Securing power is only one part of the data center development process. Bringing that power online on schedule increasingly depends on equipment availability, supply chain planning and access to skilled labor.
Lead times for transformers, switchgear, breakers and turbines continue to influence project schedules across the industry. Gallagher's Redrawing Global Supply Chains survey found that 86% of organizations reported supply chain losses in the past year. As a result, many developers are securing equipment earlier and storing it before installation.
That approach can help protect project schedules, but it also requires careful planning. As Stuart Freeman, Partner in Construction at Gallagher Specialty, explains, one recent project involved approximately $130 million in equipment stored off-site before construction milestones were reached. Insurance programs had to be adjusted to reflect that inventory level.
Equipment may spend extended periods in transit or storage before installation, creating planning considerations around ownership, logistics, insurance and project timing.
Labor availability is another important factor. Large campuses require electricians, commissioning engineers, pipefitters and other specialists, often within compressed schedules.
"Given the very short timeframes in place for these projects, the demand for labor in these trades can be a challenge," says Brian Cooper, Senior Managing Director, US Construction, at Gallagher.
For developers, effective schedule management now includes more than construction milestones. It also means understanding supplier concentration, transportation timelines, equipment storage, workforce availability and startup planning. Our whitepaper, Powering the Data Center Boom, explores how organizations can approach project schedules, equipment planning and delay-in-startup considerations throughout the construction process.