From Inertia to Innovation: What Data Centers Need to Know About Grid Health

In this episode, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, sits down with Marc Borrett, co-founder and CEO of Reactive Technologies. Marc brings a fascinating background spanning electronics innovation, telecom engineering, and the energy sector. Having launched technology ventures from battery chargers to Star Wars toys, Marc’s journey led him from semiconductors to tackling the evolving challenges of modern power grids.

The conversation explores the global energy transition, focusing on how the shift from traditional, fossil-fuel-based generation to renewables has transformed grid dynamics. Marc explains the increasing complexity of grid management, the need for real-time data, and the importance of measuring and maintaining grid stability in a world of distributed, less predictable energy sources. The dialogue delves into Reactive’s unique approach—leveraging grid physics to both communicate with and monitor assets at the grid’s edge—and how understanding grid strength and stability can shape smarter investments, operational decisions, and data center siting in an energy-constrained world.

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Entrepreneurial Journey in Electronics
03:46 Chip Innovation Sparks NFC Revolution
09:55 Energy Management for Carrefour
14:27 Grid Communication Challenges Explored
18:53 Power Station Grid Stabilization Explained
21:43 Grid Stability in Energy Transition
25:58 Optimizing Grid Signal Integration
28:44 Accurate Real-Time Grid Measurement
33:08 Time-of-Use Tariffs & Demand Trends
34:30 U.S. Energy Demand: Duck Curve