Why batteries, not gas plants, should be data centers' first choice
Developers and utilities are building tons of gas generation to power the data center boom. It’s an expansion that could cost them and the rest of us dearly, both in terms of climate change and money that may end up wasted if computing demand fails to materialize. But there’s a
The trend of building gas generation to power data centers is a concerning one, particularly from a climate perspective. As the world shifts towards a more digital economy, the demand for data centers is increasing, but this should not come at the cost of exacerbating climate change. The expansion of gas generation to power these data centers could lead to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which would undermine global efforts to reduce carbon footprint and transition to a low-carbon economy.
The argument that batteries should be the first choice for powering data centers is a compelling one, given the declining costs and increasing efficiency of energy storage technologies. Not only would batteries provide a cleaner source of energy, but they would also offer a more flexible and reliable option for data centers, which require a stable and consistent power supply. Furthermore, investing in batteries would avoid the risk of stranded assets, which could occur if computing demand fails to materialize and gas generation becomes unnecessary.
As the data center industry continues to grow, it will be important to watch how developers and utilities respond to the call to prioritize batteries over gas generation. Policymakers and regulators can also play a crucial role in promoting the adoption of clean energy technologies and discouraging the development of new fossil fuel infrastructure. The outcome of this trend will have significant implications for the climate, and it will be important to monitor the industry's progress towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future.
Originally reported by canarymedia.com. ClimateNews adds analysis for climate & energy readers.