Battery Storage Fills Power Gap in Data Centre Construction
The power requirements of data centre construction projects are creating challenges for builders, as grid suppliers struggle to meet temporary high-capacity demands during the construction phase.
To confront this, Mercury Engineering, a Dublin-based construction firm that delivers complex engineering projects for technology firms including Amazon and Google, is implementing battery storage solutions to address power supply issues during construction.
The growth in AI adoption is increasing pressure on data centre construction timelines. An estimated 72% of organisations are implementing AI in their operations this year, driving demand for specialised data facilities.
"In our journey towards lower-emission construction sites, meticulous power supply designs are vital," says Balaji Gunaseelan, M&E Commissioning Manager at Mercury Engineering.
Pioneering battery storage solutions
"The deployment of multiple chargers on-site often necessitates oversized generators to sustain peak loads, leading to challenges such as higher emissions, increased fuel consumption, and noise pollution," Balaji explains.
The firm's exploration of battery technology aims to optimise power generation at construction sites, which typically require 300 kilowatts of electricity to operate essential equipment such as boom lifts, scissor lifts and excavators.
Data centre construction sites are frequently positioned away from urban centres, which creates additional complications for power supply. Mercury Engineering addresses this through temporary electrical installations, despite their higher costs.
"These installations, commissioned at the project's onset and decommissioned upon its completion, can significantly affect project timelines, and necessitate a sophisticated approach to managing power supply logistics," Balaji says.
The availability of specialist equipment and trained personnel remains an obstacle in developing zero-emission construction sites. Equipment providers and construction firms must coordinate to ensure sufficient supply of necessary resources.
Balaji adds: "Although our clients are capable of sourcing power from grid connections or dedicated substations, the construction phase introduces unique challenges."
Reducing data centre carbon emissions
The construction sector's shift towards sustainable practices requires coordination between multiple stakeholders. Equipment manufacturers must ensure availability of specialised machinery, while construction firms need to train personnel in new methodologies.
The availability of specialist equipment and trained personnel remains an obstacle in developing zero-emission construction sites. Equipment providers and construction firms must coordinate to ensure sufficient supply of necessary resources.
Balaji adds: "Although our clients are capable of sourcing power from grid connections or dedicated substations, the construction phase introduces unique challenges."
Reducing data centre carbon emissions
The construction sector's shift towards sustainable practices requires coordination between multiple stakeholders. Equipment manufacturers must ensure availability of specialised machinery, while construction firms need to train personnel in new methodologies.
Mercury Engineering's approach to power supply logistics involves detailed planning of temporary electrical installations. These installations must be capable of supporting construction equipment while maintaining reliability throughout the project lifecycle.
The company's exploration of battery technology represents a step towards reducing reliance on traditional power sources during construction. This initiative aligns with industry efforts to decrease carbon emissions in data centre construction.
"These innovations allow us to achieve quality and safety that set new standards in the industry," explains Nancy Novak, Chief Innovation Officer at Compass Datacenters. "Collectively, they help us build this critical infrastructure at a pace that has made us a go-to partner for the world's largest cloud and hyperscale companies."
Hyperscale modular construction innovation
Compass Datacenters, a firm that constructs and operates hyperscale and cloud computing facilities, is tackling energy challenges through off-site construction methods.
The company utilises modular design techniques that incorporate prefabrication and off-site manufacturing to reduce on-site power requirements during the construction phase. This approach was pioneered by Compass, which developed these methods to accelerate construction timelines.
The modular approach involves manufacturing standardised components in controlled factory environments, which are then transported to the construction site for assembly. This method reduces the power demands typically associated with traditional on-site construction.
Nancy says: "We need to be thinking in the mindset of manufacturing, where transportation and utilisation of local materials, as well as sustainable materials, is paramount."
The company's modular construction techniques encompass prefabrication methods, off-site manufacturing, and integrated supply chain partnerships. These innovations enable Compass to construct data centres for cloud computing providers and hyperscale operators.
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