DCD Zero Downtime: The Bi-Weekly Data Center Show
Episode 45 - Construction and resilience amid power instability with Neal Kalita, NTT GDC
Nov 30, 2023
Neal Kalita discusses obstacles facing data center construction in Europe, including erratic power availability and the need for renewable energy. The conversation explores the power impact of AI, energy usage of crypto mining, and the mindset shift in the data center industry towards sustainability. Also discussed are the importance of smart grids and regulations for sustainable infrastructures.
47:00
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Quick takeaways
- Chronic underinvestment in power infrastructure and the low carbon transition pose challenges for data center construction in Europe, necessitating engagement with communities and stakeholders.
- The German data center law serves as a model for upcoming regulations, highlighting the need to address environmental impact and enforce compliance while considering the impact on data center development and location choices.
Deep dives
Pressure on Power Networks in Europe
The low carbon transition, including the shift to renewables and electrification of heat and transport, is putting significant pressure on power networks in Europe. Chronic underinvestment in infrastructure and network operators has exacerbated the issue. Legislation, such as the German energy efficiency law, is pushing for a social contract that includes heat reuse and transparent reporting of energy utilization. Environmental factors like ambient temperatures and weather patterns pose additional challenges for reducing Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). Building larger data centers and engaging with communities and wider stakeholders are crucial for addressing these power network challenges.
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