Melina Tisopulos L&S Arts & Humanities
Cloudy Regulations: Microgrids as a Pathway to Greener Data Centers
Data centers are the backbone of the global internet, responsible for storing and computing all our data. In the United States alone, they account for over 4% of total United States power usage, a figure predicted to rise with developments in Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models. As data centers continue to expand in number and scale, policymakers and communities are concerned about the strain this places on the central power grid. Simultaneously, the data center industry is searching for strategies to reduce energy costs and enhance the resiliency of their facilities. One strategy that is gaining traction is called “Bring Your Own Power,” (BYOP) where data centers build their own power sources instead of relying exclusively on the central grid. If executed well, BYOP can not only address grid dependency, but also facilitate a transition to renewable energy use, helping to mitigate the industry’s rising climate impact. This project, through a literature review, case studies, and interviews with industry leaders, examines the following: How can “Bring Your Own Power” improve energy efficiency and sustainability for the data center industry?
Message To Sponsor
Thank you for making my work this summer possible! Data center sustainability is an issue I’ve become immensely passionate about, and your support has enabled me to make a meaningful contribution to it. I’m looking forward to growing as a researcher and using my SURF experience as the foundation for an impactful career in sustainability work.