Mercury Engineering using battery packs to secure energy needs in data centre construction, while Compass uses off-site construction to cut energy needs.
The growth of AI adoption is accelerating the need for data centre construction. With an estimated 72% of organisations implementing some form of AI in day to day operations this year alone, the need for specialised data facilities is urgent.
Access to power is critically important in all forms of data centre construction. If the grid supplier is unable to meet the higher capacity temporary power demands of data centre construction projects then this impacts costs and lead times.
In response to this, some construction companies are exploring the use of battery packs as a potential solution to manage power fluctuations.
One such company is Dublin-based Mercury, a leading European construction solution specialist that manages complex engineering and construction projects for some of the world’s leading corporations, including Amazon and Google.
Mercury Construction on data centre power supplies
Balaji Gunaseelan, M&E Commissioning Manager at Mercury says: “In our journey towards lower-emission construction sites, meticulous power supply designs are vital.
Gunaseelan adds: “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.
“To address this Mercury is exploring battery technology to optimise power generation, reinforcing our commitment to innovative methods and sustainability.
“Data centre projects are often strategically located on the outskirts of cities, adding another layer of complexity to setting up a temporary power supply solution.”
He says that, to mitigate this, the company uses temporary electrical installations, “despite their above-market costs”.
Gunaseelan explains: “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.”
The availability of equipment and trained specialists also adds to the complexities of deploying zero-emission construction sites, and Balaji says collaboration between equipment providers and construction companies “is crucial to ensure a readily available supply”.
“Although our clients are capable of sourcing power from grid connections or dedicated substations, the construction phase introduces unique challenges.
“Critical plant equipment such as boom and scissor lifts and excavators demand about 300kw of electricity during a typical data centre project.”
Offsite construction reduces energy needs
This is also why minimising on-site construction is becoming increasingly important,
Nancy Novak, Chief Innovation Officer at Compass Datacenters, emphasises the importance of offsite construction.
“We need to be thinking in the mindset of manufacturing, where transportation and utilisation of local materials, as well as sustainable materials, is paramount,” she says.
Compass was among the first data centre companies to innovate around modular designs, including prefabrication techniques, off-site manufacturing, integrated supply chain partnerships and much more to build data centres at a speed and at a scale that was unprecedented.
“These innovations allow us to achieve quality and safety that set new standards in the industry,” she adds. “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.”
About Mercury
Mercury is a European leader in construction solutions. It builds and manages complex engineering and construction projects for the world’s leading corporations. Its solutions help deliver technologies and life changing advancements that connect people, communities, and businesses, giving them the power to achieve incredible things.
“Our people have the courage to be innovative,” the company says. “Their determination and sharp focus enable us to deliver with certainty, time and time again.”
About Compass Datacenters
Compass Datacenters is a multinational data centre company that builds and operates hyperscale and cloud data centres.
It is a leader in sustainable data centre design, construction and operation, using prefabricated components and cutting-edge technology to minimise environmental impact.
Compass also offers tailored designs and dedicated buildings and campuses to meet specific requirements.
