How can battery energy storage systems help data centers?

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) can help ensure reliable uptime for data centers while supporting sustainability goals. Image: Alamy Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are emerging as a key technology to help data centers navigate the twin challenges of soaring power demand and sustainability.

Why do data centers need energy storage?

Backup Power: In the event of an outage, BESS can provide backup power to keep data centers operational, minimizing downtime and data loss. As data center developers face the newer challenges of AI and the processing needs of larger applications, energy storage will play an increasing role in providing reliability and sustainability.

What is a battery storage project?

Battery storage projects have a smaller footprint than other energy resources, making for higher energy density and more siting flexibility. Modular battery units are then delivered in blocks, minimizing onsite labor and enabling phased construction alongside expanding data center campuses.

How much energy does a data center use?

By some estimates, data center energy demands are projected to consume as much as 9% of US annual electricity generation by the year 2030. As much as 40% of data center total annual energy consumption is related to the cooling systems, which can also use a great deal of water.

Should data centres rethink battery energy storage?

Add to this the serious issue of battery waste and the toxic process of recycling them and it is clear that now is the time for data centres to take another look at their power supply, sourcing more environmentally safe, longer-term solutions. In today’s world, battery energy storage has a far broader - and more crucial - role to play.

Are data centers a sustainability challenge?

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), power demand is set to grow nearly 4% annually through 2027 – equivalent to adding Japan’s total electricity consumption to the grid each year. Data centers are responsible for a growing share of global power use, and this trajectory raises important sustainability challenges.