NEMA Launches New Standard to Boost Energy Storage for Data Centers – Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M)

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Introduction

According to a recent press release by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the United States is at the forefront of global Artificial Intelligence (AI) research and development. However, the increasing energy consumption of hyperscale data centers, which power our dominance in this field, poses a significant challenge. To address this challenge, NEMA has introduced a new standard that focuses on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This standard aims to assist data center developers and other end users in making informed decisions about deploying BESS products to improve reliability, resilience, and power economic development.

The BESS Testing and Performance Measurements Standard

The BESS Testing and Performance Measurements Standard provides consistent methods for assessing key performance specifications of BESS. This standard allows for easier evaluation and selection of products, empowering users to choose the storage system that best meets their needs. The users of this standard include data center developers, manufacturers, consumers and businesses, utilities, policymakers, researchers, and analysts.

Importance of BESS in the United States

Patrick Hughes, Senior Vice President of Technical Affairs at NEMA, highlights the significance of energy storage in the United States. He mentions that a forthcoming NEMA study projects a doubling or potentially even tripling of U.S. data center electricity demand by 2030. To maintain our leadership in AI, it is crucial to have tools like energy storage that ensure a reliable supply of electricity for new data centers. The BESS Testing and Performance Measurements Standard will provide standardized performance specifications for BESS, enhancing system performance, reliability, and powering the U.S. economy.

Conclusion

The introduction of the BESS Testing and Performance Measurements Standard by NEMA is a significant step towards addressing the energy consumption challenges faced by hyperscale data centers in the United States. By providing standardized performance specifications for BESS, this standard will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by improving reliability, resilience, and supporting economic development. To learn more about the standard, visit NEMA’s website.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article discusses the increasing electricity demand of data centers and the need for energy storage solutions to support their growth. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It also connects to SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. Additionally, the article mentions the importance of energy storage in powering economic development, which relates to SDG 11’s objective of creating sustainable cities and communities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being
• SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management

The article highlights the need for energy storage systems to support the growth of data centers, which can contribute to increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (SDG 7.2). It also emphasizes the importance of energy storage in ensuring reliable and resilient infrastructure for economic development (SDG 9.1). Additionally, by improving the efficiency and reliability of energy supply, energy storage can help reduce the environmental impact of cities, particularly in terms of air quality (SDG 11.6).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Renewable energy capacity and generation share
• Number of energy storage installations in data centers
• Reduction in electricity demand from non-renewable sources
• Air quality improvements in areas with data centers

The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, progress towards the identified targets can be measured using indicators such as the share of renewable energy capacity and generation in the global energy mix to assess progress towards SDG 7.2. The number of energy storage installations in data centers can be used to track progress towards SDG 9.1. Reduction in electricity demand from non-renewable sources can be an indicator of progress towards both SDG 7.2 and SDG 9.1. Lastly, improvements in air quality in areas with data centers can be an indicator of progress towards SDG 11.6.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ecmweb.com