Texas-based Enchanted Rock and US Energy are working together to provide back-up power for a Microsoft data centre during grid outages.

The partnership procures renewable natural gas (RNG) from food waste for carbon-neutral energy and helps the data centre project become carbon neutral.

Enchanted Rock provides electrical resiliency microgrids and US Energy is a vertically integrated energy provider proficient in refined products, alternative fuels and environmental credits.

The partnership is procuring RNG for Microsoft’s (www.microsoft.com) new data centre in San Jose during grid outages and when California’s base interruptible power (BIP) is activated. The data centre will use Enchanted Rock’s electrical resiliency-as-a-service and low-emission generators to avoid disruptions to their operations.

The resiliency microgrid, using carbon-neutral RNG, should ensure increased uptime for Microsoft’s San Jose data centre by providing reliable backup power during grid outages. US Energy will deliver RNG sourced from diverted food waste that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. The RNG will be injected upstream in the pipeline to match natural gas usage at the site and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions, supporting Microsoft’s goal to become carbon negative by 2030.

The agreement also allows for flexibility in the amount of RNG supplied, ensuring the data centre can always meet its standards for emissions reduction. And the clean microgrid will result in 80% to 96% lower local emissions than even the strictest EPA diesel standards, which decreases health impacts on nearby communities.

“Enchanted Rock has always been committed to using the cleanest fuel available without compromising on reliability for our customers,” said Thomas McAndrew, CEO of Enchanted Rock. “After announcing our renewable natural gas option in 2021 and this particular Microsoft data centre project in 2022, we’re proud to be taking this important next step towards seeing this key technology in operation. We’re pleased to be partnering with US Energy and look forward to showcasing how RNG can be the new standard in providing carbon-neutral, dependable backup power.”

Mike Koel, president of US Energy, added: “Energy resilience is crucial with data centres like this one. Through our portfolio of 40 renewable natural gas projects, we’re able to ensure our customers have the supply needed to meet any additionality requirements. As we continue to grow our portfolio, our partnership with Enchanted Rock will help more organisations take that next step in their carbon reduction goals.”

Procurement of the RNG is scheduled to begin in early 2026. This project is said to mark a milestone in sustainability for data centres. Enchanted Rock’s microgrid is also California Air Resources Board (Carb) distributed generation compliant, meeting the USA’s strictest emission requirements for reciprocating engines.

Founded in 2006, Enchanted Rock (www.enchantedrock.com) provides electrical resiliency-as-a-service, powering companies, critical infrastructure and communities to ensure business continuity during unexpected power outages from extreme weather, infrastructure failures, cyber attacks and other grid disruptions. Its dual-purpose microgrids use natural gas and RNG to produce lower carbon emissions and air pollutants than diesel generators, capable of achieving resiliency with net-zero emissions. Additionally, the company’s end-to-end microgrid software platform, GraniteEcosystem, provides real-time round-the-clock system monitoring and optimisation, including forecasting of electricity market conditions to provide grid support services and ensure cost effective and worry-free reliable power to users.

US Energy (www.us-energy.com), a US Venture company, is proficient in refined products, alternative fuels and environmental credits. Over its 70-year tenure, it has diversified throughout the energy supply chain, offering realistic, executable strategies that satisfy economic and environmental goals. Its asset portfolio has more than 30 refined product terminals, 40 RNG development projects, 50 alternative fuel stations, and two forestry projects.