Aston Debuts Rapid Development Program for Clean Data Centers

Rhea-AI Summary

Aston has introduced a pioneering Rapid Development Program (RDP) for Clean Data Centers, aimed at delivering scalable, carbon-free energy solutions to data centers through a network of industrial clean energy campuses. The initiative is driven by a projected doubling in data center electricity usage by 2026. The development pipeline currently represents 2 gigawatts of power, with new projects starting in 2024 and coming online in 2026.

Aston's campuses will feature multiple sources of carbon-free power generation and storage, significant power delivery with grid backup, and a flexible contract structure, all designed around customer-specific needs. The collaboration with JLL will focus on site selection and leasing, leveraging JLL’s expertise in data center development and microgrid infrastructure. This partnership aims to fast-track the deployment of clean energy solutions for data centers, addressing the expanding energy needs of major companies globally.

Positive

• Introduction of a first-of-its-kind Rapid Development Program (RDP) for clean data centers.
• Development pipeline represents 2 gigawatts of power.
• New projects starting in 2024 will go live in 2026.
• Campuses feature multiple sources of carbon-free power generation and storage.
• Significant power delivery with grid backup.
• Accelerated delivery timeline due to modular site construction.
• Partnership with JLL for site selection and leasing.
• JLL’s expertise in microgrid infrastructure to support tenant goals for decarbonization and operational continuity.

Negative

• Potential risks associated with the accelerated delivery timeline.
• Dependence on new project completion starting in 2024, with operations beginning only in 2026.
• Uncertainty in demand-driven approach's success in securing tenants.

Financial Analyst

Aston's new Rapid Development Program (RDP) for Clean Data Centers represents a significant investment in the green energy space, particularly in addressing the rapidly growing electricity demands of data centers driven by AI, cloud computing and hyperscalers. The commitment to developing a pipeline of 2 gigawatts of power by 2026 highlights Aston's forward-thinking approach to integrating clean energy solutions within the tech industry.

From a financial perspective, this initiative could position Aston as a leading provider of scalable, carbon-free energy solutions, potentially attracting substantial investment from environmentally conscious stakeholders and companies aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. Notably, the collaboration with JLL, a respected name in real estate services, adds credibility and operational expertise to the project, likely enhancing investor confidence.

However, investors should consider the capital intensity and long timeline of these projects. While the accelerated delivery timeline without lengthy grid permitting is a substantial benefit, the return on investment might not be immediate. The cost structure and the ability to secure long-term contracts with major data center operators will be critical in determining the overall financial success. Investors should also monitor regulatory changes in the clean energy sector, which could impact project feasibility and profitability.

Rating: 1

Tech Expert

The introduction of Aston's RDP for Clean Data Centers is a groundbreaking development in the tech and energy sectors. The program aims to create a network of clean energy generation and industrial private grids, catering specifically to the unique power needs of data centers. This move is particularly relevant given the anticipated doubling of data center electricity usage by 2026, as reported by the International Energy Agency.

Technologically, Aston's approach of using multiple sources of carbon-free power generation and storage, combined with grid backup, offers a robust and flexible solution. This modular design allows for customization based on individual customer requirements, which could be a significant competitive advantage.

The shortened timeline for bringing these campuses online, bypassing lengthy grid permitting processes, is another standout feature. This could enable quicker scalability and response to market demands compared to traditional grid-connected solutions. However, the challenge will be in maintaining the reliability and efficiency of these self-sustaining campuses, ensuring they can meet the high uptime and performance standards required by data centers.

Rating: 1

Aston Teams Up with JLL to Deliver Scalable Carbon-Free Energy for Data Centers with Network of Industrial Clean Energy Campuses

Development Pipeline Represents Two Gigawatts of Power; New Projects Started in 2024 Come Online Beginning in 2026

RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aston, the pioneer of the fastest path to clean energy for the global supply chain, today debuted a first-of-its-kind Rapid Development Program (RDP) for Clean Data Centers. Aston’s demand-driven approach brings scalable clean energy to data centers with a network of clean energy generation and industrial private grids purpose-built for each customer’s energy needs today and for decades to come. Aston’s first campuses in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and beyond, are already participating in the RDP. Together, the existing development pipeline represents 2 gigawatts of power. Projects started in 2024 will go live in 2026.

