Equinix and NUS Centre for Energy Research & Technology to explore hydrogen for data centres
The collaboration will explore and develop hydrogen fuel technologies for green data centers in tropical climates.
Equinix has partnered with the Centre for Energy Research & Technology (CERT) under the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) College of Design and Engineering to explore technologies for data centre infrastructure.
Equinix and CERT will launch the world’s first research project to compare the efficiency of proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and fuel-flexible linear generator technologies.
PEM fuel cells are a leading contender for hydrogen energy, while fuel-flexible linear generators enable operators to easily switch between various clean fuel options, including hydrogen, biogas and various renewable liquid fuels. Adopting these technologies may allow data centres to reduce carbon emissions while meeting the rising demand for data, colocation and interconnection services.
The research collaboration between Equinix and CERT will involve a holistic assessment of the suitability of these technologies for tropical data centres, considering local climatic conditions, site constraints, power demand, supply chain, fuel storage capabilities, and local regulatory policies.
CERT will conduct a comprehensive analysis of technologies identified in collaboration with Equinix to determine the operational viability of the technologies at scale.
Based on the research results, Equinix expects to develop proof-of-concept projects within its global network of data centres for real-world testing and to support incorporation into future data centre designs. By driving innovation in Singapore, the Equinix and CERT partnership aims to accelerate disruptive technologies that can reduce the carbon footprint of global data centres, particularly in tropical locations.
Yee May Leong, Managing Director, South Asia, Equinix, said, “Data centres serve as the conduit powering the digital economy, and greening their operations can drive the rise of sustainable business throughout the broader economic landscape.”
Associate Professor Lee Poh Seng, Director at NUS College of Design and Engineering, said, “ We are keen to work with industry partners like Equinix, which is known for its sustainability efforts and provides us access to a global network of data centres that can serve as a testbed for a more accurate assessment of operational viability.”
