Episode 47 - Hydrogen data centers get real, with Yuval Bachar, ECL
Jan 11, 2024
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Yuval Bachar, an expert in building off-grid, hydrogen-powered data centers, discusses his latest project of building a 1MW capacity data center fed by hydrogen. He highlights the benefits of off-grid data centers including quick construction, no long waits for power distribution, and no struggles with diesel permits. The podcast covers topics such as sustainable construction using 3D printing, heat generation and reuse in microgrids and data centers, potential uses for clean water generated by the data center, converting existing buildings into data centers, and the transformation of a storage warehouse into a green data center.
ECL has developed a fully sustainable data center running on hydrogen as a microgrid, offering a competitive alternative to grid power with hydrogen prices that beat 60-70% of grid prices.
ECL emphasizes the importance of converting existing structures into advanced data centers, creating a homogeneous environment for data centers and extending the life of buildings.
Deep dives
Creating Sustainable Data Centers for the Future
ECL has developed a fully sustainable data center running on hydrogen as a microgrid, operating at high levels of performance and efficiency. The data center eliminates the need for diesel generators and UPS systems and uses a flexible power distribution and cooling system. It offers a competitive alternative to grid power with hydrogen prices that beat 60-70% of grid prices. Additionally, the data center can be deployed within eight months, significantly faster than traditional data centers.
Converting Existing Buildings into Advanced Data Centers
ECL emphasizes the importance of converting existing structures, such as warehouses, into advanced data centers, rather than relying solely on 3D printing. By repurposing underutilized real estate, ECL can create highly sustainable data centers with minimal construction. The company offers a cost-effective solution that extends the life of buildings, creating a homogeneous environment for data centers, regardless of size or type.
Hydrogen as a Sustainable Energy Source
ECL utilizes hydrogen as the primary energy source for its data centers. It sources hydrogen either through pipelines or by on-site refueling. The hydrogen economy is evolving globally, offering green, blue, and gray hydrogen options. With hydrogen-based power generation, ECL drastically reduces the carbon footprint of its data centers, even when utilizing non-green hydrogen. Emission reductions of up to 80% compared to grid power can be achieved, making hydrogen an environmentally superior option for data centers.
Contributing to Sustainability and Community Integration
ECL's focus on sustainability extends beyond energy sources. The data center delivers zero-emission operation, uses recyclable concrete, and reduces water consumption through closed-loop cooling systems. The company also fulfills community needs by distributing excess water for irrigation and providing distilled water to hospitals and labs. ECL presents its data centers as community-integrated solutions that offer social and environmental benefits alongside profitability and lower total cost of ownership for customers.
At the start of 2023, Yuval Bachar told us about his latest project - to build off-grid, hydrogen-powered data centers. As 2023 came to an end, he was back to tell us he'd done it.
He's got 1MW of capacity fed by hydrogen in Mountain View California, and he's telling potential customers he can build the same thing anywhere you can get hydrogen shipped by pipe or tanker.
He's keen on the benefits. No long waits for power distribution, no struggles getting permits for diesel. And the building is quick and cheap too. He can make them with a 3D concrete printer - which incidentally is environmentally better than tilt-up building, he says.
He picked up the Environmental Impact prize at this year's DCD Awards, and joined the podcast to give us some more details on what he has done.... and what's coming next
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