The Data Center Frontier Show
Meeting Energy Demand for Data Centers with Distributed Energy Resources and Small Modular Reactors
Feb 20, 2025
Adib Nasli, Co-founder and CEO of Zendee, discusses the growing energy demands of data centers, particularly due to AI advancements. He explores how Microgrids and Distributed Energy Resources can relieve pressure from traditional grids. Nasli emphasizes the future role of Small Modular Reactors in providing reliable energy with a low carbon footprint. He also shares insights on optimizing energy investments, achieving massive operational cost reductions, and showcasing real-world examples from Santa Clara and Ashburn that illustrate these innovative solutions.
29:07
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Quick takeaways
- Microgrids with Distributed Energy Resources provide an effective way to reduce reliance on centralized grids, enhancing energy resiliency for data centers.
- Small Modular Reactors are anticipated to play a crucial role in meeting the baseload energy demands of data centers in the near future.
Deep dives
The Need for Distributed Energy Resources
The current energy demands for data centers are outpacing the capabilities of the existing utility grid, which is unable to deliver necessary upgrades in a timely manner. Upgrading the grid infrastructure can take 7 to 15 years, while the need for immediate energy solutions is critical for the evolving technology landscape, especially with the rise of AI. Co-located distributed energy systems and microgrids present an efficient alternative by providing power directly at the data center site, enhancing both resiliency and cybersecurity. These systems can address electrical and thermal needs concurrently, making them essential for the future-proofing of hyperscale data centers.
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