Introduction
Data centers in the US are becoming increasingly important, but they also consume large amounts of electricity. Recently, two data center projects were announced in Michigan and Ohio, with opposing approaches to meeting electricity demand.
Google's Project in Michigan
Google's project in Michigan is notable for its use of renewable energy and its ability to reduce power consumption during periods of high demand. The plan, announced recently, is a partnership with utility company DTE Energy and could serve as a model for providing clean and efficient electricity to a data center.
The proposal includes the construction of 1,600 megawatts of renewable energy projects, 480 megawatts of energy storage, and 300 megawatts of zonal resource credits to have additional grid capacity available from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, the regional grid manager.
SoftBank's Project in Ohio
In contrast, SoftBank's project in Ohio is an example of how data center developers are going in the opposite direction. The project includes the construction of a 9,200-megawatt gas plant, the largest in the country, to meet the electricity demand of the data center.
This approach is being questioned by experts, who argue that the use of cleaner and more efficient energy sources is essential to reduce the carbon footprint of data centers.
Implications and Challenges
The choice between using cleaner energy sources or fossil fuels is a significant challenge for data centers. According to Forest Bradley-Wright, state and utility director for the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Google's announcement is an “important first step” in figuring out how data centers can manage electricity demand.
ACEEE works with data center companies, utilities, and regulators to emphasize energy conservation and flexibility. The organization released a report in February that highlights the opportunities for financial savings when data centers use cleaner and more efficient approaches instead of building fossil fuel power plants.
Conclusion
The data center projects in Michigan and Ohio highlight a contrast in choices about how to meet electricity demand. While Google is investing in renewable energy and demand reduction, SoftBank is building a large gas plant. It is essential that data centers adopt more sustainable and efficient approaches to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner and more energetic future.
Source / Reference: Inside Clean Energy