Open Technologies Engineering Took Part in the IKS Forum in Novosibirsk

Evgeny Virtser, CEO of Open Technologies Engineering and founder of the Key Point Group, participated in a panel discussion on the key challenges facing the Russian data center industry at the forum “Data Centers: Models, Services, Infrastructure”, held on March 31 in Novosibirsk.

The discussion focused on several major topics, including:

• power capacity constraints and the emergence of new data center locations,
• recent legislative changes and the implications of the new data center registry law,
• availability of resources for industry development,
• and the prospects of the artificial intelligence era in Russia.

Particular attention was paid to grid connection. Evgeny Virtser noted that, despite ongoing discussions about a potential ban on connecting data centers in Moscow, the situation is likely temporary. In his view, conditions will evolve, and access to grid connection will remain available to market players of all sizes.

The discussion also addressed rising electricity tariffs. As Virtser pointed out, “capital expenditures for data centers are growing at a comparable pace, and they represent a significantly larger share of the total project cost.”

The industry continues to develop, facing both new challenges and opportunities. The discussion highlighted a pragmatic market approach: projects that have already secured resources are moving forward, while regulatory changes are reshaping — rather than slowing down — overall industry development.