Session 4: Co-Locating & Onsite Power

A focused discussion on bridge power, interconnection challenges, and regulatory considerations for co-located and campus-adjacent data-center development. Learn what design and financing strategies support future-proof, scalable power deployment.

Session 4 of the CampusEnergy2026 Data Center Workshop consisted of these presentations:

1:15 pm – 2:00 pm

Powering the Future: Strategies for Co-Located Data Centers – As demand for computing capacity grows, campuses and developers face complex questions about interconnection, regulatory compliance, and financing. This discussion will explore the critical challenges and opportunities of delivering reliable, scalable power. Topics include bridge power solutions; Utility interconnection challenges; Regulatory and policy considerations; and Financing models. The segment will conclude with an open discussion with the audience.

Panelists Include:

Luke Gaalswyk, Ever-Green Energy
Michele Mitch-Peterson, Siemens
John Moynihan, BC Energy

Keywords: Data Centers

Luke Gaalswyk

CEO

Ever-Green Energy, Inc.

Luke Gaalswyk is president and CEO of Ever-Green Energy and its parent company District Energy St. Paul, a 501(c)(3) non-profit district energy company headquartered in Saint Paul, MN. Luke joined Ever-Green in 2022 as president of the organization overseeing the company’s corporate services.

Prior to joining Ever-Green, Luke served in leadership roles in power generation and district energy industries with Xcel Energy and NRG Thermal (now Cordia). Luke has nearly 20 years of experience in energy, operations, and engineering and is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He currently serves on the boards of directors for the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and Saint Paul Downtown Alliance and is a drill-status member of the Minnesota Air National Guard. He has a mechanical engineering degree from the United States Air Force Academy and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton.

Michele Mitch-Peterson

Data Center Solutions

Siemens

John Moynihan

Vice President

BC Energy

Michael Ahern (Moderator)

SVP, System Development

Ever-Green Energy, Inc.

Michael Ahern has over 30 years of experience in leading development, engineering, construction, operation, and management of industrial and energy systems. This includes operational oversight of businesses in the industrial and energy fields, with a specific focus on district systems over the last fifteen years. At Ever-Green, he leads the development and advancement of mission-based campus and community energy and utility systems that achieve clients’ strategic goals. Ahern holds a BS in Business Finance from the University of Notre Dame, with an International Business Minor.