Tuesday, October 29
Breakout C:
Evolution of Data Centers, Grids & Energy Assets

Electricity is the life blood of a Data Centers (DCs). As DC’s electricity demand grows, so has the ask for renewable energy (RE).  Energy providers/utilities accommodate RE intermittent generation with fast start resources and transmission to balance the grid.  DC’s employ an energy insurance policy in the form of generators and batteries (UPS) which are underutilized/stranded assets.  With coordination these stranded resources can be monetized by DC operators and utilities.  Black Hills Corp (BHC) has partnered with a hyper scale DC operator to leverage fast start natural gas generators in terms of tariffs and utility operations.   As BHC builds wind generation and accommodates DC growth, fast start natural gas generators are a solution benefitting both DC and grid operators.