Energy Transition

Efficient Data Center Siting | Smart Locations for Peak Performance

byAdam Robinson, Enverus Intelligence® | Research (EIR) Contributor

Explosive growth in artificial intelligence and the increasing prevalence of cryptocurrency mining are sending data center expansion through the roof. This surge, in combination with renewable energy volatility, is driving the need for effective resource management in data center construction and siting. Developers must quickly evaluate potential sites to stay competitive in the race for high-quality locations. Key pillars in site selection include energy availability, site quality and energy cost, with metrics such as available withdraw capacity (AWC), available acreage and access to transmission and fiber optic networks being crucial.

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR) has developed a workflow using Enverus PRISM® – Power & Renewables suite data and analytics to streamline data center siting. A case study examining the Cleveland area for 1,000 MW and 600 MW data center developments identified fewer than 20 high-value sites, meaning 99.998% were disqualified. EIR identified the Glenwillow and Hummel substations as ideal for 1,000 MW projects due to their large AWC, while the Inland and Hummel substations were best for 600 MW projects. The analysis demonstrated that while adequate AWC is essential for successful site selection, other factors contribute to site quality and can lead to better performance than high AWC sites.

Highlights

  • Nuclear in Its AI Era – Enabling the Next Generation of Reactors  – Demand for computing power coupled with the surge of AI is prompting technology giants to pursue reliable, low-carbon power sources for data centers, fueling a resurgence in interest in nuclear power. EIR evaluates various IPP’s existing nuclear energy portfolios and their opportunities for large-scale deployments.
  • U.S. Power Grid – A Layered Landscape of Opportunities – This dynamic and interactive map provides a comprehensive view of the power asset landscape, including operating and developing projects across a variety of technologies, under-utilized plant capacity, and energy community tax credits, highlighting the most influential drivers of the U.S. energy transition. Designed to demonstrate the risks and opportunities within this evolving landscape, this map enables users to interact with data in innovative ways, unlocking critical insights.
  • Alternative Fuels M&A – From Policy Boosts to Business Resilience – Deal flow in the alternative fuels sector has surged over the past four years, driven by regulatory incentives and the maturation of technologies that lower investment risk. We take a deep dive into notable deals across five fuel types to determine the most dominant strategies driving M&A activity and speculate on the implications for future capital deployment in the sector.

Enverus Intelligence® | Research, Inc. (EIR) is a subsidiary of Enverus that publishes energy-sector research focused on the oil, natural gas, power and renewable industries. EIR publishes reports including asset and company valuations, resource assessments, technical evaluations and macro-economic forecasts and helps make intelligent connections for energy industry participants, service companies and capital providers worldwide. See additional disclosures here.

Picture of Adam Robinson, Enverus Intelligence® | Research (EIR) Contributor

Adam Robinson, Enverus Intelligence® | Research (EIR) Contributor

Adam Robinson joined the Enverus Intelligence® Research team as an Energy Transition Analyst in October 2024, focusing on supporting sustainable energy solutions. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Calgary and brings hands-on experience in pipeline integrity engineering. With a strong foundation in pipeline systems and integrity management, Adam is passionate about leveraging data-driven insights to optimize energy infrastructure and enhance system reliability.

Subscribe to the Enverus Blog

A weekly update on the latest “no-fluff” insight and analysis of the energy industry.

Related Content

Enverus Press Release - Upstream M&A sails on with $30 billion in 2Q24
Minerals
ByEnverus

Digital oilfield advances have transformed many facets of the energy enterprise, yet when it comes to partner data sharing, the industry is stuck in a rut. Sensitive financial data and personally identifiable information (PII) are routinely sent to working interest,...

Class VI applications signal slowdown
Energy Transition
ByAmyra Mardhani

The U.S. Senate proposed amendments to the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, increasing the 45Q tax credit for CO2 enhanced oil recovery (EOR) from $60 to $85/tonne, matching the rate for permanent sequestration. From an economic standpoint, this shift could have...

Enverus Press Release - Tapping Alberta’s overlooked lithium brines
Oilfield Services
ByAdriana Bickford

The sun rises on a wellsite in North Dakota where hydraulic fracturing operations have been running through the night. A line of water-hauling trucks idles nearby, keeping a steady supply flowing downhole. Handwritten field tickets for those loads exchange hands,...

GettyImages-1148355005
Analyst Takes Blog Topics
ByAl Salazar, Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR) Contributor

In reaction to news of U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Al Salazar, director at Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), released this statement explaining the significance on oil prices:

field-representative
Oilfield Services
ByAdriana Bickford

Ask any oilfield operations manager what slows down invoicing and you’ll hear it every time: submitting field tickets from the job site to the office. These tickets are the handshake confirming work was done, but when they’re trapped on paper,...

Israel vs Iran Flags, Israel and Iran A Complex History, Tense Relations, and the Path Towards Peaceful Resolution – Exploring the Geopolitical Dynamics and Future Prospects of the Middle East
Analyst Takes
ByAl Salazar, Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR) Contributor

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran continues to send shockwaves through global energy markets. Recent strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure by Israel have heightened concerns about supply disruptions and price volatility. As geopolitical tensions escalate, energy professionals are closely...

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - Enhanced geothermal systems: The future of reliable, green power for AI data centers?
Energy Transition
ByBrynna Foley

Big Tech is on the hunt for energy sources to meet the growing demand for clean, reliable power for artificial intelligence-driven data centers.

Enverus Press Release - OFS prices expected to bottom out by year’s end
Oilfield Services
ByAdriana Bickford

If you’ve spent any time in the oilfield services industry, you know it’s a cyclical business. When times are good, you’re on speed dial for work. When times are tight, you’re the first to feel it. And right now, with...

GettyImages-1178545406-oil&Gas
Analyst Takes Blog Topics
ByAl Salazar, Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR) Contributor

In response to news that Israel has launched an attack on Iran, Al Salazar, director at Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), released this reaction explaining the significance on oil prices.

Let’s get started!

We’ll follow up right away to show you a quick product tour.

Let’s get started!

We’ll follow up right away to show you a quick product tour.

Sign up for our Blog

Register Today

Sign Up

Power Your Insights

Connect with an Expert

Access Product Tour

Speak to an Expert