Soon after Yahoo disclosed its plans to utilize Niagara hydropower at its data center, Baryonyx Corp., a Texas start-up, puts forward similar proposals to bring in a wind-powered data center in Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. Formed back in May, the company hopes to install 100 wind turbines to power the 28,000-square-foot data center. The turbines will ensure a collective 150-megawatt power supply. It’s but obvious that the operative phase might take three years of R&D.
Leasing for sustainability:
Baryonyx Corporation was awarded exclusive lease on the below-mentioned sites:
1. 2 offshore tracts in state waters in the Gulf of Mexico up to 3 marine league line
from the coast (9 nautical miles/10.35 statute miles)
2. Offshore Lease Tract A – Nueces County, Gulf of Mexico – 19,010 Acres – Mustang prospect
3. Offshore Lease Tract B – Cameron County, Gulf of Mexico – 19,794 Acres – Rio Grande prospect
4. Onshore Dallam County – 8064 Acres – Dallam Ranch prospect
Solar power to provide the needed back up:
Recognizing the uncertainty imposed by pounding weather conditions, Baryonyx will utilize solar power and hydrogen fuel cells to meet any such requirements. It is anticipated that each of the wind turbines will generate up to 3.3 megawatts of power, but considering the fluctuating wind conditions it’s a sensible move to switch to other alternatives. Such extensive use of renewable energy will help data centers to reduce their carbon emissions.
Power generation via a holistic wind/data concept:
Baryonyx recognizes the need for capturing, harnessing and deploying the wind power. Under the expert guidance of Ian Hatton, Graeme Walker, John Harison, Peter Sills, Douwe Franssens and Aletha Hanson (mentors for the project), the company seeks to install improved back-up power sources with minimal power transmission losses. Surplus power will go down to the grid so that it can further be used when the wind doesn’t blow at its best. No Smart grid is needed since the innovative set-up will bring the data center to the wind resource. Moreover, this will lead to low upfront infrastructure costs.
Surplus power to be locally distributed:
The surplus power generated out of 8,000 acres in Dallam County and 38,000 acres in the Gulf of Mexico will be sold to the local authorities. Also, the project will contribute $338 million over 30 years to the state’s Permanent School Fund.
Anyhow, the project is in its initial stages as of now. After detailed environmental and engineering evaluations, and consultation with interested parties, Baryonyx will actually apply for approval to construct the projects.