Data centers are at the heart of the digital age, providing the necessary infrastructure for storage, processing, and management of massive data volumes.
The increasing demand for cloud services, artificial intelligence, and large databases has led to higher energy requirements, making their connection to the power grid critically important.
Reliable and efficient electricity supply is essential for the stable operation of systems and for preventing outages that could affect critical applications.
Additionally, with stricter environmental policies and the need for sustainable practices, many data centers are shifting towards renewable energy sources and consumption management technologies to reduce their carbon footprint.
Greece is undergoing rapid growth in the data center sector, with the government aiming to develop 18 new facilities by 2030.
These data centers will be primarily established in Attica and Thessaloniki, with additional infrastructure planned for regions such as Western Macedonia, Thessaly, and Crete.
This strategic investment is expected to accelerate the country’s digital transformation and attract international cloud service providers, positioning Greece as an emerging hub for data infrastructure in the region.
Connecting a Data Center to the Grid
The connection of a data center to a country's electric grid is one of the most critical aspects of its operation.
Data centers require a stable and uninterrupted power supply, as any disruption could lead to data loss and significant financial costs.
The power supply must be reliable, scalable, and energy-efficient to meet the growing demands of modern infrastructure.
The interconnection of data centers to the power grid includes linking them to the national electricity transmission system and integrating alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power to reduce the carbon footprint.
Additionally, technologies like smart grids and energy storage systems with UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) play a crucial role in managing electric power supply and ensuring system stability.
Energy Requirements of Data Centers
Data centers are among the most energy-consuming facilities in the modern world, as the continuously growing demand for computing power, data storage, and cooling leads to massive energy consumption.
It is estimated that data centers worldwide consume around 1-2% of total electrical energy, while large hyperscale data centers can require hundreds of megawatts (MW) of power, comparable to the consumption of small cities.
With the exponential increase in the number and size of facilities, energy efficiency is a critical priority for reducing operational costs and the environmental footprint.
Providers are investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind parks, as well as advanced cooling systems like liquid cooling and free cooling, to improve performance.
Additionally, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and smart power management solutions allows for real-time consumption adjustment, contributing to optimal energy utilization.
Challenges in Connecting Data Centers to the Grid
The connection of data centers presents significant challenges, primarily related to energy connectivity, network capacity, reliability, connection speed, and scalability.
Energy connectivity is a critical issue, as stable and sustainable power supply is required for the seamless operation of data centers.
At the same time, bandwidth requirements are rapidly increasing, making the need for high-performance networks essential.
Reliability and connection speed are vital, as businesses rely on low-latency connections for optimal application performance.
Moreover, data centers must be capable of dynamically scaling to meet growing infrastructure demands without significant delays or high costs.
Technologies for Efficient Connection of Data Centers
The connection of a data center to the national electric grid is a critical factor for its reliable, efficient, and sustainable operation.
Since data centers
consume massive amounts of energy, their proper integration into the grid requires the use of advanced technologies to ensure the stability, performance, and flexibility of the energy supply.
Electrical Connection Infrastructure
Data centers are connected either at medium voltage (20-50 kV) or at high voltage (150-400 kV), depending on their size.
Hyperscale data centers consume hundreds of MW and require direct connection to the high-voltage grid.
For maximum reliability, dual power supplies are used, either with 2N (two independent circuits) or with N+1 (one main and one backup).
Integration into smart grids allows for dynamic consumption management, while through demand response, data centers help balance the system by reducing demand during peak hours.
Backup Power Systems
For continuous operation, data centers are equipped with UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems that provide immediate power during outages.
Lithium-ion batteries offer a longer lifespan than traditional VRLA batteries.
For greater backup power, diesel or natural gas generators are used, ensuring operation for hours or days.
Newer solutions, such as hydrogen generators
and biofuels, are gaining ground to reduce carbon emissions.
Renewable Energy & Energy Storage
Data centers are turning to renewable energy sources through solar, wind, and PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements).
The integration of storage systems allows energy to be stored for use during periods of high demand.
Microgrids
combine renewable energy sources (RES), storage, and smart management, enhancing energy autonomy and reducing reliance on the central grid.
Smart Energy Management
Artificial intelligence (AI) contributes to adapting real-time consumption, reducing losses.
Dynamic Voltage Optimization (DVO) stabilizes the grid voltage for better energy performance.
At the same time, the heat recovery from servers is used for district heating or other applications, enhancing sustainability.
Solutions and Best Practices
The best solutions and practices for connecting data centers to the national grid focus on stability, efficiency, and flexibility.
To achieve these goals, the following strategies are applied:
- Optimization of electrical infrastructure: Choosing the appropriate connection voltage (medium or high) to reduce losses and meet energy needs.
- Application of backup power systems: Using dual power supplies and redundancy architectures (2N, N+1) to ensure uninterrupted operation.
- Load and demand management: Participating in demand response programs so that data centers adjust demand during periods of high grid load.
- Integration of renewable energy sources: Utilizing PPAs and on-site energy production to reduce dependence on the national grid.
- Energy storage systems (ESS): Using large-scale batteries to stabilize the power supply and utilize energy during peak hours.
- Smart management through AI and automation: Using artificial intelligence and Dynamic Voltage Optimization (DVO) to improve efficiency and reduce losses.
Implementing these practices ensures a reliable, efficient, and sustainable connection of data centers to the electric grid, enhancing both business continuity
and reducing the energy footprint.
The Role of SynEnergy Advisors in Data Center Interconnection
SynEnergy Advisors provides specialized services for the study, design, and implementation of data center interconnection projects, offering efficient, secure, and sustainable solutions.
With a focus on energy efficiency and network stability, it evaluates the requirements of each project and proposes optimal connection strategies.
Through comprehensive studies and coordination with relevant authorities, SynEnergy Advisors ensures a reliable and efficient connection, supporting the uninterrupted operation of modern digital services.
