Data centers are indispensable infrastructure for the global economy. They are engines for economic growth and prosperity, which is why demand for these facilities has never been stronger. But there is a significant obstacle to deploying data centers at the speed and scale that is needed by the economy: the time it takes to acquire power.
It can take years for data centers to successfully access the power they need. In fact, the wait is longer than a decade in some markets. That is far too long for infrastructure that is becoming vital to the foundation of everyday life. It is vital that we accelerate interconnections for data centers, and that is exactly what EPRI’s Flex MOSAIC™ is designed to do. Developed through the DCFlex initiative in collaboration with more than 65 Reliability & Standards Authorities, Grid & Market Operators, Electric Utilities and Data Center operators, Flex MOSAIC is a standardized framework for classifying the flexibility of large electric loads.
Compass has been a proponent of a collaborative approach to power since the start. We sit down with utility providers early in the development process and stay at the table — sharing in the planning, the risk and the capital costs. That’s how we’ve addressed the power challenges of the digital age in a way that fosters long-term growth, strengthens grid resiliency and ensures benefits are shared equitably with our partner communities. Our involvement in this initiative is a natural extension of our approach.
EPRI’s Flex MOSAICTM provides a practical, technology-neutral framework that helps meet the needs of data centers while also strengthening the power grid. While new generation remains essential and is being pursued in parallel, Flex MOSAIC™ helps make better use of existing capacity while that generation is built. EPRI’s Flex MOSAICTM framework focuses on evaluating load flexibility and pairing that flexibility with planning processes that do not solely rely on worst-case load behavior. EPRI’s framework aims to intelligently unlock grid headroom.
The participants in this initiative are solving the interconnection challenges by increasing the flexibility of how power supply and demand are aligned. In the past, data center load demands were defined in worst-case scenarios that posed challenges for utility modeling. Similarly, power grids lacked the flexibility to optimize how existing capacity was being utilized. EPRI’s Flex MOSAICTM framework brings more flexibility to both sides of the equation. EPRI and the participating organizations are creating shared definitions, a common framework and a consistent vocabulary to allow for more efficient use of resources already available to us.
This is a positive not only for data centers and utilities but also for ratepayers. The flexibility and collaboration made possible by the Flex MOSAICTM framework makes the grid stronger and more resilient for everyone. It lets data centers act as grid assets, allowing large load users to ease strain on the grid when needed, and makes the urgency for new generation less acute, easing near-term pressure on the generation queue and giving system planners more room to sequence long-lead investments.
The digital economy cannot wait, and neither can the communities and businesses that depend on a reliable, resilient grid. EPRI’s Flex MOSAICTM framework represents the kind of forward-thinking, multi-stakeholder collaboration that is equal to the scale of the challenge. By bringing flexibility to both the demand and supply sides of the equation, it creates a path to faster, smarter interconnection. One that works for data centers, utilities and the public alike. Compass is committed to this work and we look forward to building on it together.
If you want to learn more, you can find more details at EPRI’s page about the initiative here: https://dcflex.epri.com/flex-mosaic.
