Dec 20, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Service Provider Data Centers Are Expected to Add Record-Breaking 7,000 MW of Capacity in 2018, According to Navigant Research

A new white paper from Navigant Research explores the role data centers will play in the growth of commercial and industrial (C&I) microgrids in North America and the rest of the world.

Data centers are responsible for protecting mission-critical functions, yet, they often rely on an inefficient redundancy of assets that carry a large carbon footprint. Advanced microgrids that leverage IT innovation to create networks offer a solution to this and a more efficient approach to uptime. Click to tweet: According to a new white paper from @NavigantRSRCH, in 2018, service provider data centers are expected to add nearly 7,000 MW of capacity—the fastest pace of expansion recorded.

“Rapid growth and the increasing importance of the data center industry makes it too important to continue with a conservative and polluting approach to uptime,” says Peter Asmus, principal research analyst with Navigant Research. “Creative solutions providers are turning to new technologies via new business models that can mitigate risks while increasing performance through options like advanced microgrids.”

According to the report, advanced microgrids for data centers can capture new revenue streams, transforming energy from a cost to profit. They can also increase resilience and sustainability by leveraging cleaner onsite assets through smart and cleaner power infrastructure, and by taking advantage of remote cloud applications to create new forms of distributed resilience.

The white paper, Data Centers and Advanced Microgrids, which was commissioned by Schneider Electric, explores the role data centers will play in the future growth of C&I microgrids in North America and the rest of the world. According to recent data provided by IDC, there is a shift away from direct data center ownership to reliance upon service provider data centers. Likewise, there is a shift within the broader microgrid market from direct ownership of assets to outsourcing, as exemplified by Schneider Electric’s microgrids as a service business model. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Energy Technologies, Utility Transformations, Transportation Efficiencies, and Buildings Innovations sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant Consulting, Inc. is a specialized, global professional services firm that helps clients take control of their future. Navigant’s professionals apply deep industry knowledge, substantive technical expertise, and an enterprising approach to help clients build, manage and/or protect their business interests. With a focus on markets and clients facing transformational change and significant regulatory or legal pressures, the Firm primarily serves clients in the healthcare, energy and financial services industries. Across a range of advisory, consulting, outsourcing, and technology/analytics services, Navigant’s practitioners bring sharp insight that pinpoints opportunities and delivers powerful results. More information about Navigant can be found at navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the white paper, Data Centers and Advanced Microgrids, is a summary and reflects Navigant Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.