Time-to-Power Scores & Site Readiness

Time-to-Power Scores (TTPS) and site readiness assessments are critical metrics for AI datacenter development, helping developers understand power availability challenges and project timeline implications in an era of increasing power constraints.

Understanding the Power Challenge

AI datacenters require massive amounts of reliable power, often 50-100MW or more for a single facility. The rapid growth of AI demand has created significant power availability challenges across key markets:

• Grid Capacity Constraints: Many regions lack available transmission capacity
• Generation Shortfalls: Insufficient power generation to meet growing demand
• Interconnection Queues: Long wait times for grid connection approvals
• Regulatory Hurdles: Complex permitting and approval processes
• Workforce Limitations: Shortages of skilled electrical workers

Time-to-Power Scores (TTPS) Explained

What are TTPS?

Time-to-Power Scores quantify the expected timeline to secure reliable power capacity for new datacenter projects. The scores combine multiple factors into a single metric that helps developers and investors compare sites and plan projects effectively.

Scoring Methodology

TTPS scores range from 0-100, calculated using a weighted algorithm that considers:

Score Interpretation

Site Readiness Assessment

Comprehensive Evaluation Framework

Site readiness goes beyond power availability to encompass all factors necessary for successful datacenter development. Our assessment framework evaluates sites across multiple dimensions:

Power Infrastructure (35%)

• Grid Connection: Proximity to transmission lines and substations
• Power Quality: Voltage stability, flicker, and harmonic distortion
• Redundancy: Multiple feed options and looped service availability
• Expansion Capacity: Future power upgrade possibilities

Telecommunications (20%)

• Fiber Availability: Multiple dark fiber providers and routes
• Carrier Density: Presence of major cloud and network providers
• Network Diversity: Entering points and route diversity
• Latency Characteristics: Proximity to major network peering points

Physical Infrastructure (20%)

• Site Access: Road infrastructure and heavy equipment access
• Zoning Compatibility: Datacenter-friendly zoning and land use
• Environmental Factors: Flood plains, seismic activity, weather risks
• Expansion Potential: Available land for future growth

Water Resources (15%)

• Availability: Sufficient water for cooling and fire suppression
• Quality: Water treatment requirements and compatibility
• Cost: Water utility rates and connection fees
• Regulatory: Water rights and environmental restrictions

Workforce & Ecosystem (10%)

• Technical Talent: Local availability of datacenter professionals
• Construction Resources: Local contractors with datacenter experience
• Supply Chain: Proximity to equipment and material suppliers
• Community Support: Local government and community attitudes

Regional Analysis

Hot Markets & Challenges

Northern Virginia ("Data Center Alley")

TTPS Score: 75/100

• Advantages: Dense fiber network, skilled workforce, business-friendly environment
• Challenges: Extreme power constraints, 48-60 month queue times
• Solutions: On-site generation, microgrids, strategic power purchases
• Outlook: Improving slowly with new transmission projects

Phoenix, Arizona

TTPS Score: 65/100

• Advantages: Favorable tax environment, abundant land, solar resources
• Challenges: Water scarcity, 36-48 month power timelines
• Solutions: Advanced cooling technologies, water recycling, solar + storage
• Outlook: Moderate improvement with renewable integration

West Texas

TTPS Score: 45/100

• Advantages: Low energy costs, abundant land, renewable resources
• Challenges: Limited fiber, weather risks, 24-36 month timelines
• Solutions: Private fiber networks, hardened infrastructure, wind/solar hybrid
• Outlook: Improving with new transmission projects

Ohio Valley

TTPS Score: 35/100

• Advantages: Excellent grid access, water availability, central location
• Challenges: Workforce limitations, 18-24 month timelines
• Solutions: Workforce development programs, phased development
• Outlook: Steady improvement with infrastructure investment

Strategic Implications

Investment Decision Making

TTPS and readiness assessments directly impact investment decisions and project economics:

• Timeline Impacts: Power delays can add 2-5 years to project schedules
• Cost Implications: Alternative power solutions can increase costs by 20-40%
• Risk Assessment: Power-related risks are now primary project risks
• Site Selection: Power availability often outweighs other factors

Development Strategies

Power-First Development

• Secure power capacity before land acquisition
• Co-develop generation assets with datacenter projects
• Enter long-term power purchase agreements early
• Consider on-site generation and microgrid solutions

Location Diversification

• Develop sites across multiple power regions
• Maintain flexibility to shift capacity between locations
• Consider secondary markets with better power availability
• Balance power availability against other market factors

Technology Adaptation

• Design for higher power efficiency and density
• Implement advanced cooling and power management
• Consider alternative computing architectures
• Plan for power infrastructure upgrades over time

Future Outlook

Trends to Watch

Grid Modernization

• Transmission expansion projects in key markets
• Smart grid technologies and grid-scale storage
• Improved renewable integration and forecasting
• Distributed generation and microgrid adoption

Regulatory Changes

• Streamlined permitting for datacenter projects
• Grid interconnection process reforms
• Incentives for energy storage and efficiency
• Carbon pricing and renewable energy requirements

Technology Innovation

• More efficient computing hardware and architectures
• Advanced cooling technologies
• AI-driven power management and optimization
• Alternative energy sources and storage solutions

Long-Term Projections

• 2025-2027: Continued power constraints, gradual improvement
• 2027-2030: Significant grid upgrades, new generation capacity
• 2030+: More balanced supply-demand, new technology solutions

Using TTPS Data

Access Methods

• API Access: Real-time TTPS data via our API
• Interactive Dashboard: Visual analysis and comparison tools
• Custom Reports: Detailed site-specific analysis
• Consulting Services: Expert guidance on site selection

Integration with Planning

Incorporate TTPS data into your development process:

1. Site Screening: Use TTPS scores to filter potential locations
2. Financial Modeling: Factor power timelines into project economics
3. Risk Assessment: Evaluate power-related project risks
4. Timeline Planning: Develop realistic project schedules
5. Contingency Planning: Plan for power-related delays and solutions

Expert Tip: Power availability has become the single most critical factor in datacenter site selection. Early engagement with utilities and proactive power solutions can significantly reduce project risks and timelines. Always maintain multiple power sourcing strategies and plan for longer-than-expected grid interconnection timelines.