![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Aligned_Calibrant-970.jpg\")
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Large-scale battery system enables Aligned Data Centers\u2019 Pacific Northwest facility to access grid power years ahead of schedule. [Photo: Aligned Data Centers]<\/p>\n
Plano-based Aligned Data Centers and Florida-based Calibrant Energy have announced what they called a \u201cfirst-of-its-kind\u201d energy solution to address one of the data center industry\u2019s most urgent constraints\u2014access to grid power.<\/p>\n
The news comes one week after news that Aligned Data Centers is being acquired in a deal worth around $40 billion<\/a> by the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (\u201cAIP\u201d), MGX, and BlackRock\u2019s Global Infrastructure Partners.<\/p>\n The announcement also comes as the rapid growth of AI and advanced computing fuels unprecedented power demand, accelerating the need to increase load service and ensure reliable access to grid power.<\/p>\n \u201cThis project flips the script on how data centers access power,\u201d said Phil Martin, CEO at Calibrant. \u201cRather than the false choice between waiting years for system upgrades or having to go off grid entirely, we\u2019re working with leading data center providers like Aligned to use distributed energy solutions to facilitate and accelerate grid interconnection.\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u2019s data center campus in the Pacific Northwest. The on-site system, slated to be operational in 2026, will enable the facility to come online and scale operations \u201cyears earlier\u201d than would be possible with traditional utility upgrades, Aligned said.<\/p>\n Strengthening the grid<\/p>\n Calibrant and Aligned said they\u2019ve been partnering with a regional utility in the Pacific Northwest since the beginning of negotiations to explore flexibility as a means to increase and accelerate interconnection. Aligned\u2019s adaptive data center solutions power customers\u2019 most demanding cloud, AI \/ high-performance compute (HPC), and enterprise workloads, the company said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis innovative model allows large power users to take control of their energy future while being stewards of their community\u2014ensuring growth objectives are met in a manner that supports grid reliability, has minimal environmental impact, and doesn\u2019t burden others with the costs,\u201d Martin said.<\/p>\n This will be \u201cthe first time in the nation\u201d that a battery system is purpose-built to accelerate interconnection and bring a large-scale data center online, the companies said. Developed using Calibrant\u2019s Path to Power solution\u2014a replicable, scalable approach that leverages on-site energy to overcome siting and capacity bottlenecks\u2014Aligned said the system functions as a grid-responsive asset, designed to discharge during peak demand, bolster grid reliability, and ensure uninterrupted service for Aligned\u2019s customers.<\/p>\n Calibrant and Aligned said they prioritized safety and the use of domestically manufactured components for the project, sourcing from suppliers that maintain strong U.S.-based manufacturing and supply chains. They said the battery system exceeds international safety standards by incorporating multiple layers of protection, including safer battery chemistry, built-in fire mitigation measures, and remote 24\/7 monitoring for reliable and safe operations.<\/p>\n Key equipment, including transformers, switchgear, and batteries, were all manufactured and\/or assembled in the United States, underscoring the companies\u2019 commitment to supporting domestic manufacturing.<\/p>\n Partnership with expansion potential<\/p>\n \u201cThis strategic project redefines how we grow in power-constrained markets,\u201d Aligned CEO Andrew Schaap said in a statement. \u201cWith this BESS, we\u2019re 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\u2019re doing it responsibly, without impacting ratepayers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re proud to partner with Calibrant on a new market-defining initiative, directly addressing the industry\u2019s 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,\u201d Schaap added.<\/p>\n Calibrant and Aligned said they are considering similar projects in other markets, signaling a repeatable approach for data center operators facing interconnection challenges.<\/p>\n Aligned Data Centers is a provider of sustainable, ultra-efficient and highly adaptive data center infrastructure designed to power AI innovation at scale.<\/p>\n Calibrant Energy is a provider of on-site energy solutions for large power users. Calibrant said it develops, owns, and operates a diverse portfolio of distributed energy technologies, including battery storage, solar, and microgrids.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss what\u2019s next. Subscribe\u00a0to\u00a0Dallas\u00a0Innovates.<\/p>\n Track Dallas-Fort Worth\u2019s business and innovation landscape with our curated news in your inbox Tuesday-Thursday.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \tR E A D\u00a0\u00a0 N E X T\t<\/p>\n \t In his newly created position of CFOO at Aligned, Billie Haggard will oversee both day-to-day data center operations and personnel globally while driving the operational strategy for data center technology enhancements, efficiency, and innovation.<\/p>\n \t The company said the raise encompassed new primary equity from funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management, alongside multiple large global investors with significant experience in digital infrastructure.<\/p>\n \t The long-term collaboration between the Irving- and Dallas-based companies aims to meet the energy demands of always-on data centers, with the first project to launch in Texas.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AlignedDataCenters_billie-haggard-970.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AlignedDataCenters-Andrew-Schaap-CEO_970-970x464.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Caterpillar-Hunt-Energy-2025-Collaboration-Agreement.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DirectH2-2up-970.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Aligned_AndrewSchaap-970.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n