How Aligned Data Centers is using batteries to speed up grid connection

📢 LIVE TODAY - A surging demand for energy, fueled by data center consumption and electrification, is putting a significant strain on existing systems: https://lnkd.in/ezurFV_V Join Marco Simiano, GE Vernova and Micalah S. to gain insight into how utilities can modernize aging infrastructure, navigate regulatory constraints, and shape the energy mix, while building a grid that is resilient not just technically, but also operationally and organizationally. #energy #infrastructure

⚡ A glimpse of the data-centre grid of the future. Energy storage is fast becoming a policy tool as much as a technical one. Across advanced economies, grid bottlenecks are slowing down data-centre and industrial investment. Yet the emerging solution isn’t just more wires, it’s storage-enabled grid connection, where batteries bridge the gap and allow projects to connect years sooner while supporting grid stability. A recent example in Oregon, a 31 MW / 62 MWh battery deployed by Aligned Data Centers and Calibrant Energy, is a first-of-its-kind demonstration of this principle: using storage to provide capacity, reliability and flexibility in lieu of new substation or transmission build-out. With the storage asset, the data centre is able to connect years ahead of schedule. The policy takeaway: Regulators and grid operators increasingly need to treat storage as infrastructure, not just a market participant. Storage can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional grid reinforcement: accelerating connection queues, cutting curtailment, and improving resilience as electrification grows. And the biggest opportunity lies ahead with Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES). While short-duration systems (4–8 h) can bridge short peaks, LDES (capable of delivering for tens of hours or even days) can fully decouple new load growth from grid-build timelines. That means: Data-centres and large-scale compute can connect faster and more reliably Transmission upgrades can be prioritised more strategically Power systems can integrate higher shares of renewables without compromising adequacy Short-duration batteries show what’s possible. LDES will scale it into policy reality: unlocking faster connections, deeper decarbonisation, and more resilient infrastructure. #EnergyStorage #LDES #Infrastructure #DataCenters #GridFlexibility #Policy #CleanEnergy #AI

Federal push for standardized large-load (including co-located generation) interconnection could be a game changer if adopted, it could also create interconnection process chaos...   In a groundbreaking move, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has formally directed FERC to initiate rulemaking for large-load interconnections (>20 MW), a first-of-its-kind effort to bring major electricity consumers like AI data centers, industrial hubs, and hybrid energy generation sites under a federal framework.   The proposal aims to standardize how large loads connect to the interstate grid and ensure transparency, reliability, and non-discriminatory access. Notably, renewables-powered and hybrid facilities are fully included, marking a major step toward integrated grid planning.   If enacted, this could reshape the federal-state balance in electricity regulation and redefine how the next generation of high-demand and hybrid-powered projects connect to the grid.   #AI #Energy

Data centers, facing growing electricity demands, are testing innovative solutions to ease the strain on the U.S. power grid. Voltus "bring your own capacity" plan is at the forefront, offering a model where data centers incentivize utility customers to cut power usage during peak times. This approach maintains data processing while relieving grid pressure, presenting an attractive alternative as data center construction increases and grid connection waits lengthen. Voltus, a leader in virtual power plants (VPPs), collaborates with data center developers like Cloverleaf Infrastructure provide faster, cost-effective energy solutions compared to traditional infrastructure builds. Although promising, this model faces hurdles, including utility reluctance to embrace VPPs as a primary power source, indicating a need for strategic operational shifts to support such collaborations. The success of this initiative could reshape energy management in the data center sector, promoting sustainable energy practices while addressing rising demand. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gD5Ua_St #ClimateTech #EnergyTransition #VirtualPowerPlants #Decarbonized — The Decarbonized team.

