Aligned Data Centers has joined forces with Calibrant Energy to create a one-of-a-kind battery energy storage system (BESS) that will allow a site currently under construction to go online much earlier than expected by circumventing the usual utility upgrade process.
The partnership between Aligned and Calibrant is a response to the pressing issue faced by the data center industry: the challenge of accessing grid power. This initiative comes at a time when the increasing demand for power, driven by the growth of AI and advanced computing, is necessitating the enhancement of load service and the assurance of reliable grid access.
Under the terms of the agreement, Calibrant will supply a 31 MW, 62 MWh BESS to Aligned’s Pacific Northwest data center campus in Hillsboro, Oregon. This on-site system, set to be operational in 2026, will enable the facility to commence operations and expand its activities much earlier than would be feasible with traditional utility upgrades, as stated by Aligned in a recent announcement.
The deployment of BESS as a grid solution is crucial for maintaining grid stability amidst the ongoing power challenges faced by data centers. By storing excess energy generated during peak production periods and releasing it during high-demand phases, BESS can effectively manage power fluctuations and provide the flexibility needed for a dependable, low-carbon grid.
In this specific deployment, the BESS will serve as a grid-responsive asset designed to discharge energy during peak demand periods, enhance regional grid reliability, ensure uninterrupted service for Aligned’s clients, and facilitate quicker interconnection approval.
Calibrant and Aligned have been collaborating with a regional utility in the Pacific Northwest from the outset of negotiations to explore opportunities to enhance and expedite interconnection at the Hillsboro campus. This approach marks a departure from the conventional methods of accessing power for data centers, offering a more efficient and sustainable solution.
Aligned revealed its strategic plans for the large-scale data center campus in Hillsboro back in 2023. Situated in Oregon’s “Silicon Forest,” to the west of Portland, the location places the campus in close proximity to several prominent data center and tech manufacturing companies, such as Intel, Flexential, and QTS. Upon completion, the 27-acre campus will have a capacity exceeding 100 MW.
This project represents the first instance in the United States of a purpose-built battery system that accelerates interconnection and brings a large-scale data center online. Developed utilizing Calibrant’s Path to Power solution, the system transforms potential grid load into a dynamic grid asset.
Texas-based Aligned currently operates 50 data center campuses across the country, boasting a reported capacity of 5 GW. Calibrant and Aligned have confirmed their consideration of similar projects in other markets following this successful collaboration.
The recent announcement comes on the heels of a consortium, including Nvidia, BlackRock, Microsoft, and xAI, unveiling their acquisition of Aligned Data Centers for a staggering $40 billion. This significant investment underscores the commitment to providing the infrastructure necessary for powering the future of AI.
Steven Dickens, CEO and analyst at HyperFrame Research, commented on the acquisition, highlighting it as part of a trend of prominent acquisitions as organizations strive to fortify their AI infrastructure. The current landscape resembles a period of significant growth, akin to the era of railroad construction, with more such deals anticipated in the future.
