On data center power partnerships: Q&A with Compass Chief Customer Officer

In a recent Q&A with Power Engineering, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Customer Officer at Compass Datacenters, discussed the evolving dynamics of power partnerships in the data center industry, particularly in the context of AI and hyperscale expansion.

Key Takeaways:

  • Surge in Energy Demand: The rise of AI and hyperscale developments has exponentially increased energy demands, necessitating more complex and distributed power solutions beyond traditional financial hubs.
  • Co-Serve Model: Compass advocates for a “co-serve” approach, promoting collaborative planning and risk-sharing between data centers and utilities, moving away from the outdated “will-serve” model.
  • Strategic Investments: In North Texas, Compass invested nearly $20 million in transmission right-of-way and $52.5 million in substation development, enhancing grid reliability without burdening ratepayers.
  • Microgrid Initiatives: In Phoenix, Compass plans a 191 MW Tier-4 diesel-powered microgrid to support Arizona Public Service during peak demand, aligning with renewable energy goals and alleviating grid pressure.

These initiatives underscore Compass Datacenters’ commitment to proactive, sustainable partnerships, ensuring reliable power infrastructure to meet the burgeoning demands of the digital age.

Read the full interview here: On data center power partnerships: Q&A with Compass Datacenters Chief Customer Officer Raymond Hawkins

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About Compass

Compass Datacenters, one of Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies, designs and constructs data centers for some of the world’s largest hyperscalers and cloud providers on campuses across the globe. Our corporate culture is predicated on continual improvement and innovation and has enabled us to marry technology with modern manufacturing methods to enhance our ability to consistently deliver our customers' projects faster, with no sacrifices in quality. Since our inception, our sustainability efforts have encompassed the entire data center from its design to its post-delivery performance, including the efficient use of land, water-free cooling and a focus on Green House Gas reduction in the materials used to build our facilities and in their operation. Compass embraces a long-term perspective with the financial strength of investors Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Brookfield Infrastructure.