As Big Tech ramps up construction and U.S. data center energy consumption heads toward as much as 12% of national electricity use by 2028, the stakes are rising fast. AI-driven data center growth is pushing the U.S. grid to its limits, and a new report warns that proposed “flexible power” agreements could leave utility customers footing a multibillion-dollar bill. Find out why the next phase of AI infrastructure could reshape energy policy: https://lnkd.in/etjrAUA8 #AI #Energy #Technology

“Data Centers’ ‘Flexible Power’ Plan Could Cost Utility Customers Billions” “The report concluded that the only way to prevent other consumers from bearing the costs of data center growth is for these large users to build power plants capable of generating their own electricity.”

CPower's record year — providing 38 gigawatt-hours of support to the U.S. grid so far — marks a defining moment for Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). As CEO Michael Smith told Latitude Media: “VPPs are having a bit of a moment right now. We’ve been doing this for a long time, but finally you’re seeing the recognition that this is a hugely important piece of the energy transition puzzle.   ”From helping utilities meet rising demand to enabling the next generation of data centers, our intelligent, distributed energy platform is proving what’s possible when technology and partnership come together to strengthen the grid."   Read more from Latitude Media: https://lnkd.in/e_UBHSpf   #EnergyTransition #VirtualPowerPlants #GridReliability

The utility grid is struggling to accommodate gigawatt-scale data centers. This was highlighted by Michael Stadler, CTO of Xendee, in the latest episode of Clean Power Hour. The core issue lies not in energy availability, but in power delivery. AI data centers require between 1-10 gigawatts of power around the clock. Unfortunately, utility interconnection queues can extend up to 5-10 years, and the aging US grid is already at capacity in many areas where these facilities seek to establish themselves. A viable solution is the implementation of microgrids that integrate natural gas combined heat and power (CHP) systems, batteries, and solar energy. CHP units not only generate electricity but also utilize waste heat to power absorption chillers for cooling, significantly reducing overall electricity demand. Michael explains how Xendee assists developers in sizing these systems, optimizing the technology mix, and deploying control strategies that enhance savings. The platform also models growth over time, indicating when to incorporate new technologies as facilities expand. For a deeper understanding of why microgrids have become essential for large-scale development, watch the full conversation here. https://lnkd.in/dG9MHC3Z #CleanEnergy #Microgrids #DataCenters

In this episode of @CleanPowerHour Tim Montague discusses one of the best solutions for powering #DataCenters in any US State. Thanks to @MichaelStadler of Xendee for explaining how #Microgrids can be set up to power #DateCenters and reduce the wait time: "Michael explains how Xendee assists developers in sizing these systems, optimizing the technology mix, and deploying control strategies that enhance savings. The platform also models growth over time, indicating when to incorporate new technologies as facilities expand..."

Own the Energy. Monetize the Data. America’s grid isn’t breaking. It’s being outgrown. Christopher Johnson’s piece, “Why Data Centers Are Breaking Up with Traditional Power Utilities,” captures the reality we see every day. • Data centers can’t wait 5 to 7 years for grid hookups. • Utilities can’t deliver firm capacity for 99.999% uptime. • Electricity markets are too cheap to fund new generation. The smartest operators are taking power into their own hands. At Flux Core, we are building for this new era where compute no longer waits on interconnection queues or outdated utility models. Our modular, solar and battery powered data centers deploy behind the meter, delivering clean, firm, and flexible power in under 18 months. This is not theory. It is the new industrial reality. AI training sites are the new factories. And every factory needs its own power source. The next generation of data infrastructure will not be defined by square footage or megawatts. It will be defined by energy sovereignty and by who controls the switch. That is the revolution we are building. Read the full piece by Christopher Johnson here: Why Data Centers Are Breaking Up with Traditional Power Utilities https://lnkd.in/eqRVVSJc #FluxCore #EdgeComputing #AIInfrastructure #Microgrids #EnergyTransition #DataCenters #SustainableCompute #OffGridPower #BehindTheMeter #EnergySovereignty #SolarStorage #AIRevolution #OwnTheEnergy #MonetizeTheData