large concentration of power in the data centre

>>We're investigating alternative generation technology. In California we're looking at a fuel cell test for generating electricity, and also at building co-generation that let us produce power on site from less invasive utilities such as natural gas," says Pat Leonard, senior manager of strategic initiatives at datacentre operator Equinix. "We're looking at solar panels too, although they can only do so much, and there's a large concentration of power in the data centre.

Cooling, which takes up a significant percentage of a datacentre's power requirements, is traditionally handled with expensive cooling towers. Equinix is also looking into heat exchangers that use either 'grey water' (water that has already been used in other parts of a building) or ambient air to extract heat from air inside the server room.