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Aligned Data Centers and Calibrant Energy announced what the companies call a “first-of-its-kind” energy solution to address an urgent constraint in the data center industry: access to grid power.
Under the agreement, Calibrant, a provider of on-site energy solutions for large power users, will deliver a 31 MW / 62 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at Aligned’s data center campus in the Pacific Northwest. The on-site system, planned to be operational in 2026, will enable the facility to come online and scale operations years earlier than would be possible with traditional utility upgrades, the companies claim.
Calibrant and Aligned have been partnering with a regional utility in the Pacific Northwest since the start of negotiations to explore flexibility as a means to increase and accelerate interconnection. Aligned’s data center solutions power customers’ cloud, AI / high-performance compute (HPC), and enterprise workloads.
“This project flips the script on how data centers access power,” said Phil Martin, CEO at Calibrant. “Rather than the false choice between waiting years for system upgrades or having to go off grid entirely, we’re working with leading data center providers like Aligned to use distributed energy solutions to facilitate and accelerate grid interconnection.”
“This innovative model allows large power users to take control of their energy future while being stewards of their community – ensuring growth objectives are met in a manner that supports grid reliability, has minimal environmental impact, and doesn’t burden others with the costs,” Martin said.
The companies argue that this will be the first time in the U.S. that a battery system is purpose-built to accelerate interconnection and bring a large-scale data center online. Developed using Calibrant’s Path to Power solution – a scalable approach that leverages on-site energy to overcome siting and capacity bottlenecks – the system functions as a grid-responsive asset.
Calibrant and Aligned said they prioritized the use of domestically manufactured components for this project, sourcing from suppliers that maintain U.S.-based manufacturing and supply chains. Key equipment, including transformers, switchgear and batteries, were all manufactured and/or assembled in the United States.
“This strategic project redefines how we grow in power-constrained markets,” said Andrew Schaap, CEO at Aligned. “With this BESS, we’re converting our load from a potential grid liability into a dynamic grid asset, providing the regional utility with the tools needed to accelerate our ramp. And we’re doing it responsibly, without impacting ratepayers.”
“We’re proud to partner with Calibrant on a new market-defining initiative, directly addressing the industry’s critical constraint of access to grid power. Their experience in serving large power users and critical facilities was instrumental in our ability to move quickly and efficiently,” Schaap said.
Calibrant and Aligned said they are considering similar projects in other markets, hoping for a repeatable approach for data center operators facing interconnection challenges.
