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Data Center World 2024

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Navigating the Path to Hourly 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy in Data Centers: Strategies, Solutions, and Case Studies

David Miller  (VP of Business Development , Gridmatic)

Raj Chudgar  (Chief Power Officer , EdgeConnex)

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Track: Sustainability Strategies, from Power to Recycling

Session Type: Conference Session

Vault Recording: TBD

Audience Level: All Audiences

What does it actually take to achieve 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy (CFE), the new sustainability high mark set by tech industry leaders including Google and Microsoft? 24/7 CFE calls for the goal of matching facilities with 100% clean power on an hour-for-hour basis, a challenge that demands data center operators go beyond merely scaling renewables or relying on Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).

This talk will review the practical approaches available to data center operators to achieve hourly CFE, along with the benefits and weaknesses of each. David Miller, VP of Business Development at Gridmatic, and Anand Ramesh, SVP of Advanced Technology at EdgeConneX, will explore the opportunities and challenges associated with optimizing a facility's energy usage via battery storage, onsite generation, and flexible management technologies. As a case study, Miller and Ramesh will also review the implementation and first-year results of a 24/7 CFE project at a data center in ERCOT using AI-based optimization to enable time-matching of carbon-free energy. The lessons learned will include assessing grid mix, challenges with multiple meters and meter data latency, and coordination between the utility and other energy providers.

Takeaway

  • Attendees will learn how the shortcomings of RECs are driving a growing number of companies to commit to 24/7 Carbon-free Energy.
  • Attendees will learn the various practical approaches to 24/7 CFE, including building onsite energy generation, contracting with offsite generation using Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), and working with a CFE Manager.
  • Attendees will learn the steps of implementing 24/7 CFE, including setting a goal that is right for a given facility, examining hourly consumption, and anticipating future increases or decreases.
  • Attendees will gain lessons learned in coordinating between the data center, energy supplier, and utility to ensure operators achieve their energy goals.