As demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data storage accelerates, data centers are becoming some of the most energy- and infrastructure-intensive facilities ever built. But before the racks are installed and the servers come online, data centers rely on something far more foundational: engineered infrastructure that connects the site to the energy, utilities, and systems that power it.
At Allied Engineering + Design (AED), we focus on the systems outside the building that make continuous data center operation possible. Our multidisciplinary teams support project development from feasibility through execution, designing and managing the pipelines, substations, site utilities, and construction support services that underlie digital infrastructure.
What It Takes to Power a Data Center
According to the International Energy Agency, data centers accounted for 460 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity use globally in 2022, and that figure could double by 2026 due to AI workloads. This exponential growth places enormous pressure not just on the facilities themselves, but on the infrastructure that powers them.
To operate reliably, data centers require:
- Secure energy delivery systems like natural gas pipelines
- Integrated electrical substations and grid interconnects
- Precise site development to support modular or phased builds
- QA/QC protocols, scanning, and field support during installation and commissioning
These are the systems AED is built to support.
Site-Focused Engineering for Data Center Development
Our engineering and construction teams provide services designed to streamline site development, reduce rework, and accelerate timelines for large-scale digital infrastructure.
Core areas of expertise include:
- Pipeline Engineering: Design and integration of gas delivery systems and compression stations that power onsite generation
- Electrical Support Infrastructure: Engineering and field services for substations, feeders, and distribution systems
- Laser Scanning & Existing Conditions Modeling: Terrestrial and aerial LiDAR to support accurate design and layout
- Procurement & Construction Support: Streamlined RFQ, bid clarification, QA/QC inspection, and documentation support
- Site-Based Services: Field walkdowns, RFI resolution, safety oversight, and project coordination
We support these capabilities with a strong safety culture and a focus on operational outcomes, not just design.
Designing for Scale, Safety, and Speed
Modern data centers must come online faster than ever and scale without compromising reliability. AED approaches every project with this reality in mind.
Our solutions are built to:
- Support fast-track construction schedules
- Integrate clean energy and backup systems
- Enable safe operations with minimal onsite disruption
- Meet regional permitting, interconnection, and compliance requirements
We don't just produce drawings. We engineer infrastructure that can be built safely, maintained efficiently, and expanded intelligently.
Infrastructure That Supports What’s Next
While much of the attention in data center development focuses on IT, mechanical systems, and uptime, the infrastructure that makes these facilities viable is just as critical.
Whether it’s a greenfield build in a remote region or an expansion project requiring utility coordination and scanning, AED delivers the engineering expertise and execution support needed to keep the project moving and the power flowing.
If you’re developing or supporting a new data center project, AED is ready to help you engineer the infrastructure that makes digital operations possible.
