To make matters worse, ensuring uninterrupted power for these facilities requires diesel generators, which collectively have the capacity to produce a staggering 20GW of electrical power annually. This reliance on fossil fuels poses a significant challenge to achieving global sustainability goals.
A Bold Solution: Nuclear Power for Data Centres?
Enter the concept of nuclear-powered data centres. Companies like Deep Fission are pioneering small, safer nuclear reactors buried one mile beneath the earth’s surface. These reactors, capable of generating 150MW on a site as small as a quarter-acre, could revolutionise how data centres access reliable, sustainable energy.
In a landmark move, Endeavour Energy has partnered with Deep Fission to develop 2GW of nuclear energy for its global portfolio of Edge data centres. Their goal? Achieve electricity costs of just 5-7 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
The Broader Energy Mix: Wind, Solar, and Hydrogen
While nuclear energy offers immense promise, it’s not the only solution. Wind, solar (PV), and hydrogen-based systems are critical components of the off-grid energy mix. These technologies can complement nuclear power by addressing the diverse needs of data centres worldwide.
Additionally, innovative cooling technologies are transforming energy efficiency. Liquid cooling solutions, for instance, can slash energy consumption by around 50% compared to traditional air-cooling systems. This not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with sustainability targets.
Quantifying the Benefits: Liquid Cooling and Sustainability
At NovAzure, we’ve developed advanced models to compare the energy savings, carbon equivalence, and total cost of ownership (TCO) benefits of liquid cooling technologies versus conventional air cooling. These insights are helping businesses make informed decisions about sustainable data centre operations.
The Future is Now: Are We Ready?
The question remains: Is the idea of nuclear-powered data centres science fiction, or are we witnessing the dawn of a transformative reality? As energy demands soar and sustainability pressures mount, the adoption of innovative solutions like small nuclear reactors, liquid cooling, and renewable energy integration will be essential.
The future of data centres is being written today. Will your organisation be part of the change?
If you’d like to explore how these technologies can reshape your energy strategy, reach out to us at NovAzure. Together, we can power a more sustainable future.
