As the world moves to a net zero future, so too must the data centers market, particularly given energy consumption within the sector is only set to rise. Though the green transition is already well underway, most global data centers will require new solutions to enable the move toward renewable energy sources.
Uptime Institute’s September 2022 Environment & Sustainability Intelligence Report notes that data centers are subject to an expanding set of sustainability requirements, covering the measurement and reporting of environmental impact, equipment and system energy efficiency, and adherence to circular economy and sustainable building design principles.
Currently, most are voluntary but will increasingly be mandated and operators need to prepare to meet these requirements.
Increase in renewables
European renewable production reached 37% in 2021, with 19% in total for wind and solar power
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts renewables are set to account for 95% of the net increase in global power capacity through 2025. European renewable production reached 37% in 2021, with 19% in total for wind and solar power.
However, year-on-year wind and solar output growth of 1% was modest, due to lower wind speeds, which were below average across the EU. This indicates the risk associated with renewable technology.
Robust energy infrastructure
If a renewable grid is to be instated, unpredictable weather patterns will require careful mitigation to avoid downtime. Companies, therefore, will need to understand the different options available to them to ensure a robust energy infrastructure is in place.
One potential consideration here is battery technology, which can help alleviate concerns that may arise from a growing dependence on renewable energy.
Fluctuating energy supply
A primary concern of energy professionals when it comes to renewables is the possibility of power fluctuations and outages. This was highlighted as an even more critical challenge for the data center sector in a sector report we conducted in 2020 - Mission Critical.
Aggreko's survey of 700 data center consultants in Europe, found that 60% of respondents claim grid limitation is among the main causes of power outages, and the same amount says power security is a key driver towards decentralized energy adoption.
Grid parity
Facilities reliant on grid power may begin to face more unplanned downtime, risking further unforeseen costs
Given that wind energy surges and wains at certain parts of the year, data center professionals face an issue that will only exacerbate amid the green transition.
Facilities reliant on grid power may begin to face more unplanned downtime, risking further unforeseen costs and delays in an already disrupted year for all industries.
Datacenter disruption
Disruption of data centers can have a large knock-on effect for companies across all industries that are becoming ever more reliant on data and technology.
If data center consultants are already concerned about power security and resilience, this will only exacerbate with renewable progress, so new approaches may be required.
UPS
On top of energy provision stability, energy storage can serve as an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) for site managers looking to implement decentralized energy schemes.
If utility or grid power is disrupted, batteries can act as backup power, helping sites enter a controlled shutdown without impairing critical processes, and keeping everything online at required loads while power is reinstated.
spinning reserve
Batteries can also be implemented as a spinning reserve for companies looking to increase overall efficiency
Batteries can also be implemented as a spinning reserve for companies looking to increase overall efficiency and cost savings.
Allowing fewer generators to run at a higher load with less fuel consumption, and battery storage, as part of the wider energy infrastructure, can provide immediate power when outages occur while backup systems power up.
Decentralized approach
With such unpredictability in renewable energy supply, it is evident that wider energy storage technology implementation is required if the industry is to build resilience while hitting net-zero targets.
As part of a data center’s energy infrastructure, battery technology delivers effective and greener means of offsetting these concerns, while alleviating concerns associated with power fluctuation.
Smoothing effect
By stabilizing energy levels and deploying power at times when grid supply cuts out at a critical demand period, it can serve as a barrier against potential downtime. This ‘smoothing’ effect also extends to ensuring consistent performance on equipment more sensitive to larger load step changes, like gas generators.
Because batteries ensure frequency and voltage remain within set specifications, power outages or surges from generators can be avoided.
Integrated battery system
Using generators, battery storage, and even solar PV technology, data center operators can efficiently power a site
The battery can also be integrated as part of a decentralized energy solution to eliminate the reliance on the grid for a facility. Using generators, battery storage, and even solar PV technology, data center operators can efficiently and sustainably power a site with full control over supply.
For those in regions such as Germany, where grid power is reliable but expensive, this can be a practical means of reducing energy costs, particularly as consumption for the industry increases amidst the current energy crisis.
Renewable transition
As the mitigation of renewable transition in energy production is a process that may see progress over the coming years, investing in a permanent decentralized solution may not be a priority for data center professionals.
However, it may be a savvier option to choose hiring equipment to reap the benefits of decentralized energy while renewable progress is made, without committing to a permanent system. Along with cost savings and avoiding the risk of the outage while grid instability is likely to continue, this also means that providers and operators will always have the most up-to-date battery.
Energy supply and resilience
While renewable progress is made and demand for the world’s data centers exponentially grows, energy supply and resilience will always be a concern for the sector.
Planning a robust decentralized approach with the latest battery storage solutions may provide a greener and more reliable alternative during this transitional period.