Datacenters selling power back to the grid? Don’t bet on it, say operators
Datacenters have been experimenting with the idea of selling power back to the grid, especially with some interesting initiatives in Dublin. However, operators warn that this concept is riddled with challenges that make it unlikely to be adopted widely, beyond a few trial projects. The reliance on battery energy storage systems (BESS) to supply power during peak demand isn’t as straightforward as it sounds.
Key Points
- Operators claim that feeding power back to the grid from datacenters is complex and costly, likely limiting it to a few trials.
- “Grid-interactive” datacenters rely on battery energy storage systems to stabilise power during peak periods.
- Efforts in Dublin are notable, with companies like Microsoft and Digital Realty conducting trials, but these are not easily replicable elsewhere.
- Many datacenters lack the necessary infrastructure to sell excess power back to the grid efficiently.
- The distribution grid poses significant hurdles, with many areas facing connection delays and capacity issues.
Why should I read this?
If you’re curious about the future of datacenters and energy, this article cuts through the hype around datacenters selling power back to the grid. It provides a realistic view of the feasibility of these projects, highlighting the technical and financial challenges. If you want to stay informed about energy strategies in the tech industry, this insight is definitely worth your time!