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The future of data centers is increasingly shaped by the evolution of energy technologies, both on-site and off-site. Rising demand, coupled with grid reliability challenges and escalating energy costs, has driven operators to adopt local energy solutions to ensure continuous service. Common strategies include battery energy storage systems (BESS) and natural gas or alternate-fuel generators, often deployed as primary backup or supplementary power sources. While these systems enhance resilience, they also introduce new safety considerations, particularly the potential for blast and fire hazards that could compromise operational continuity.
This paper examines typical on-site power solutions currently implemented in data centers and evaluates the associated quantitative risks. The analysis integrates hazard identification with probabilistic risk assessment to characterize the likelihood and consequences of accidental explosions or fires originating from BESS units, fuel storage, pipelines or generator systems. In addition, the paper explores the structural response of data center enclosures to representative blast scenarios, highlighting vulnerabilities in modular and conventional designs. By bridging energy resiliency strategies with hazard and structural performance assessments, the study provides a framework for balancing reliability with safety. The findings aim to inform data center stakeholders on risk-informed decision making for future energy-integrated infrastructure.