Reliable, sustainable, and scalable energy is the foundation of economic growth and Tribal Nations are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. Indian Country is rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic data center markets in the US, fueled by thousands of acres of sovereign lands located near expanding fiber networks and natural gas pipelines. This convergence of digital infrastructure and tribal energy assets represents a transformative opportunity. Hosting or partnering in data center development can generate significant lease and power revenues, create long-term operations and construction jobs, and deliver infrastructure improvements that benefit entire communities. 

This session will explore Colusa’s journey from a California-based tribally owned energy developer to a leader designing and delivering advanced energy solutions for sovereign nations, community infrastructures, and private industry.  It also will discuss the key energy requirements for modern data centers, including high-capacity generation, microgrid resiliency, and clean energy integration to meet sustainability mandates. 

Participants will gain practical insights into how Tribal Nations can leverage sovereignty, land, and energy assets to capture value from one of the fastest-growing segments of the digital economy while laying the foundation for resilient infrastructure and economic sustainability for decades to come.