The episode opens with host Mike Switzer introducing the controversy around data centers in South Carolina, specifically their high consumption of power and water from local communities. Guest Paul Quigley, from AirSys North America, joins from the company's headquarters in Greer, South Carolina. Quigley describes AirSys as a global energy solutions company that designs and manufactures innovative cooling systems, primarily for data centers. He shares that the company started almost 30 years ago and originally did 80% of the cooling for MRI machines worldwide. AirSys's slogan is 'balance the environment,' focusing on energy-efficient designs. Quigley explains why AirSys moved its global headquarters to Woodruff, South Carolina, citing strong manufacturing capabilities and community support. The company currently has over 100 employees in South Carolina and plans to add 250 more in the next two years. The conversation then shifts to the specific controversy: data centers facing pushback in South Carolina, such as in the Lowcountry and Spartanburg, due to their resource demands. Quigley notes that global digital service growth, from online banking to AI, drives demand for data centers. He states that traditional data center designs have a 'massive thirst' for electricity and water, but AirSys's technology eliminates all water requirements. Quigley details their waterless cooling systems, which use an initial fill of water but no constant consumption, as the water is sealed and does not evaporate. He attributes the feasibility of this technology to newer chip designs, like NVIDIA's 45C chips, which allow for dry coolers that use air to cool enclosed water coils. Quigley mentions that additional 'trim cooling' with compressors or chillers can be used in high-temperature situations. He confirms that their systems also use lower amounts of power. The episode concludes with Switzer thanking Quigley and providing resources for listeners to learn more.
