T H E E D G E
Danel Turk , Data Centres Portfolio Manager at ABB
BESS
In chasing scalability , sustainability goals are increasingly crucial – given the environmental impacts of traditional energy sources like diesel gensets .
Battery Energy Storage Systems ( BESS ) facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind , though this is typically solar in most data centres . Stored excess energy can be utilised later , offering grid services like load shifting and frequency response . This integration can also open up new revenue streams through utility give-back schemes during peak demands and fortify negotiations with energy providers .
Invest in SF6-free equipment
With regulations looming around equipment containing sulfur hexafluoride ( SF6 ) due to its heavily radiative properties as a greenhouse gas , transitioning to SF6-free technology is critical . The European Union has strengthened regulations in a significant shift from its stance five years ago , and the timeline for its ongoing phase-out of SF6 in Medium Voltage applications across electrical manufacturers varies by country . These accompany a global trend which is expected to intensify and persist into the future .
The TCO mindset
Adopting a Total Cost of Ownership ( TCO ) mindset is crucial for data centre managers . This approach evaluates both direct and indirect lifetime costs of assets , providing a holistic view of expenditure that emphasises longterm operational savings . By investing in energy-efficient technologies , data centres can realise significant cost reductions and lower emissions over the asset ’ s lifecycle .
As AI and digital services continue to expand exponentially , proactively pursuing the aforementioned solutions will ensure that power demand is managed and responded to effectively . �
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