Nvidia, EPRI, Prologis & InfraPartners Plan Smaller Data Centers

Nvidia, EPRI, Prologis, and InfraPartners are collaborating to develop smaller-scale data centers for distributed inference, targeting deployment near utility substations. This partnership aims to establish micro data centers (5-20 MW) across five pilot sites in the US by the end of 2026, with the intention of creating a replicable model for rapid, scalable deployment. The project seeks to optimize underutilized infrastructure, ease strain on congested transmission systems, and deliver inference capabilities closer to the point of data creation. Nvidia's prior involvement in a data center financing deal in Germany suggests experience in this sector, potentially contributing to the project's success. The collaboration's focus on micro data centers represents a strategic shift towards distributed computing infrastructure. By partnering with EPRI, Prologis, and InfraPartners, Nvidia gains access to expertise in utility infrastructure, real estate, and infrastructure investment, respectively. The initiative's emphasis on rapid deployment and scalability indicates a response to the growing demand for edge computing solutions and the need for efficient data processing closer to the source. The success of these pilot sites could pave the way for a significant expansion of distributed inference capabilities across the US.