Battery Storage Breakthrough: How Aligned and Calibrant Are Reinventing Data Center Power Strategy

Revolutionizing Data Center Power Infrastructure

In a landmark partnership that could reshape how data centers manage their energy needs, Aligned Data Centers has teamed up with energy storage developer Calibrant Energy to deploy a sophisticated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at a Pacific Northwest data center campus. This strategic collaboration represents a fundamental shift away from traditional power infrastructure approaches toward more dynamic, grid-responsive solutions.

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The Technical Specifications and Timeline

The agreement calls for Calibrant to deliver a substantial 31MW/62MWh BESS system to an undisclosed data center campus in the Pacific Northwest region. The system, scheduled for installation directly onsite, is projected to become operational by 2026. What makes this deployment particularly noteworthy is its claimed status as the first BESS system specifically engineered to accelerate the interconnection process for a large-scale data center facility.

“This project fundamentally changes how data centers approach power accessibility,” explained Phil Martin, CEO at Calibrant. “Rather than enduring multi-year waits for substation upgrades, relying on fossil fuel generators, or considering complete grid independence, we’re collaborating with progressive data center operators and utilities to implement distributed energy solutions that support growth objectives.”

Transforming Load Management Strategy

The deployment utilizes Calibrant’s innovative Path to Power solution, which enables the BESS to function as a grid-responsive asset. During periods of peak electricity demand, the system can discharge stored energy, simultaneously enhancing grid reliability while ensuring uninterrupted service for the data center’s customers. This approach effectively converts what would traditionally be considered a grid burden into a valuable grid asset.

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Andrew Schaap, CEO at Aligned, emphasized the strategic importance of this approach: “This project redefines our expansion strategy in power-constrained markets. We’re transforming our electrical load from a potential grid liability into a dynamic grid asset, providing regional utilities with the necessary tools to accelerate our operational ramp-up—all achieved responsibly without impacting ratepayers.”

Regional Context and Expansion Plans

While the specific location of this initial deployment remains undisclosed, Aligned has a significant presence in the Pacific Northwest through its Hillsboro, Oregon campus development. The company’s website indicates this campus will include BESS deployment, aligning with their broader energy strategy.

The Hillsboro development, first announced in January 2023, spans 27 acres with a planned capacity of 108MW. The initial data center building (PDX-01) is expected to deliver 72MW of critical capacity, while the second structure (PDX-02) is planned for 36MW. Both companies have indicated they’re evaluating similar projects across other markets, suggesting this partnership could serve as a template for future deployments., as covered previously

Industry Context and Company Profiles

Calibrant Energy, backed by Macquarie Asset Management, has established itself as a significant player in the North American energy storage sector. The company’s portfolio includes approximately 600MW/1,100MWh of onsite solar and storage projects either operational, under construction, or in development across the United States and Canada.

Recent projects include three front-of-the-meter BESS installations in New York developed in collaboration with CoreSite, providing 13.5MW (55.7MWh) of dispatchable capacity to the Con Edison grid. These systems are being utilized by CoreSite and a leading hospital institution through Value of Distributed Energy Resources credits.

Aligned maintains a substantial footprint across North America with data center campuses in Oregon, Illinois, Texas, Utah, Arizona, and Northern Virginia, plus additional developments in Maryland, Ohio, Illinois, Virginia, and throughout Latin America. The company’s total active and planned capacity reaches approximately 5GW, recently bolstered by its acquisition by BlackRock and MGX in a landmark $40 billion transaction—the largest ever in the digital infrastructure sector.

Broader Implications for the Data Center Industry

This partnership arrives at a critical juncture for the data center industry, which faces increasing pressure regarding power availability, sustainability, and reliability. The collaborative model demonstrated by Aligned and Calibrant—working alongside regional utilities to explore flexibility as a means to accelerate interconnection—could establish a new paradigm for industry growth in power-constrained regions.

The approach addresses multiple challenges simultaneously: reducing dependency on traditional utility infrastructure upgrades, enhancing grid stability, enabling faster deployment timelines, and supporting sustainability objectives through reduced reliance on fossil fuel-powered backup systems. As data center energy demands continue to escalate globally, such innovative power management strategies may become increasingly essential for sustainable industry expansion.

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