With the rise of cloud storage and increasing data demands, data centers have become a critical support for dozens of industries. These operations need reliable, scalable power solutions quickly. Supporting artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools means thinking ahead.
Whether through transformers or field services, data centers need partners who can deliver advanced power strategies. Understanding forward-thinking strategies and data center trends will be essential for powering and growing data centers through 2025 and beyond.
The Growing Energy Demand for Data Centers
Data centers are driving energy use across the globe. The sector is predicted to double its 2022 electricity consumption by 2026 as even more users invest in AI, cryptocurrency and cloud storage. With so many operations demanding data for processing and storage, expect to see data centers become critical infrastructure for most industries.
This surge in data center demand puts pressure on the utilities industry. All that data requires energy — renewable and nonrenewable providers must pivot to accommodate these growing demands. Reliable transformers and electrical equipment are essential for efficient scaling and downtime reduction, but companies need solutions that meet data center demands while growing with their future expansion.
Challenges in Data Center Energy Planning
Data centers rely on constant power to keep everything running smoothly. However, rising demand strains grids, especially aging or under-prepared grids. Companies must work to solve these issues as we move into an increasingly digital world:
- Aging infrastructure: Aging infrastructure can lead to increased power outages. Currently, 70% of the transmission lines in the United States are over 25 years old. As they approach the end of their life, outages and repairs become more common, putting data centers and critical infrastructure at risk.
- Grid strain: Increasing demand strains existing grids. Asking ChatGPT a question uses 10 times more power than one Google search. The increase in energy demands from AI, cloud services and digital tools drives grids to the edge.
- Renewable sources: Renewable energy helps make up some of the power differences but also introduces new variables. Renewable energy requires thinking about intermittent energy generation and power storage, which not all businesses have the resources to accommodate at this time.
- Future growth: Organizations have to look beyond immediate needs. Future growth requires expanding before running into supply and infrastructure issues. Operations must integrate renewable energy sources and modernize power systems now to make scaling easier.
Modern Data Center Power Solutions
As we enter 2025, data centers face pressure to meet current demands while juggling sustainability and efficiency. More people using AI and off-site data services leads to more strain on data centers. Changing power needs for data centers means investing in solutions that deliver flexible, reliable and fast power. Expect to see organizations investing in the following solutions.
1. Modular Power Systems
Data centers can use modular power systems for rapid scaling. Prefabricated, plug-and-play systems make deployment faster while supporting better flexibility. Data centers that invest in modular power can scale their infrastructure efficiently, adjusting their energy supply quickly and without the expense of permanent designs. These systems offer minimal disruptions, simpler maintenance and improved uptime.
2. Renewables
Data centers are turning to renewables for support. Incorporating solar, wind and hybrid solutions reduces their reliance on traditional grids. Data centers can add energy storage solutions to their infrastructure, making room for more renewable power. This solution also provides consistent power, even during renewable power fluctuations.
3. Energy Efficiency
Finally, data centers must improve their energy efficiency to overcome power challenges. Solutions like advanced cooling systems and AI-powered energy management tools optimize power usage. Data centers can minimize waste and operating costs with more efficient transformers and other systems.
The Future of Data Centers
While current solutions help handle the load, what about increasing demands over the next decade? The U.S. estimates its crude oil supplies will meet demand through 2050, but the overall fossil fuel timeline is uncertain. The more we rely on digital resources, the more nonrenewable energy we’ll use. As the world raises its global living standards, more people will have access to power-consuming resources. At the same time, aging infrastructure needs addressing before it breaks down. The future of data center power will rely on:
- Sustainability: Data center sustainability means relying more on renewable power sources. With fossil fuels potentially running out, it’s essential to future-proof operations with sustainable solutions.
- Equipment upgrades: Outdated equipment wastes energy. Replacing old transformers and switchgear with new, energy-efficient models helps reduce consumption and operating costs.
- Smart systems: Smart energy management systems are a newer solution, but they can optimize power usage. Smart systems adjust usage based on consumption needs and find areas to cut waste, improving data center energy use.
- Microgrids: Local energy generation will also see more investment. Microgrids provide on-site power through renewable energy. This energy combines with battery storage systems to give data centers independence from the main grid. Relying less on the main grid will protect operations from aging infrastructure and peak demand. Local energy also means optimized efficiency because you generate what you need.
Getting More Efficient Data Center Power
At the end of the day, data centers need to invest in solutions that prevent downtime. Even a brief power outage can disrupt services, leading to expensive delays. With the right equipment and service, your operation can protect its power supply, which is growing with demand. Invest in efficiency with:
- Reliable equipment: Invest in durable, reliable equipment to protect power performance. Your infrastructure must be able to withstand demand fluctuations. This includes backup systems to protect power transitions during interruptions.
- Regular maintenance: You need more than good equipment. Data centers must invest in equipment maintenance to preserve power supply, energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Investing in maintenance programs stops issues early, protecting your equipment from major problems so it can stay running longer.
- Field service: Field services are another critical support for protecting power efficiency. You can use these services to get skilled technicians on-site when you have sudden downtime. Field service professionals make repairs, replacements and inspections fast, minimizing downtime during peak periods.
Power Solutions You Can Rely on Today and in the Future
As data centers face growing power demands, you need reliable equipment and solutions. Sunbelt Solomon is your trusted partner for durable, future-ready electrical solutions. With a wide inventory of transformers and electrical equipment, we help our customers address their power needs while planning for long-term sustainability.
Our comprehensive services include repairs, field maintenance, for-sale products and rentals to keep your infrastructure running smoothly. Whether you’re upgrading equipment or responding to an outage, we can help. Plan for 2025 and beyond with Sunbelt Solomon. Our electrical solutions and expert technicians are here to help.
Request a quote or contact us online with questions today! Let us support your data center’s power needs.
