Compass Datacenters has announced a new relationship with Foster Fuels, which will see Compass become one of the first data center developers/operators to employ HVO-based biodiesel to power its on-site generators. Foster Fuels will be Compass’ preferred green diesel supplier, reiterating both companies’ commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
For many data center operators trying to green their data centers, generators are usually a difficult part of the infrastructure. Diesel is not exactly a green fuel while the use of biodiesel is often not seen as something that benefits the reliability of a data center. Compass Datacenters now obviously sees an opportunity to use biodiesel in a safe way and to guarantee the reliability of its facilities being developed and operated.
“The Foster Fuels partnership is part of our overall strategy to reduce our Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions and will make our generators far more sustainable,” said Adil Attlassy, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Compass Datacenters. “Based on our results to date, using HVO blended fuels is reducing our generators’ Scope 1 GHG emissions by approximately 85 percent versus traditional diesel. Additionally, we are significantly reducing particulates and sulfides as compared to fossil fuels, eliminating diesel’s dirty smoke plume.”
‘Innovative and Scalable’
“We’re very excited to help companies achieve their sustainability goals with alternative fuels like HVO. Foster Fuels has been a long-time Compass partner and this sustainability initiative is a result of close collaboration between our teams to address an important issue,” said Watt R. Foster, Jr., President and CEO at Foster Fuels. “The initial rollout involves Compass’ facilities in Northern Virginia, Arizona and Texas. Our ultimate goal is to make HVO renewable diesel fuel available throughout the U.S.”
“Our decision to adopt HVO-based biodiesel for generators is consistent with our previous efforts, such as CarbonCure concrete; both are focused on GHG reduction. A truly holistic approach to sustainability includes power sources, but also needs to include the facility’s design, the materials used, water usage, the supply chain and much more,” said Nancy Novak, Chief Innovation Officer at Compass Datacenters. “Backup power needs to be part of the sustainability strategy, and Foster Fuels is providing us with an innovative, scalable solution that we expect will become an industry standard.”
