The voters recently approved the concept of a gas-fired generating station to replace Yankee.
They’re looking to replace the cash cow they have had for 30-some years: Jobs, low taxes, better schools…it’s a
long list and I don’t blame them at all.
But what if they had an opportunity to regain all the benefits – and then some, without pollution and the dangers resulting from a gas pipeline?
I think it can be done – with one or more “Data Centers” serving the Information Industry.
So, what’s a Data Center, anyhow?
The short answer is that it’s a huge building filled with electronics and auxiliary equipment that’s connected
to the internet and forms a part of it. It can be thought of as being a home for “the cloud”.
Let Wikipedia define it:
[A data center is a facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems. It generally includes redundant or backup power supplies, redundant data communications connections, environmental controls (e.g., air conditioning, fire suppression) and various security devices. Large data centers are industrial scale operations using as much electricity as a small town.]
Fortunately, I came across the website of a company that builds and operates Data Centers. The site contains a
“Gallery” which blows the mind. You can access it here: https://www.supernap.com/gallery/#1
In the upper right, you will see 2 arrows and a triangle.
Click the triangle, relax, sit back and enjoy the show.
Have fun!
seems possible
“As of January 1, 2016, all Switch SUPERNAP data centers are run by 100% renewable energy”
This company does business in Las Vegas and the region (in in a couple of other places around the world). Some of the advantages it claims are lower power costs, and being outside of California’s tax system, while being close enough to serve them.
Tom, you should get in touch with data center folks such as this company and tell them about Vernon, then let them contact Vernon. (Might be faster than waiting for Vernon to contact them.)
What I like about this is that it isn’t as dangerous, and is a commodity that can be sold for quite a while with little harm to the environment. Plus – trillions in investments and programs! I bet these jobs pay well, too.
Win - Win
I have been in touch with Supernap, and sent them a summary.
I also sent a summary to Peter Galbraith and Matt Dunne.
No response to date.
Re- renewables:
I would expect them to go to Hydro Quebec and negotiate directly for the power.
With the quantities they need, they would be in the catbird seat.
VELCO could “wheel” this power down to Vernon.
The lines connecting Canada with Vernon exist, and are, in fact, robust and up-to-date.
In fact, an HVDC cable is being planned to run under Lake Champlain. It will terminate somewhere near Ludlow.
I see this as a win-win situation: clean power, good jobs, no pipelines, no pollution.
Alternatives
I love the idea of a data center, and I hope that somebody really works on pushing the option onto the table for serious consideration.
Food for thought: here’s a story about an Ontario Coal Plant which is being converted to a solar farm (may not be the right fit for Vernon, but worth exploring)
http://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/sustainability/ontario-to-convert-largest-coal-plant-in-north-america-to-solar-installation-164223/
Coal Plants
On “Energy Week” (http://www.brattleborotv.org/energy-week) we discussed a retired coal plant that was actually being transformed into a data center, due to the existing transmission lines.
An opening
VPR is reporting that the natural gas plant is “off the table” due to suspension of the pipeline project.
Time for the data center to step up….