91����

As part of an international mission focused on data center technology, infrastructure, and supply chain opportunities in Virginia, 91���� welcomed a delegation of nearly 50 Japanese business leaders to Mason Square in Arlington. The visit was organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in collaboration with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. 

The delegation, which included representatives from 40 companies and nine JETRO staff members, spent the morning exploring Northern Virginia's renowned "Data Center Alley" in Loudoun County, the world's largest concentration of data centers and a critical hub for global internet traffic. The tour highlighted the infrastructure, power systems, and connectivity that established Northern Virginia as a leading center for digital infrastructure investment. 

In the afternoon, the group visited the Mason Square, where , associate professor and director of energy-related research initiatives, led tours of the university's advanced research facilities. During the visit, attendees explored the E2 Center, which features education and simulation capabilities related to small modular reactors, and the Smart Grid and Renewable Energy Lab, where researchers are advancing work in power systems, grid modernization, energy protection, and renewable technologies. 

Delegates also received an overview of George Mason's developing AI Data Center Research Lab and its focus on next-generation power infrastructure and energy systems for artificial intelligence applications. 

“Virginia’s leadership in data centers creates a unique opportunity and responsibility to shape the future of digital infrastructure,” said Huang. “By connecting George Mason’s expertise in power, energy, and AI data centers with Japan’s technology and industry leadership, we can accelerate innovation, develop the workforce, and build more resilient and sustainable infrastructure for the AI era.” 

The tours showcased how George Mason is helping address one of the industry's most pressing challenges: developing the workforce, technologies, and energy solutions needed to support rapid growth in data center capacity. The demonstrations highlighted opportunities for research collaboration and talent development at a time when demand for reliable power and computing resources continues to accelerate worldwide. 

Following the tours, George Mason hosted an industry panel that brought together leaders from Virginia's data center and electrical infrastructure ecosystem to share perspectives on market growth, facility development, power requirements, engineering, construction, and technology integration. The panel also explored opportunities for Japanese companies to contribute expertise and innovation to Virginia's expanding digital infrastructure sector. 

“Having toured data centers in Japan while I worked for NTT, it was pretty clear to me that the Japanese infrastructure and service suppliers have many innovations to share with the U.S. market,” said Phillip Sandino, a senior vice president and head of utility development with Tract. “The Japanese have dealt with land constraints that have driven innovation in density and multi-story construction, which can help U.S. companies make the most of entitled land that we currently have.” 

“Engaging with the Japanese business delegation was a powerful reminder that technical collaboration is more than the exchange of ideas. It is the foundation for innovation, operational excellence, and long-term strategic partnership,” said Jim Stage, a strategic advisor for Dominion Energy. “I meet with people of various business backgrounds and scheduled several meets based on the information that we shared.” 

The program concluded with an industry exchange session, where members of the delegation presented challenges and emerging needs facing their companies. The interactive discussion gave industry representatives, faculty, and guests the opportunity to identify areas for collaboration and explore solutions to evolving technology and infrastructure demands. 

“The JETRO delegation visit was a great opportunity to connect with leaders from Japan's energy, technology, and infrastructure sectors and talk about the growing power and infrastructure demands of the data center market,” said Michael Barker, operations manager at Hensel Phelps. “The reverse-pitch session was especially valuable because it allowed us to hear directly from the Japanese companies about the solutions they're developing and how some of those ideas could potentially be applied here in the U.S., and I'd like to thank Dr. Liling Huang and 91���� for bringing together the Japanese delegation and Virginia industry leaders for a truly worthwhile exchange.” 

“It was exciting to hear about the technologies and solutions being developed to address some of the most pressing issues for data center and electrical infrastructure development. The reverse pitches highlighted innovative approaches to sound mitigation, infrastructure monitoring, and site development, along with emerging technologies that could help future projects operate more sustainably while remaining good neighbors within their communities,” said David Wernli, a project manager at Dewberry.  

The event constituted JETRO's largest delegation visit to Virginia to date. Organizers reported many attendees were visiting Virginia for the first time and were particularly impressed by the region's hospitality, industry expertise, and innovation ecosystem. The visitors highlighted the value of both the industry panel discussions and the tour of George Mason's research assets. 

The visit underscored 91����'s expertise in power and data center research, workforce development, and industry engagement, while strengthening connections between Virginia's innovation ecosystem and leading companies from Japan's technology and energy sectors.