Intelligent Data Centres Issue 36 | Page 23

INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE POWERED BY THE DCA mechanisms , businesses are rewarded financially for their contribution .
Participation in FFR and DR programmes can be facilitated with an onsite Battery Energy Storage System ( BESS ) or even their UPS systems . Large energy users with a BESS can switch to battery power to support grid stability when demand is high and generate revenue from the flexibility markets . Businesses looking at energy use holistically can make informed decisions about deploying a BESS which can result in lower electricity bills , improve sustainability across their supply chain and avoid disruptions to daily operations .
Holistic energy management
Planning a new data centre is undoubtedly complex , but findings such as the 2021 CRU directions for future data development in Ireland , ensure that new facility developers consider location and their relationship with the grid long before construction and operation begins .
For many organisations , energy is a major cost item and yet management of it is not a core competence . Working with a skilled energy management partner ensures that appropriate plans and technology are in place to satisfy regulatory demands now and in the future . It also helps large energy users like data centres to thrive and become good grid citizens . Expert support can help to monetise the flexibility of energy assets , reduce costs through DR and onsite energy storage and generation and implement other efficiency measures like power purchase agreements . It can also help to incorporate installation and management of electric vehicle infrastructure , utility bill management and decarbonisation road-mapping .
A data centre can develop a holistic energy strategy that contributes to grid stability and emissions reductions targets while improving resiliency and risk management , especially with respect to compliance and market exposure . By creating a more sustainable energy ecosystem for energy companies , grid operators and data centres alike , all parties can build value together in a sustainable way . ◊
Flexibility is becoming increasingly important in the management of our energy supply . www . intelligentdatacentres . com
23