Welcome to Powering Progress, where we examine the commercial and legal structures behind the rapid growth of AI infrastructure.

Data centers may be powered by energy and technology, but their success also depends on the real estate structures that support long-term operations and expansion.

In this episode, Vinson & Elkins' Chief Innovation Officer Aubrey Bishai is joined by Real Estate Partner Courtney Hammond, who advises clients on data center leasing, build-to-suit developments, sale-leaseback transactions, and the evolving real estate frameworks supporting digital infrastructure.

Together they explore how lease structures are evolving to accommodate increasing power demands, long development timelines, and the operational needs of hyperscale and enterprise users.