Originally posted on Data Center POST
At infra/STRUCTURE 2024, held on September 25-26, 2024 at the Wynn Las Vegas, experts gathered to discuss the future of on-site power generation for data centers, focusing on nuclear and alternative energy sources. The panel, moderated by Daniel Golding, CTO of ASG, featured insights from Jeff Barber, Vice President-Global Data Centers of Bloom Energy; Brian Gitt, Head of Business Development with Oklo; and Jamie Smith, COO of RPower.
Future Outlook
Brian Gitt predicted that self-generation will become increasingly necessary for the data center industry. He outlined a scenario where a 500-megawatt data center campus could be operational within 24 months using a combination of technologies.
Jeff Barber stated, “By the late 2020s we’re going to be in a position from a signed power purchase agreement… to have guaranteed price, basically all of the financing, all the permitting, all the building operations, agency commissioning. You’re just buying power.”
Technology Advantages and Challenges
- Fuel Cells:
- Advantage: Quick deployment and scalability
- Challenge: Space requirements, though improving
- Advanced Nuclear:
- Advantage: Clean, scalable power source
- Challenge: Regulatory processes and public perception
- Natural Gas:
- Advantage: Established technology and infrastructure
- Challenge: Emissions concerns
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