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Team Energy Exemplar
Why Data Centers Need Smarter Energy Planning
As data centers become increasingly central to global digital infrastructure, their energy strategy is just as critical as their real estate strategy. The ability to identify where to build, how much power is available, and when to act is what separates successful data center developers from those struggling with delays and rising costs.
Traditional planning methods—relying on manual approval processes and static grid assessments—are no longer sufficient. Instead, data center developers are turning to advanced energy modeling solutions like PLEXOS® to make informed decisions backed by real-world data.
The Growing Energy Demands of Data Centers - How to Plan for the Future
In this article, learn how data centers can strategically plan for the energy future, ensuring uninterrupted operations and sustainable growth.
What is PLEXOS and How Does It Work?
PLEXOS is an advanced energy modeling platform developed by Energy Exemplar. It allows companies to simulate, forecast, and optimize energy systems across multiple future scenarios.
For data centers, PLEXOS provides critical insights into:
- Grid capacity and constraints – Where is there available power for large-scale expansion?
- Future energy scenarios – How will grid infrastructure change over the next 5–10 years?
- Cost and risk analysis – What are the long-term implications of choosing one site over another?
Instead of waiting months for a utility response, data center developers can use PLEXOS to instantly model their energy options—reducing planning time and improving decision-making. Data centers can gain key benefits using PLEXOS to inform their strategy.
Key Benefits of PLEXOS for Data Center Developers
1. Assess Withdrawal Capacity
One of the biggest challenges for data centers is understanding how much power is available in a specific location. PLEXOS allows developers to analyze multiple grid interconnection points, helping them identify where they can build without overloading the network.
2. Forecast Future Energy Conditions
Energy grids are constantly evolving, with planned infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy projects, and policy changes affecting available capacity. PLEXOS enables developers to see not just today’s grid but multiple possible future scenarios—giving them a competitive advantage in site selection.
3. Reduce Risk and Optimize Expansion Plans
Rather than making decisions based on incomplete data, PLEXOS allows developers to compare different site options, expansion timelines, and energy market trends. This ensures that data center companies can optimize investment decisions and avoid costly delays.
4. Faster Time to Market
Historically, securing grid availability approvals could take three to six months. If a request is denied, the developer needs to start over, delaying project timelines significantly. With PLEXOS, companies can instantly assess multiple locations, allowing them to have multiple options and reducing time-to-market from months to weeks.
A Real-World Success Story
A major hyperscaler recently implemented PLEXOS to streamline its site selection and energy procurement process. Within just 2.5 months, the company went from proof of concept to full PLEXOS implementation, gaining a clear competitive advantage.
By integrating PLEXOS into their strategy, they were able to:
- Identify optimal grid connection points.
- Secure approvals faster.
- Avoid costly delays associated with infrastructure limitations.
Beyond Site Selection: A Holistic Energy Strategy
PLEXOS is not just a site selection solution —it provides a comprehensive view of energy strategy, including:
- Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Analysis - Hedge against risk in volatile energy markets by analyzing PPA options.
- Grid Reliability and Stability - Anticipate congestion risks and infrastructure upgrades.
- Energy Cost Optimization - Forecast wholesale market prices for better purchasing strategies.
For data centers looking to scale efficiently, PLEXOS provides the transparency, flexibility, and predictive power needed to make informed, strategic decisions.
Energy Exemplar’s PLEXOS Empowers Transformative Energy Decisions for Data Centers
The future of data centers depends on smart energy planning. With rising demand, regulatory uncertainty, and grid constraints, developers need more than just static reports—they need real-time, dynamic forecasting tools.
PLEXOS enables data center companies to:
- Make faster, data driven decisions
- Plan for long-term energy needs
- Optimize site selection with confidence
As data centers continue to shape the future of the digital economy, those that leverage energy modeling solutions like PLEXOS will be best positioned to thrive in an increasingly complex energy landscape.
