Battery storage systems can replace diesel generators as the industry standard for backup power in data centers. This study assesses the technical and economic feasibility of the transition and outlines specific implementation paths.
Battery storage can replace diesel generators as the industry standard for emergency power in data centers—combining reliability with zero emissions. This whitepaper assesses the technical and economic feasibility of this transition.
For decades, data centers have relied on diesel generators for emergency power—a practice increasingly at odds with sustainability goals. IDED (formerly known as SDIA) commissioned this study to examine whether battery systems offer a viable alternative.
The study examines:
Technical feasibility: Battery technology has advanced to reliably meet the emergency power requirements of data centers—comparable to diesel generators in terms of availability and response time.
Economic analysis: Comparing the total cost of ownership between battery and diesel systems, considering fuel costs, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
Environmental impact: Diesel generators produce significant CO₂ emissions through regular tests and emergency use. Battery systems completely eliminate these direct emissions.
Implementation pathways: Practical considerations for retrofitting existing facilities and planning new constructions with battery-based emergency power architecture.
The full whitepaper is available for download.