As AI accelerates demand for scalable, always-on infrastructure, the data center industry is awash in new energy storage solutions promising longer runtimes, higher densities, and greener footprints. But in a high-stakes world where power continuity is critical, how much risk is too much? This panel explores the importance of bankability, operational history, and chemistry maturity in battery selection. Experts will cut through the noise of emerging chemistries and venture-backed hype to assess what actually works—and what doesn’t—in the field. Discussion will also focus on the shrinking pool of in-house battery expertise among operators and how that impacts procurement, deployment, and long-term reliability.