DESIGNING EFFICIENT DATA CENTERS

By Fred Beck

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Due to recent economic downturns and lapses in Internet data center construction, REPP Research Manager Fred Beck believes the Information Technology industry and electric power utilities have a window of opportunity to define and implement best practices in data center design and construction before the next Information Technology surge.

Based on extensive research and interviews with industry experts, Beck details many practical efficiency measures that can be implemented today, as well as identifying broader solutions such as ultra-efficient "Energy Smart Power Parks" employing shared electricity production and cooling facilities.

According to Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Senior Corporate Account Manager Keith Reed, Beck’s targets for power demand reductions of 20 to 50 percent are in-line with utility experts’ own estimates.

"Very well done," said Reed. "... credible to experts, yet understandable to a general audience."

Austin Energy VP Roger Duncan said, "A super job! I am giving this to my marketing and conservation group as a guide for increasing the efficiency of future data centers in our region."

EPA Senior Economist for Technology Policy Skip Laitner said, "This paper is first rate and original, highlighting the importance of smart design in reducing the environmental footprint of data centers."

For further information contact Fred Beck at (202) 293-2898, extension 204, or via e-mail at fbeck@repp.org.