Master Planning the Energy Future with Nat Sahlstrom

In this episode, James talks with Nat Sahlstrom, Chief Energy Officer at Tract, a data center developer enabling the next generation of digital infrastructure. Nat shares his unconventional journey from Seattle’s punk rock scene to leading energy strategy at Amazon and now Tract. With over two decades in energy, he brings deep insight into the intersection of data center growth, power planning, and sustainable infrastructure.

They explore the critical challenges and opportunities facing the energy system in the age of hyperscale AI. Nat discusses his experience building one of the world’s largest corporate renewable portfolios at Amazon and how Tract is addressing the power, land, and social license hurdles confronting data center developers today. He advocates for master-planned campuses as the key to responsible, scalable digital infrastructure and unpacks why the U.S. needs a World War II-level mobilization to meet future load demand.

• How hyperscaler energy needs are reshaping utility planning and permitting.
• The shift from back-office energy functions to front-page headlines.
• Why social license and stakeholder alignment are critical to infrastructure success.
• The case for horizontal and vertical integration in data center development.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about where power, policy, and AI converge.

Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?