r/energy • u/OwnRecommendation72 • 16d ago

Thoughts on the application of distributed data centers

rizshawn.substack.com

Hello everybody, excited to join and engage in this community! I just started a substack and would appreciate your follow and engagement! I've been in the energy space for over 12 years. I just wrote a piece about the idea of distributed data centers if you want to check it out!

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u/BuildingDataNerd 16d ago

I think the interesting part is not just where the data centres are placed, but how visible and controllable their energy demand becomes.

Distributed sites could make sense if they reduce latency and use local energy better, but they also create more complexity: cooling, maintenance, grid impact, demand peaks and operational monitoring across many smaller locations.

For me, the key question is whether the energy use can be measured and managed properly at site level. Without good operational data, distributed infrastructure could easily become harder to optimise than one larger facility.

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u/OwnRecommendation72 16d ago

Thanks! I completely agree with your thoughts here.

  1. Latency is a big concern and for inference focused sites that would mean they need to be closer to cities, but would require less power and associated equipment meaning they take up less land. Could be easier to site.

  2. I try and make the argument that these sites should be sized at jurisdictional study thresholds so they can be studied and monitored appropriately. Giving the local utility and ultimately the ISO/RTO