importance of using AI workflows to streamline back-office tasks.
Sales professionals should focus on building relationships and using new tools for productivity.
David highlights the value of channel partnerships and multi-partner bundled services.

Continuous Learning and Professional Development

Joshua Feinberg discusses the importance of continuous learning and upskilling.
David Chernis shares his experience with executive education at Wharton and Harvard Business School.
He advises continuous re-education to stay ahead of innovation and disruption.
David encourages sales professionals to explore new tools and stay informed about industry trends.

Guest Resources

Resources

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Ep. 177 David Chernis, Director, Flexible Compute Platforms at CPower Energy | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast