Caterpillar has joined forces with Microsoft and Ballard Power Systems to showcase the application of hydrogen fuel cells as a sustainable and dependable source of backup power for data centers. This groundbreaking trial, conducted at Microsoft’s data center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, successfully demonstrated hydrogen technology’s capacity to fulfill the rigorous uptime demands crucial to modern data centers’ operations.
Challenging Environment, Promising Results
The test featured a 1.5MW hydrogen fuel cell system integrated into the data center’s electrical infrastructure. Carried out at an elevation of 6,086 feet and amid sub-zero temperatures, the trial simulated a 48-hour backup power scenario, proving the system’s reliability under extreme conditions.
Jaime Mineart, Senior Vice President of Caterpillar Electric Power, underscored the significance of this collaborative effort: “This partnership with Microsoft and Ballard showcases hydrogen fuel cells’ potential in providing critical power solutions for data centers while simultaneously cutting down emissions.”
A Step Towards a Greener Future
Sean James, Microsoft’s Senior Director of Data Center Research, pointed to the trial’s contribution to Microsoft’s environmental objectives, stating, “The success of this project paves the way for hyperscale providers to innovate in power generation technology sustainability.”
Aiming for a carbon-negative status by 2030, Microsoft views this project as a vital step forward in its sustainability journey. The initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s H2@Scale initiative and evaluated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, focused on the safety, economic feasibility, and environmental advantages of employing hydrogen fuel cells for backup power solutions.
David Mucciacciaro, Chief Commercial Officer at Ballard Power Systems, shared his enthusiasm for the reliability and environmental benefits offered by Ballard’s fuel cell technology. “We are thrilled by our products’ capacity to fulfill the essential power requirements of data center clients in this swiftly expanding industry,” he stated, highlighting the promising future of hydrogen fuel cells in enhancing data center sustainability.
