5 Data Center Resources
A guide to better understand data centers and how they connect to our grid
Despite being all over the news, there is still a haze surrounding data centers – what they are and what their function is. Simply put, the term “data center” refers to a physical facility that contains the components that make up information technology infrastructure. In addition to data storage, some data centers also house cloud computing and application hosting services. With so much going on inside, it shouldn’t come as a shock that some of these facilities require a lot of energy.
We know everyone is talking about data centers. We also know there’s a lot of talk about needing more fossil fuels to keep up with the new demand—but this simply isn’t true. There are many innovative ways to use cheaper, cleaner energy to meet new demand.
Here are five of our favorite resources that we’ve written about how to manage electricity demand, create more energy, and to demystify the relationship between our electrical grid and data centers.
1. How Much Energy Do Data Centers Really Use
Traditionally, the majority of energy use from data centers stems from the servers and cooling systems. It was estimated that data centers accounted for between 1.1 and 1.5 percent of global electricity use in 2010. Since then, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and a swell of new network users has further increased the energy demands of data centers.
2. Energy Parks
Energy Parks are a novel idea that seeks to connect multiple renewable energy sources and storage solutions to electricity consumers to the grid at a single point. This method offers an affordable and quick solution to meet rising electricity demand by optimizing the system that we already have in place. Think of this strategy as diversifying your investment portfolio—you wouldn’t just invest in one stock, but in many to ensure stability, safety and growth over time. Energy Parks work similarly, with multiple sources providing reliable energy.
3. Let’s Stop Worrying Over Load Growth And Get Serious About Solutions
Currently, conversations about load growth are from a supply-centered perspective - which reflects the way in which the electricity grid has been designed and operated. In order to have a more efficient and cost-effective conversation about load growth, there needs to be a shift to demand-side solutions. This shift allows for utilities and grid operators to prioritize the consumers and to deliver efficient grid services.
4. Meeting Electricity Demand Without Gas
It’s not just data centers that are causing a spike in electricity demand, United States manufacturing and electrification are also contributing. Nonetheless, the electricity demand can be met through a holistic approach to grid reliability that prioritizes resource efficiency and promoting market solutions that bolster resource adequacy.
5. Data Center Demand Flexibility
In a combination of the previous two reports, this report suggests smart solutions from a demand-side perspective to curb the new load demand from data centers – without resorting to a major gas buildout. Creating more flexible data centers, through internal electricity management, can also integrate them into the grid faster and more efficiently.
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