Jane Siming, President and CEO of UL, stated that data centers now support nearly all critical sectors, from healthcare and e-commerce to finance, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. Data centers have become essential infrastructure, comparable to water, electricity, natural gas, and telecommunications as the fifth major public utility. Like all public infrastructure, the safe and stable operation of data centers depends on public trust and a clear, reliable standards system.

She noted that as demand continues to grow, energy consumption has become one of the world’s most pressing challenges. Improving energy efficiency remains the most direct and effective way to reduce emissions while supporting economic growth, but this alone is not enough. When data centers are deeply integrated with renewable energy, smart grids, and energy storage systems, they not only consume energy but also play a vital role in the energy transition. This includes enhancing grid resilience, lowering overall emissions, and driving low-carbon investment. As a result, digital infrastructure is poised to shift from being an energy challenge to becoming part of the energy solution.

Looking ahead, Siming identified two key areas requiring urgent attention: first, modernizing safety standards systems, and second, cultivating a highly skilled professional workforce.