Data Centres Turn to Hydrogen for a Greener Power Solution
Global, Wednesday, 5 March 2025.
In an effort to reduce carbon footprints, data centres are testing hydrogen as a primary energy source. This shift promises improved power reliability—plus, no more environmental guilt when binge-watching your favourite series!
Power Demands Surge
I’ve been tracking how data centers are transforming their energy landscape, and the numbers are staggering. Global electricity consumption is projected to grow at nearly 4% annually through 2027 [4]. What’s really caught my attention is how tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are leading this charge - they spent more on AI and data centers in 2023 than the entire US oil and gas sector, accounting for 0.5% of US GDP [4].
Hydrogen Success Story
Let me share an exciting breakthrough in this space. Bloom Energy’s collaboration with Equinix has just hit a remarkable milestone, surpassing 100 MW of electricity capacity across US data centers [2]. What started as a modest 1 MW pilot in Silicon Valley back in 2015 has now expanded to power 19 data centers across six states with cleaner, reliable onsite power [2]. It’s like watching a small sapling grow into a mighty oak!
The Premium Power Play
Technology companies were the top clean energy buyers in 2024, and here’s what makes this interesting - they’re willing to prioritize reliability over cost [1]. This ability to pay premium prices for energy solutions is making data centers an ideal testing ground for hydrogen fuel cell technology [1]. It’s a bit like having a premium subscription to ensure your favorite streaming service never buffers!
Future-Proofing Power
The industry isn’t putting all its eggs in one basket, though. I’m seeing a fascinating mix of energy solutions emerging. In Canada, for instance, Kineticor and Pembina are developing the Greenlight Electricity Centre, with potential capacity reaching 1,800 MW [5]. This kind of forward-thinking approach shows how the sector is preparing for the explosive growth in AI-driven computing demands [2].