Data centre feasibility studies and site selection

This fifth article in our Data Centre Thought Leadership series outlines the challenges and opportunities around site selection and feasibility across a range of factors.

In the era of digital transformation, data centres have become critical infrastructure for global connectivity, cloud computing, and data storage with the number of hyperscale developments alone expected to approach 800 globally by the end of the decade.[1] These facilities serve as the backbone for countless applications, including e-commerce, scientific research, entertainment, and artificial intelligence.

However, building and operating a data centre is complex and requires the careful consideration of multiple aspects such as energy availability, climate, connectivity, water supply and security, all of which should be factored in at an early stage of the project timeline. This emphasises the importance of conducting a robust site feasibility study and considering all aspects of site selection. SLR can support with identifying, understanding and managing the risks around selecting a site, and advise on compliance requirements which will support investment decision making.

Site feasibility

A data centre site feasibility study should include the following:

• Consenting strategy for target locations
• Grid condition and feasibility assessment
• Renewable energy generation strategy development
• Planning and environmental impact assessment (including water usage, air quality impacts, noise, etc.)
• Environmental permitting / licensing requirements
• Air quality impact assessment from generators

Site selection

The location of a new data centre will represent a unique set of constraints and opportunities around several established themes. This includes:

Land use planning

Compatibility with development plans and zoning. Understanding the planning opportunities and constraints will help inform the design and build strategy for a data centre.

Land availability, condition, and topography

It is important to understand the presence and nature of substances in soil and groundwater that could be harmful to human health or the environment, also understanding land condition will help inform geotechnical design.

Environmental constraints

An example could be the proximity of humans and habitats to the site, which can be a key potential constraint in relation to air quality. In terms of air quality, if back-up power in the form of diesel generators is proposed, the main pollutants of concern are exhaust emissions of nitrogen oxides which impact both human and ecological receptors. Both the routine planned testing / maintenance (monthly tests, black building tests etc.) and the grid-outage emergency-use scenarios need to be considered. Early consideration of these impacts in the design process can inform the location of generators, the requirements on timing of tests, exhaust stack configurations (height, location etc.), as well as the need for abatement. SLR’s experience is that generator suppliers are not always aligned with the emissions performance expectations that customers (and moreover the customer’s regulators) expect.

Local infrastructure and constructability

Utility connections for waste water arisings and stormwater discharge may require additional investment and permissions; safe vehicular access and junction designs must also be considered. The right ‘elbow room’ for the construction of a plant and lay-down of building materials can be underestimated without a proper understanding of the construction programme, and must be included in any red-line boundary submitted with the planning application.

Availability of utility and data connections

Securing data connections and grid connectivity can affect the viability of a data centre development. Understanding other energy options, for example behind the meter supply from existing or consented renewable developments, may reduce reliance on grid supply and reduce costs and secondary emissions.

Energy security

Understanding the technical and commercial viability and risks associated with energy demand and supply is fundamental to the security of supply for data centre operation. ​SLR has produced a number of recent insight articles on this issue, considering the viability of integrating battery electric storage systems, co-located renewables, and other more capital intensive power supply options:

Cooling technology options

Energy and water usage are key factors for an operational data centre. Lower power unit effectiveness (PUE) and water use effectiveness (WUE) will increase a data centre’s operational efficiency, reducing its operating costs and carbon footprint.

How SLR can help

SLR is a global leader in environmental and advisory solutions with multiple in-house technical disciplines who have an in-depth working knowledge of data centre development challenges. Our specialists have extensive knowledge of regulatory requirements with respect to data centre feasibility, site selection and consenting, and demonstrable expertise in successfully supporting our clients throughout the development, design, and build process. Our team also liaises closely with regulators on behalf of our clients, continuing to support them with meeting numerous regulatory requirements throughout the operational phase of the data centre. Get in touch with our specialists.

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References

1. https://www.abiresearch.com/blog/data-centers-by-region-size-company