The Internet's Dirty Secret Gets a Clean Upgrade

We all know the internet’s server farms aren't exactly known for hugging trees. But a new partnership between Digital Realty and energy giant Enel X aims to change that—in Ireland, at least.

It’s all happening because the Emerald Isle is going big on wind power by plugging into the blustery North Atlantic. That's great news for ditching fossil fuels, but wind has a temperamental side.

Gusts come and go, making the whole power grid somewhat unstable. This is not ideal when you're running a nation, let alone the digital backbone of multinationals.

Smoothing out wobbles

Digital Realty is stepping up with backup batteries, usually meant to keep their servers safe during outages. They're also being used to keep the Irish grid consistent and alive. When wind power sags, batteries fill the gap, and vice-versa.

“With this partnership, Digital Realty is using its data center assets in an innovative way to support more renewables on the grid and reduce carbon emissions,” said Séamus Dunne, managing director for Digital Realty in the U.K. and Ireland.

Why's this such a big deal? First, it burns less coal and gas. Smoothing out the grid means less reliance on old-school power plants, cutting nasty carbon emissions. According to the press release, we're talking over 30,000 tonnes of CO2 saved.

The internet also gets more reliable. The Digital Realty-Enel X deal is like extra insurance against power glitches.

”Digital Realty is paving the way for other large energy consumers to become part of the solution to the challenges facing our electricity grid today and into the future,” said John Byrne, head of operations for the U.K. and Ireland at Enel X.

Under the hood

The magic happens in Digital Realty's UPS systems. These can instantly switch power sources if the grid coughs or sneezes. Now, they're being hooked into Enel X's system, acting like shock absorbers for the entire Irish energy network.

“Electricity grids of the future will become increasingly reliant on the formation of mutually beneficial relationships between user, technology and local regulations,” said Byrne. “By adopting this mindset, the infrastructure network that data center owners create to support their own operations could also provide valuable resilience to the grid operator that enables it to fulfill the green energy needs of a growing population and economy.”

Digital Realty is no newcomer to this—they pulled off a similar trick in Sydney. If it all scales up nicely in Ireland, expect copycats to emerge.

Data centers sucking up power are old news. Ones that actually give back to the grid? That's a worthy upgrade for the future of energy.

Image credit: iStockphoto/BrianAJackson