This Hyperscale Data Center Developer Thinks About Power Differently
Power generation veteran Clift Pompee and Compass Datacenters are rethinking energy strategies to address AI-driven demand and power constraints.
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Compass Datacenters, a hyperscale data centre developer, is taking an innovative approach to address the growing power demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres. Led by Clift Pompee, a power generation veteran with 23 years of utility industry experience, the company is championing a collaborative model between data centres and utilities.
As AI advancements drive the proliferation of energy-intensive data centres, traditional power supply methods are being challenged. Pompee, now VP of Power & Emissions at Compass, brings his extensive background in power generation and low-carbon technologies to tackle these challenges.
The company’s “co-serve” model emphasises active partnership in planning, risk-sharing, and capital costs. This approach aims to alleviate the burden on residential ratepayers when utilities invest in large-scale infrastructure projects for data centres. Compass advocates for data centre developers to contribute to upfront costs, such as feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments.
Compass is also exploring creative solutions to power constraints. These include:
1. Flexible rate structures for large load customers
2. Utilising emergency backup generators for peak shaving
3. Investigating alternative fuel sources like hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO)
4. Exploring the potential for data centres to shift IT workloads in response to grid demand signals
The company believes that data centre developers can play a crucial role in infrastructure development, leveraging their flexibility to deploy capital more efficiently than regulated utilities. This could help accelerate timelines for transmission line and substation construction.
Pompee stresses the importance of realistic load ramp and shape discussions between utilities and data centre companies. This collaborative approach aims to bridge the communication gap and set realistic expectations for power needs and availability.
As the industry grapples with the challenges of AI-driven power demand, Compass Datacenters’ innovative strategies offer a glimpse into potential solutions. By fostering closer cooperation between utilities and data centre developers, the company aims to create a more sustainable and efficient approach to powering the digital future.
Source: Power Engineering
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