Power Availability Analysis

SSOE performed a preliminary site feasibility study for a proposed greenfield hyperscale data center campus in the Midwest. Our team evaluated available behind-the-meter power from a nearby coal-fired generation station and compared generation capacity, transmission infrastructure, and reliability performance to the client’s data center power, cooling, and uptime requirements.

SSOE assessed the site’s ability to support large-scale hyperscale deployment and determined that planned power availability of 430 MW by January 2027 could support approximately 330 MW of IT load and 100 MW of administrative and cooling load based on a projected PUE of 1.3. As part of the study, SSOE analyzed the available generation and identified power reliability as the primary constraint to achieving the client’s target uptime.

Based on the findings, our team determined the existing behind-the-meter generation availability would not meet the recommended target. Instead, the campus would need redundant prime power architecture supported by on-site generation, UPS systems, redundant fuel systems, controls, and maintenance strategies to satisfy hyperscale reliability expectations. SSOE also evaluated the potential use of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to improve resiliency, reduce generator fuel consumption, and optimize backup power performance during outages.

In addition, SSOE reviewed transmission and distribution considerations and identified the single 230 kV transmission feed as a significant reliability weakness. Furthermore, we assessed the benefits of evaluating 34.5 kV distribution in place of 13.8 kV for improved scalability and potential annual operating savings. The feasibility study also addressed structural and site development factors, including grading, frost depth, settlement, wetland considerations, and cooling strategy, with available cooling water and potential waste-heat recovery identified as advantages for campus efficiency and sustainability.

SSOE delivered a feasibility report summarizing site viability, power strategy, reliability risks, infrastructure constraints, and recommendations to support future hyperscale deployment.