Data center electricity usage is set to double by 2026 according to the annual electricity report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). AI, cloud, and hyperscalers are all driving this explosion in demand.

The Aston Campus sets a new standard in carbon-free energy for industrial needs. Aston campus grids bring together data centers and other industrial demand with clean power generation and storage on individual, modular sites. Because campuses can be built without lengthy grid permitting and upgrades, the timeline to begin operations is years faster than if full grid interconnection were required. Each campus is designed around a customer’s specific needs, using on-site power generation and storage, and the grid for supplementary service. Each campus features:

• Multiple sources of carbon free power generation and storage
• Significant power delivery with grid backup
• Accelerated delivery timeline for power
• Customization potential
• Flexibility with contract structure
• Brand new construction
• Rare large scale development opportunity

Aston has teamed up with JLL, a global leader in real estate services, to manage the comprehensive site selection for the RDP and oversee the leasing process. JLL’s Data Center practice group will combine efforts with its Clean Energy & Infrastructure Advisory team to market Aston’s state-of-the-art data centers to the best qualified end users who seek near term ramp to power of 300+ megawatts. Aston will also leverage JLL’s microgrid expertise to right size its infrastructure investments in support of tenant goals for decarbonization, operational continuity and profitability.

“Utilities were not designed to meet the needs of data centers and large power users and they are failing to keep up with the ever-expanding need for power. The Aston Campuses are purpose-built to meet this demand and support the needs of the world’s most respected companies as they work to run their supply chains exclusively on clean energy,” said Greg Robinson, co-founder and CEO of Aston. “We have a world-class partner in JLL that is on the forefront of data center development. They have an unrivaled depth of knowledge of the market, as well as an extraordinary team of multidisciplinary experts who have deep technical experience. Through this partnership, we will swiftly move forward with our demand-driven approach in deploying clean data centers.”

“Commercial and consumer demands for energy-intensive technologies have grown exponentially. Carbon capture and carbon credits will not be enough. What is needed is a new prioritization of clean energy – one that is cheaper, accessible and meets today’s needs, and Aston delivers exactly this,” said Mark To, Executive Vice President with the Data Center markets team at JLL.

About Aston

Aston is building the fastest path to clean energy for the supply chain, helping companies achieve their goals of running their entire supply chains exclusively on carbon-free energy. Aston’s demand-driven approach brings scalable clean energy to data centers, dry warehouses, cold storage, green fuels, and EV charging with a network of industrial private grids that can be built and operated independent of the power grid. For more information, visit www.astonlabs.co and follow on LI and X.

About JLL

For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500® company with annual revenue of $20.8 billion and operations in over 80 countries around the world, our more than 106,000 employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAY^SM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240522577997/en/

aston@signalgroup.co

Source: Aston

FAQ

What is Aston's Rapid Development Program (RDP) for Clean Data Centers?

Aston's RDP is an initiative to deliver scalable, carbon-free energy solutions to data centers through a network of clean energy campuses.

When will the new clean energy projects by Aston start and go live?

New projects will start in 2024 and are expected to go live in 2026.

How much power does Aston's development pipeline represent?

Aston's development pipeline represents 2 gigawatts of power.

What features will Aston's clean energy campuses offer?

The campuses will feature multiple sources of carbon-free power generation and storage, significant power delivery with grid backup, and flexible contract structures.

Who is Aston partnering with for the site selection and leasing process of the RDP?

Aston is partnering with JLL, a global leader in real estate services, for site selection and leasing.

How will JLL contribute to Aston's clean energy initiatives?

JLL will manage site selection, oversee leasing, and provide microgrid infrastructure expertise to support tenant goals for decarbonization and operational continuity.