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An Obstacle to Data Center Sustainability? Outdated Power Infrastructure
It’s been said before – data centers are huge energy guzzlers, even as they release vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Efforts are underway in an attempt to bring sustainability to these buildings and measure their activities. But a recent CBRE-published article outlined one challenge faced by U.S. data centers in their move to renewable energy power: Outdated power lines. Adding to the problem are the ongoing delays in the planning and permitting processes for new transmission and distribution projects. Then there are the supply chain bottlenecks related to this industry.
All of this means that “upgrading transmission lines can take as long as three years, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,” the article said.
Now for some positive news. The report did outline regional data center markets that are attempting to solve the above-mentioned energy distribution issues.
In Northern Virginia (which CBRE dubbed the largest data center market), utilities provider Dominion Energy is supporting customers’ sustainability goals and renewable energy objectives, as issued by the Virginia Clean Economy Act. To meet that goal, Dominion Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan includes over 5,000 MW of offshore wind, over 14,000 MW of solar and 2,700 MW of storage available by 2037.
Meanwhile, Dallas-Fort Worth, a top location for data development, is in the heart of a state that is known for oil and gas production. But Texas is also advanced in wind and solar development, producing about 26% of all U.S. wind-powered electricity. Furthermore, Texas Senate Bill 1281 is paving the way for new transmission line products. And ERCOT, the state’s independent energy grid, is providing incentives for improving power transmission and distribution.
In Silicon Valley, many substation power sites won’t be on line until at least 2029. This could be longer, because the grid capacity is maxed out in Santa Clara, CA. But the Silicon Valley Power, which serves Santa Clara, is committed to eventually procuring new energy only from renewable and/or greenhouse-gas-free sources by 2045.
Finally, Central Washington is known for its hydroelectric power supply, but the regional power supply in Grant County is approaching capacity. However, the county is moving forward on plans for 230 kV infrastructure upgrades and a new 230 kV transmission line, which are expected to be completed by late 2028. Additionally, Grant PUD, the local utility provider in Quincy, WA, is considering new forms of carbon-free generation like nuclear energy, hydrogen and solar power plants and more wind power plants.
- ◦Development
