Case Study: Microsoft Data Centre Batteries Supporting Growth of Renewables on the Power Grid

Synopsis

Microsoft, supported by Enel X, leverage fast responding, grid-interactive UPS systems at Microsoft data centre in Dublin to help balance Ireland’s electricity grid.

• Batteries, which typically provide backup power for the data centre, help grid operators provide uninterrupted service when demand exceeds the supply generated elsewhere on the grid by wind, solar and other sources.
• Using the data centre’s batteries reduces the need to maintain spinning reserves at fossil-fuel power plants, which lowers power sector carbon emissions.
• Grid frequency is becoming more volatile as the supply of variable renewable energy on the grid increases, increasing the value of assets such as batteries that can help maintain the balance between supply and demand.