Why Your Data Center's Biggest Threat Might Be The Power Grid

Data centres are becoming increasingly power-hungry – thanks largely to the increasing number of AI applications. Here's what this rising demand looks like in numbers.

Prior to the AI boom data centres typically relied on CPUs which used about 0.15-0.2kW of power per chip, or 12-16kW per rack.

FURTHER READING:As generative AI asks for more power, data centers seek more reliable, cleaner energy solutions

AI infrastructure typically requires around 60kW per rack. One company even reports customers deploying data centre infrastructure with 100kW per rack.

FURTHER READING:How AI Is Forcing Organizations to Rethink the Data Center

Future power demands may reach 600kW per rack by the end of 2027.

FURTHER READING:Nvidia's Rubin Ultra NVL576 rack expected to be 600kW, coming second half of 2027

THE BIG PICTURE

A report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) suggests the spike in data centre power demand is a recent phenomenon.

According to the report, the number of data centre servers installed increased around 4% annually between 2010-2020. However, data centre electricity demand plateaued during this same period due to increased efficiency in operations. The IEA notes that the plateau is now over as "efficiency improvements have been outpaced by surging demand for data centre services." In 2022, data centre electricity consumption was around 1-1.3% of the global total. Global demand is expected to increase significantly by 2030.

In areas with high concentrations of data centres, electricity consumption is pushed even higher. In Ireland, data centres consumed around 17% of the country’s total electricity in 2022. Meanwhile, data centres in Virginia, United States – home to ‘data centre alley’ – use approximately 26% of the state’s power capacity.

Adding Renewables Into The Mix

As the world moves towards net zero, renewables are on the rise. The IEA expects that in 2025, more than one third of global electricity consumption will come from renewables.

Meanwhile, renewables are also expected to meet around 95% of growth in electricity demand until 2027. Renewables are essential for achieving net zero. However, they also bring challenges for grid stability and may exacerbate challenges of meeting data centre power demands. To avoid power outages, electricity grids need to operate at a particular frequency – measured in hertz (Hz).

In the United States, the electricity grid operates at 60Hz. Meanwhile, grids in the United Kingdom and Europe operate at 50Hz. Maintaining grid stability requires inertia – stored energy ready to be deployed in case of power fluctuations. Traditionally, inertia came in abundance in fossil fuel-based electricity grids. However, renewables like solar and wind are time-dependent. In short, you don’t always know when the sun will shine or the wind will blow. This means there is less certainty in maintaining inertia – potentially decreasing overall grid stability. A sudden increase or decrease in wind or solar may lead to an imbalance in grid frequency – increasing the risk of power outages. Nonetheless, there are numerous grid-level solutions to help mitigate this risk – fast frequency response (FFR) and grid-forming inverters being just two examples.

How Data Centres Can Mitigate The Risks Of Power Outages

Avoiding data centre downtime means avoiding financial and reputational damage. According to the Uptime Institute Annual Outage Analysis 2024:

‘Power Issues are consistently the most common cause of serious and severe data centre outages’

The report also notes that the most severe instances of downtime in 2023 cost:
• More than $1 million according to 16% of data centres surveyed
• More than $100,000 according to 54% of data centres surveyed

Protecting Your Data Centre With A Reliable Battery Backup UPS

Data centre power demands are increasing thanks to AI. Meanwhile, electricity generation globally is increasingly reliant on renewables. For data centre operators, you could say these two combined factors have created something of a "perfect power storm." A reliable battery backup UPS is essential for weathering the storm. In short, you need batteries which work when called upon. DataSafe® thin-plate-pure-lead (TPPL) batteries offer a long-life and reliable solution which help your data centre meet sustainability goals.

“BATTERY PERFORMANCE HINGES ON MULTIPLE FACTORS. WITH COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING, DATA CENTRE PROFESSIONALS CAN IDENTIFY AND RESOLVE ISSUES EARLY—SAVING COSTS AND AVOIDING DOWNTIME.”

John Kim, Director of Technical Marketing Energy Solutions

You get batteries which:

• Operate effectively in a Partial State of Charge (PSoC).
• Offer enhanced recyclability – helping you meet ESG goals and regulations.
• Are low maintenance.

In short, you can mitigate power uncertainties and avoid costly downtime.

Start securing your power infrastructure today.

Getting the most out of your batteries: what your staff need to know

SPECIFYING
Incorrect battery specification can lead to overspending or underperformance. Precise specification can help ensure better ROI and long-term reliability.

INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING
Prior to installation, battery units must be stored in a clean, cool, and dry area. Failure to do so can lead to self-discharge – reducing storage life. During the installation process, use of correct tools, performing of appropriate commissioning charges, among other procedures are imperative. The ideal location in which to install batteries must account for temperature, ventilation, security, mounting, and other factors.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Failure to properly operate and maintain batteries can lead to premature battery deterioration. Accidental deep discharge is just one example of something which can go wrong. Keeping of correct maintenance records, as well as correct charging and discharging rates are essential.

DISPOSAL
Data centre batteries must be disposed of in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. Failure to dispose of batteries properly at the end-of-life stage – e.g. to go through proper procedures for recycling – could result in failure to meet relevant ESG targets and regulations.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

All the above and more is covered in our free CIBSE-accredited battery training sessions across the UK (Equivalent training is available in the United States through which participants can gain Professional Development Hours (PDH)). Get in touch with the EnerSys UK and European sales team to register your interest. Use the subject line ‘CIBSE-accredited training course’ in your inquiry.

Inquire about our free CIBSE-accredited battery training sessions 

As part of the course, you will receive:

• An interactive in-person session delivered as a ‘lunch & learn’ (free lunch included)
• Training on battery applications in various industries (data centre, industrial, etc.) from an EnerSys industry professional
• A CIBSE-accredited certificate (counts towards your CIBSE CPD requirement)

Please note that all courses also cover battery applications for purposes other than data centres.

“PROPER TRAINING ENSURES UPS BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEMS DELIVER OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE. OUR CIBSE-ACCREDITED COURSE ADAPTS TO DIFFERENT NEEDS—CONSULTANTS FOCUS ON SPECIFYING, WHILE END-USERS MASTER FAULT RESOLUTION.”

Dr Thomas Verghese, Business Development Manager, Industrial and Systems

Learn more about innovations for data centers by contacting your local EnerSys Sales Representative.

About EnerSys

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