Pon Power and datacenters:
From backup power to solving grid congestion
For many years, Pon Power has been providing backup power to data centers. But with the recent rise of grid congestion, the demand has broadened: data centers now require not only emergency power, but also temporary power solutions to bridge the gap to a permanent grid connection. Pon Power offers innovative solutions to address this temporary grid congestion.
Image source: Interxion, a Digital Realty company
Worlds Apart – Emergency Power vs Grid Congestion Solutions at Data Centers
“In that shifting demand — from purely backup power to solving grid congestion — everything comes together,” says Arie van der Horst, Account Manager Data Centers at Pon Power. “On one hand, our extensive experience in the data center market, and on the other, our expertise in solving grid congestion. It's great to see how we can now apply our expertise in both areas for data centers: providing not only backup power, but also temporary solutions to bridge the gap to a permanent grid connection or to expand an existing connection — for example, from 25 to 50 MW.”
“Of course, these are two very different worlds. When we develop an emergency power system for data centers, reliability is the main priority. We're talking about a system you hope will rarely or never be needed, which is why we rely on our Caterpillar diesel emergency generators. We offer them in a wide range of capacities, from 30 to over 4000 kVA, and we design and install the entire system as a custom solution — from housing to exhaust system, emission aftertreatment, and fuel tanks.”
“If we look at the other world — that of the temporary bridge to a permanent grid connection — we approach it very differently. Sustainability plays a much bigger role here, and by using assets such as solar panels, batteries, and generator sets, we create a flexible and autonomous energy supply that can fully power a data center until the permanent grid connection is in place.”
Our experience drives data centers forward
At Pon Power, we understand that flexibility is crucial in the evolving energy demands of data centers. “We see that the data center market must adapt to the unpredictable availability of the electricity grid,” explains Arie. “Our experience with temporary power solutions enables us to effectively tackle this challenge. We know that solving a power shortage requires a tailor-made approach, just as having a broad range of assets is essential. We have the engineering and assets in-house and work closely with Caterpillar on this.”
Arie continues: “The grid congestion issue demands a different way of thinking and designing than what we have done for years. The solutions must be both robust and flexible to respond to the immediate energy needs of data centers, while also operating as sustainably as possible. By customizing our systems for each unique demand, we ensure that data centers can function efficiently and reliably not only today but also in the future, despite the challenges of grid congestion. We can quickly respond and deploy temporary power solutions where green energy plays a significant role. Projects like these demonstrate our capacity to keep pace with the market and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
"We know that solving a power shortage requires a tailored approach, just as having a broad range of assets is essential."
Sustainable growth is the starting point
In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly central, Pon Power considers sustainable growth a fundamental principle for the future of data centers. While the demand for reliable emergency power continues and the need to solve grid congestion rises, our efforts to excel in environmental responsibility remain unwavering — as is also the case with Caterpillar.
The development of innovative, green solutions for emergency and temporary power is advancing rapidly. By utilizing solar energy, advanced battery technologies, and emerging energy sources such as hydrogen and biogas — where Caterpillar's drive for innovation plays a crucial role — we offer data centers the opportunity to grow sustainably.
Arie van der Horst: “In all markets where we operate, we stand for smart and sustainable energy solutions. In the data center market, all of this comes together, and as a total supplier, we are in our element.”
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