Episode 128 of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast features an interview with Yuval Bachar, Founder and CEO at ECL.
- Discover the critical challenges facing modern data center infrastructure
- Explore sustainable energy solutions for high-density computing environments
- Uncover the potential of hydrogen-based power systems in data centers
- Examine the impact of AI workloads on future data center design
- Navigate the emerging opportunities in data center technology careers
- Investigate modular approaches to rapid data center deployment
- Evaluate the role of AI agents in managing complex infrastructure
- Understand the limitations of traditional data center power strategies
- Recognize the importance of measured technology adoption cycles
- Analyze the economic potential of hydrogen-powered energy solutions
- Identify career paths in data center operations and engineering
- Envision the future of sustainable, high-performance computing infrastructure
Host:
Joshua Feinberg
DCSMI
Special Guest:
Yuval Bachar, Founder and CEO
ECL
Yuval Bachar, CEO of ECL, discusses the importance of sustainable data center technology, emphasizing a slow, steady approach to avoid infrastructure stress. ECL specializes in modular, off-grid hydrogen-based data centers that operate without water and emissions. Bachar highlights the need for quicker, more agile data center construction, with ECL delivering up to 150MW in nine months. He also discusses the role of AI in data center management and the potential for hydrogen to revolutionize energy supply. Bachar advises young professionals to consider supply chain and project management roles, noting the industry's rapid evolution and the importance of innovative business models.
Outline
Yuval Bachar's Introduction and Background
- Yuval Bachar introduces himself as the CEO of ECL and emphasizes the importance of not rushing technology deployment.
- Joshua Feinberg welcomes Yuval Bachar to the Data Center Go to Market Podcast and inquires about his background.
- Yuval shares his extensive experience, including roles at Microsoft, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Cisco, and his early career at Digital Equipment Corporation.
- Yuval explains his motivation for starting ECL, focusing on sustainable data centers, high-end data centers for everyone, and innovative cooling solutions.
ECL's Unique Value Proposition
- Yuval discusses the three main motivators for starting ECL: sustainable data centers, high-end data centers for colocation, and innovative cooling solutions.
- ECL's product is an off-grid hydrogen-based data center that operates with zero emissions and zero water consumption.
- Yuval highlights the importance of delivering technology quickly and creating a path for sustainable data centers.
- Joshua Feinberg and Yuval discuss the increasing demand for high-density data centers and the challenges of grid availability.
ECL's Modular Approach and Market Focus
- Yuval explains ECL's modular approach, which involves building blocks ranging from 1.5 to 20 megawatts.
- The modular design allows for faster and more efficient construction, with each block being a self-contained unit.
- ECL focuses on providing a complete data center solution, including energy and cooling systems, rather than just selling energy solutions.
- Yuval emphasizes the importance of partnerships and licensing to promote the adoption of hydrogen-based data centers.
Career Advice for Young Professionals
- Joshua Feinberg asks Yuval for career advice for young people interested in data centers and digital infrastructure.
- Yuval advises focusing on heavy engineering, supply chain, project management, and sales, as these areas are crucial for success.
- He highlights the importance of sustainability and the need for younger generations to influence the future of data centers.
- Yuval shares an example of an intern who became a data center operator, demonstrating the potential for career growth in the industry.
Transitioning to Startups and Innovation
- Joshua Feinberg inquires about career advice for mid-career professionals considering a career pivot or reset.
- Yuval encourages mid-career professionals to transition to startups for the opportunity to control their own destiny and innovate.
- He emphasizes the importance of taking risks and being unafraid of failure.
- Yuval shares his experience of moving from large corporations to startups and the benefits of working in a more innovative environment.
Challenges and Opportunities in Alternate Energy
- Joshua Feinberg asks Yuval about the biggest mistakes in the industry regarding alternate energy and hydrogen fuel cells.
- Yuval criticizes the reliance on government subsidies and emphasizes the need for self-sustaining business models.
- He discusses the importance of a balanced approach to green and blue hydrogen to ensure viability.
- Yuval highlights the need for a stable technology cycle to avoid stressing infrastructure and ensure long-term sustainability.
Planning and Timelines for Data Center Projects
- Joshua Feinberg asks about the planning timelines for ECL's projects compared to traditional data center builds.
- Yuval explains that ECL can deliver data centers in nine months, compared to the three to four years for traditional builds.
- The shorter cycle allows for more accurate planning and better alignment with rapidly evolving technology needs.
- Yuval shares examples of how ECL's approach has helped customers avoid oversubscribing or undersubscribing their data center needs.
Use Cases and Market Demand
- Joshua Feinberg inquires about the strongest use cases and industries interested in ECL's solutions.
- Yuval mentions the growing demand for AI factories and the role of ECL in providing high-density data centers.
- He discusses the importance of edge applications and the flexibility of ECL's modular design for smaller sites.
- Yuval highlights the need for a hydrogen distribution system to support the growth of hydrogen-based data centers.
Stakeholder Engagement and Business Models
- Joshua Feinberg asks about the stakeholders and business models involved in ECL's projects.
- Yuval explains that ECL initially engaged with sustainability teams but now focuses on planning teams due to the urgency of AI deployment.
- He discusses the importance of flexible business models that can adapt to changing customer needs every nine to 12 months.
- Yuval emphasizes the role of real estate investors, banks, and PE investors in driving the market for sustainable data centers.
Future of Data Center Construction and Innovation
- Joshua Feinberg asks about the future of data center construction and the potential changes in building companies like ECL.
- Yuval highlights the importance of focusing on operations, supply chain, and customer acquisition.
- He emphasizes the need for startups to aim high and adapt quickly to the rapidly changing technology landscape.
- Yuval discusses the potential for new business models and the importance of innovation in data center construction.
Guest Resources
Resources
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