'Power Is At The Forefront': Data Center Management And Energy Storage To Be Examined At Bisnow’s DICE National Event In May

Global data center electricity usage is projected to more than double to 1000 terawatt-hours in 2026, fueled by energy-intensive processes like artificial intelligence. As a result, data center operators need to have reliable power management solutions in place. 

Clarke Energy, a subsidiary of energy resilience company Rehlko, is already thinking about the future and the role it will play in helping data centers pivot to operate within power constraints.

“We have to remain flexible to optimize our operations and ensure that we can meet this capacity,” Clarke Energy Sales Director Alan Howard said.

Howard's colleague, James Connelly, data center sales manager at Clarke Energy, will be part of a discussion on power management and energy storage at Bisnow’s DICE National event. The event will take place May 20 to 22 at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia. Register here.

Bisnow spoke with Howard about some of the trends he's seeing, how Clarke is applying its power management and backup solutions, and what to expect for the future. 

Bisnow: What data center trends are you seeing in Northern Virginia?

Howard: Northern Virginia has been at the forefront of development for data centers since 2018 and is continuing to grow. We are currently seeing more restrictions on power availability. 

Now, counties like Fauquier and Fairfax are evaluating buildings over 50K SF just because of space, and we're seeing a challenging market due to this number. It's about building smartly, whether it'll be on-site generation or non-site generation directly from the utility.

Bisnow: What are some hot topics likely to be covered at Bisnow’s event?

Howard: Power is at the forefront of what's happening in the industry. While we have existing technologies, such as diesel generation and bridging solutions, some of the emerging technologies we’ll hear more about are small modular reactors. These are small, factory-made nuclear power plants that have the potential to provide reliable power to data centers. 

We're also seeing interest in how to best integrate renewables. Customers are now investigating what options are currently available and how they can create power structures for data centers that would ultimately be more self-sustainable. 

Bisnow: What energy management and backup power solutions is Clarke applying to today’s data centers?

Howard: Clarke Energy is part of the Rehlko Group, which is well-versed in diesel backup units. Diesel backup generators are a fantastic solution for quick power while being NFPA 110 compliant. 

We also have prime power applications with gaseous solutions. We’re being versatile in our energy solutions to meet the growing demand. This includes supplying battery and energy storage as well as integrating solar with microgrid controllers. Clarke has an expansive product line that can support cooling and heating loads to enhance the overall efficiency of the system. 

Evaluating different technologies and understanding how to integrate them is probably our core and a key asset to a customer who's exploring technical and power challenges.

Bisnow: With grid stability becoming more important, how is Clarke being more flexible with its energy storage methods?  

Howard: We have to be adaptable with energy, which is something that will affect the data center industry across the board. 

No one solution fits all, so we have to find out what would be the best way to integrate different technologies. At Clarke, we have an option of doing an isolated operation, which focuses on microgrid-type solutions with natural gas. 

You also have existing plants which are expanding that will have diesel and backup-type solutions. Do data centers have peaking power loads? Do these facilities need additional cooling?

We've got to understand what the customer's drivers are and what they need. 

Bisnow: What do you see for the future of power management and how will Clarke continue to innovate in this sector? 

Howard: I think on the customer side there's going to be more controls and better optimization of power usage through continual AI learning.

There's no data center without power, so we need to look at every solution that's possible, whether it's a utility grid connection with a diesel backup or if the utility is restricted on the demand. What options do we have? Can we integrate natural gas and what would be the best tactic for this? 

Clarke wants to provide options that can support operators however they choose to manage their data center load growth.

Register here for Bisnow’s DICE National Event. 

This article was produced in collaboration between Studio B and Rehlko. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.