Fuel cell use in data centres – How much do you know?

Despite the evidence of numerous data centres piloting fuel cells, as well as predictions for strong growth of the technology in data centre applications, actual use remains low. The industry needs a greater understanding of fuel cells to drive wider adoption of a technology which could accelerate the effectiveness of the sector’s GHG Abatement efforts.

The potential of fuel cells is one answer to cutting the greenhouse gas emissions associated with powering data centres was a recurring conversation topic across the industry in 2022. It looks like a debate which is also set to continue in 2023.

However, the year 2022 may yet turn out to have been pivotal for hydrogen fuel cell for backup power and even primary data centre power uses. Across the world, there was positive news about hydrogen fuel cells as a cleaner alternative, such as that provided by Microsoft.

As part of its data centre advanced development strategy, the technology giant ran a proof of concept in Latham, New York, where dual 40ft containers housing proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology ran at 3MW capacity to provide emission free power for around 10,000 data centre servers. The story is fully documented in Microsoft’s case study.

In September, it was reported that Equinix and the National University of Singapore are to test hydrogen fuel cells as a power source for data centres in the city-state. According to an article published by DatacenterDynamics, the plan is to run a comparison between hydrogen fuel cells and "fuel flexible" linear generators, which can run on hydrogen, or else shift to other renewable fuels such as biogas when necessary. In February 2022, The Register reported that Dutch Data centre business NorthC was to replace its backup power generators at the company's facility in Groningen to run on green hydrogen, claiming it was a European first for data centre design. The 500KW fuel cell module will run on hydrogen created by renewable power.

Recent analysis by Emergen Research, a market research and strategic consulting company, says “the fuel cell market size reached USD 4.26 Billion in 2021 and is expected to register a CAGR of 22.8%.” The company cites growing demand for fuel cells for backup power in data centres as one of the key factors driving growth.

In addition to their high efficiency, low carbon footprint and ability to provide reliable power, hydrogen fuel cells also appeal because they can help data centres save money by reducing the amount of energy wasted during the power generation process, say Emergen. More details of their Fuel Cells Market Report can be found on the Emergen website.

Gaining an objective view of Fuel cell applicability in data centre applications

The above examples provide a flavour of the news coverage and broader discussion around fuel cells. For those in the data centre industry who wish to explore the potential of fuel cell use, i3 Solutions Group has produced a white paper entitled: “Assessment of Fuel Cells Application in Data Centres for Greenhouse Gas Abatement Benefits.”

This publication provides a high-level perspective on the application benefits of and challenges to fuel cell use for data centre backup and primary power. It provides a simple description of fuel cells by operation and

type, as well as detailing the different fuel cell types suitable for use in data centres. Details of primary and backup power configurations are also provided.

“Assessment of Fuel Cells Application in Data Centres for Greenhouse Gas Abatement Benefits” explains the sustainability benefits of fuel cell technology in terms of emissions abatement, reduced transmission losses and potential for heat reuse. It also includes a comparison of the Sustainability Performance Indicators of some Fuel Cells versus traditional Gas Turbines and Combined Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT), with Natural Gas as the common fuel.

From potential to production

Whilst the white paper indicates there are many clear sustainability advantages to be gained by using fuel cells for data centres, actual adoption today remains low. This may in part be due to perceptions held by the industry about fuel cells, from concerns about reliability and availability, to those regarding fuel supply and the cost of ownership.

However, fuel cells are projected to achieve cost parity with diesel generators in data centres, partly driven by the higher adoption of fuel cells for transportation applications. More widespread use in other sectors will help inform and educate regarding fuel cell technology, driving improvements to the technology, and providing the economies of scale associated with higher volumes such as reductions in the cost of key components and manufacturing.

To further reduce carbon emissions and GHG abatements, pure hydrogen fuel cells have been developed. And as per the examples detailed above, hydrogen fuel cells are being piloted and tested as replacements for diesel generator backup power in data centres.

However, if fuel cells are truly to move from potential to production in data centre industry, overcoming the challenges identified in “Assessment of Fuel Cells Application in Data Centres for Greenhouse Gas Abatement Benefits” could be key to the more widespread use of fuel cells for further GHG abatements throughout the sector.