A recent survey reveals that in the eyes of the corporate data center sector, the future rests on renewable energy. 84% of survey respondents feel that they need to look at renewable energy such as solar and wind, to supply their future energy needs. The poll data was collected by Mortenson survey from corporate data center executives, developers and operators, and Information Technology providers in the recently concluded 2014 Data Center World Conference.
Energy represents the biggest cost for data centers. They use power for their operations as well as their cooling needs. Using delicate computer systems and hardware, these data centers need to properly maintain the right conditions for proper processing of information.
Data center works to improve power usage efficiency
Since their functions are heavily dependent on the currency of the information they process, these data centers need to be sure that their power supply is steady and stable.
With the latest focus on protecting the environment, they also need their power supply to be clean and green.
In reality, one of the main things that data center operators are thinking of changing about their power supply is to increase its energy efficiency. The survey reveals that half of the survey respondents also believe a better Power Usage Efficiency can be achieved through improved technologies.
“Worldwide data usage continues to grow, which requires more infrastructure and power to support it, so it’s vital that we leverage innovation to help balance energy demand and supply,” says Scott Ganske, director of operations for Mortenson’s Mission Critical Group.
New clean energy resource direction to be eco-friendly and cost-effective
Currently, there are several promising new technologies that can increase energy efficiency in the following years. This will make any new form of renewable energy not just eco-friendly but more economical as well.
For instance, the costs of solar panels and PV systems are steadily dropping, at the same time that their energy efficiencies are increasing. Currently their prices are 40 per cent less than before. These factors make them very adaptive to the needs of data center operators.
In the case of wind power, their costs have decreased by 58 per cent. These positive developments in renewables make them more cost-competitive with traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels and natural gas.
With their increasing availability, their part in supplying energy demands of homes and businesses will rapidly increase.
Big businesses invest in renewable enegry PPAs as clean energy flourishes
Take the example of wind farms.; currently, these farms generate around 50% of the power, up from just about 35 per cent in 2007.
Because of this, a number of leading technology companies in the United States have been investing in power purchase agreements (PPAs), with wind energy farms to ensure long term stability of their energy prices.
As a matter of interest, Mortenson, the survey conductor, has constructed a number of wind farms in Illinois, Iowa and Texas, which are part of these PPA contracts.
Mortenson’s survey also covered other issues such as the current and future use of Data Center Information Management (DCIM), leasing versus owning facilities, LEED trends, and growth expectations.
Photo by: Bart Speelman on Flickr
