In data centers for many years, batteries were mainly used as backup power sources to temporarily cover power outages and assist in emergency power systems. At present, operators are assessing battery energy storage systems (BESS) for a wider range of purposes, such as managing peak demand, providing grid services, enhancing power quality, and assisting on-site generation.
This change is prompted by the increasing need for AI infrastructure and the difficulties encountered by utilities in handling substantial loads. Battery storage is proving to be an essential asset in improving flexibility both at the consumer level and for utilities. As storage solutions continue to be investigated for their potential in tackling issues like peak-demand management, grid reliability, and on-site generation assistance, there are still significant obstacles that prevent broader implementation.
These obstacles often involve cost, performance, and intricacy. Virtual Power Plants: Improving Grid Elasticity. DataBank has adopted this change, installing large-scale BESS systems in multiple data centers.
These systems are employed to reduce peak demand and assist grid operations, demonstrating that operators are seeking innovative methods to handle increasing power limitations. Associated: ‘Aligned to Deploy’First-of-its-Kind’ Data Center Battery Storage Project.
DataBank’s BESS systems, consisting of two units, are linked to a virtual power plant, thereby enabling utilities to avoid constructing additional power generation resources and enhancing grid adaptability. According to Jenny Gerson, Senior Director of Sustainability at DataBank, and Eric Swartz, Vice President of Engineering, there is no doubt that energy storage technologies are gaining popularity and utilities are increasingly relying on them.
The advent of AI infrastructure is further intensifying these conversations. While operators seek out novel sources of capacity and utilities face increasing demand from substantial loads, storage is becoming a valuable means of enhancing adaptability on both sides of the meter.
