Energy storage reshapes data center siting amid US regulatory pressure

Data center siting strategies are rapidly evolving in the US due to massive energy demands coupled with increasing regulatory pressure aimed at reducing grid strain and carbon emissions. The integration of energy storage systems (ESS), particularly large-scale batteries, is fundamentally reshaping site selection criteria. ESS allows data centers to reduce their reliance on immediate, high-capacity utility connections, manage peak loads more effectively, and better utilize intermittent renewable energy sources. This newfound flexibility makes previously power-constrained locations viable for development, optimizing operational costs while simultaneously improving compliance with energy sustainability mandates.