Microsoft Contracts Enchanted Rock for Carbon-Negative Microgrid at San Jose Data Center

Microsoft has commissioned Enchanted Rock to design a cutting-edge microgrid for its data center in San Jose, California, leveraging renewable natural gas (RNG) to power the facility. The innovative setup will enable the data center to remain operational even in the event of a utility power outage, utilizing 224 0.45 MW RNG generators and two Tier 4 compliant diesel generators to meet peak loads. The project aims to set a new standard in sustainability, with hourly local emissions expected to be 80-96% lower than Tier 4 diesel standards. State Senator Ben Hueso has expressed hope that this initiative will serve as a precedent for California's data centers to adopt carbon-negative backup power systems, paving the way for a cleaner and more environmentally friendly future.

Key Takeaways:

• Enchanted Rock will develop a microgrid capable of powering Microsoft's San Jose data center, utilizing renewable natural gas (RNG) generators and diesel backup units.
• The project includes 224 0.45 MW RNG generators and two Tier 4 compliant diesel generators with a combined capacity of 1.25 MW and 0.5 MW, respectively.
• The microgrid will provide 99 MW of backup power, exceeding the data center's maximum load capacity.
• Enchanted Rock plans to source RNG from facilities emitting methane, such as food waste and agricultural operations, injecting it upstream into the gas pipeline to offset fossil gas usage.
• The project is expected to outperform California Air Resources Board emissions requirements for distributed generation, reducing hourly local emissions by 80-96% compared to Tier 4 diesel standards.
• State Senator Ben Hueso has praised the initiative, hoping it will set a precedent for California's data centers to adopt carbon-negative backup power systems.
• Enchanted Rock, a renowned microgrid developer, has incorporated over 200 microgrids in the U.S., totaling 556 MW of capacity.

Statistics:

• 224 RNG generators with a combined capacity of 100.8 MW (224 x 0.45 MW)
• 99 MW maximum load capacity of the backup generating facility
• 80-96% reduction in hourly local emissions compared to Tier 4 diesel standards
• 556 MW total capacity of microgrids deployed by Enchanted Rock in the U.S.
• 200 microgrids developed by Enchanted Rock

Sources:

• Global Data Point. "Microsoft Contracts Enchanted Rock for Carbon-Negative Microgrid at San Jose Data Center." (No date)
• California Air Resources Board. "Distributed Generation Emissions Requirements" (No date)