The size and scale of these products and projects varied from single kWh for a residence, up to multiple MWh at a utility operator to support the adoption of energy storage in grid-interactivity, emergency backup, or energy arbitrage. This was part of my career path I was proud to work on and look back on it with fondness. But when I look back at the infancy stages of that market going into scale in the 2000-2010s, I see many parallels with how data center operators are reviewing power and energy storage today.

• From multiple angles in the industry including, regulators, operators, equipment providers, installers, consultants, they all see the scale up of data center construction as necessary, especially with the advent of AI here to stay, but can be unsure or lacking confidence on where to start on moving a project along.
• A lot of questions, especially around safety, continue to arise in addition to the usual reliability and sustainability queries.
• At times, missteps I saw happening in renewable energy, particularly when projects were announced, was the limited transparency, communication, and collaboration between key stakeholders to make projects reality.

This led to many projects being significantly delayed or cancelled altogether, which meant slower progress in the transition to clean energy. Looking through the same lens, but from a data center perspective, I sense the same elements creeping into processes.

Transparency

On occasion, I saw new breakthrough technologies, process changes, or product updates in renewables show real promise, but end up hindered by lack of clarity on benefits, exact specifications, or timing to market. For example, this might have meant a decision maker on the project funding, or a safety code inspector looking for a guide on safe operation having to deny moving a project along. Being open with and to the elements of a project, presenting straightforward specifications, as well as using limited technical engineering jargon with stakeholders in terms of operation, will help ensure everyone is clear and that projects run more smoothly. “Transparency is key to making things clear and getting things done,” said John Smith, a seasoned renewable energy professional.

• Learning the hard way myself, not everyone in the ecosystem speaks technical language, especially some of the decision makers.
• Therefore it is important to introduce that element of transparency and clarity by simplifying the objective message as much as possible.

Communication

When we would be working with a customer to help build or design a renewable system, we at times made the simple mistake of assumption. We assumed the customer was always in-the-know and understood what we were saying about their projects. In some instances, we failed to stop and go through regular check-ins about project status, asking open-ended questions, to make sure all understand. Lack of communication on technology, products, or projects can ultimately lead to delays, increased regulations that may or may not be necessary, or even outright rejection of project continuation. “Don’t assume, communicate,” said Jane Doe, a seasoned renewable energy consultant.

• Over-communicate early, and with great frequency, to ensure nothing is missed.
• As projects mature and progress moves forward, this can be reduced in frequency.

Collaboration

In renewables, an “us-versus-them” mentality sometimes developed, with regards to moving clean energy forward. As an example, when a utility might be moving slowly in deploying sustainable energy solutions, or a regulation body wasn’t reviewing policy fast enough, this would create frustration with end-users and policymakers, hence the term “energy-independence” was born. This ultimately led to some unnecessary animosity at times. To be clear, this was most definitely the rare exception in renewables and not the normal way of operating, but it became increasingly frustrating when it happened. Good natured projects were delayed or cancelled because of this mindset taking hold. Coming back to data centers, power generators (utility operators) and data center operators (end-users) exist in the same power ecosystem and need each other to help advance sustainable, powerful innovations in the data center industry.

• Involving the right people who can help projects come to completion, even those who may disagree with the premise, means bringing them in right from the start.
• This helps foster ownership, knowledge, and shared accountability with local electrical code authorities, public safety first responders, manufacturers of equipment, and others.

By adopting these three simple approaches in your project, product, or process, you will be able to overcome the barriers to deployment and help your data center industry grow. “Collaboration, communication, and transparency are the keys to unlocking the full potential of our industry,” said a leading industry expert.

Conclusion

Not following these simple guidelines and operating in silos will only further slow the journey to global digital transformation – something none of us can afford. By adopting these three simple approaches, you will be able to make your data center industry more efficient, effective, and sustainable, and ultimately contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.