From artificial intelligence (AI) to online shopping, today’s world is increasingly digital. All that data requires storage and processing, but large data centers are often expensive and resource-intensive to manage. Microsite data centers (MDCs) have emerged as a compact, efficient solution for businesses that need better data management.
Data centers can process large amounts of data, but all that work requires a dependable fuel source. The main options for your facility are diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified natural gas (LNG). Each fuel has its benefits — let’s compare natural gas vs. diesel emissions, cost and performance to help you find the right solution for your micro data center.
Micro data centers are compact data facilities designed to handle your data processing and storage. Traditionally, large-scale data centers handle large data amounts far from the business they service. MDCs are portable and pre-assembled. They have everything they need to manage data and deploy rapidly.
Like larger data centers, MDCs need fuel to power their processes. Each MDC has different power requirements based on its capacity. The most important factor for fueling MDCs is a reliable and continuous power supply. Without this, you expose MDCs to potential data loss and downtime. MDCs need backup generators to ensure they’re always up and running. These backup generators commonly use diesel or natural gas. Both fuel types will power your operation, but they have unique benefits and drawbacks.
While MDCs need fuel to keep operations moving, not all fuel is created equal. The kind of fuel used at your MDC directly affects costs, efficiency and reliability. MDC administrators must understand their options to find the right choice for their facility needs.
Diesel fuel is a common choice for backup generators. In California alone, 90% of backup generators are diesel fuel-based. Diesel fuel is favored for its high energy density and wide availability. Diesel generators can produce substantial power output, meeting your data center demands easily. Diesel generators are widely available, making scaling your power needs simple. With quick startup times and reliable supply, diesel is an excellent choice for backup power.
Diesel fuel must be stored and handled safely to protect the environment. Using diesel releases carbon emissions, which negatively affect the environment. Improper handling can also lead to diesel getting into the ground, harming the nearby ecosystem. Use on-site tanks and professional delivery services to ensure safe fuel handling.
CNG is a type of methane stored under high pressure. This pressure turns the methane into a gas. Natural gas burns clean compared to other fossil fuels, but it still emits greenhouse gases. If sustainability is a concern, CNG is a viable option.
However, using CNG is more challenging than popular fuels like diesel. CNG needs temperature-controlled tanks to maintain pressure. Without temperature controls, CNG will expand and contract. Additionally, CNG availability is limited. Not all regions have access to a ready supply of CNG, making it difficult to source reliably.
LNG is a natural gas that has been supercooled to -260 degrees Fahrenheit, which turns it into a liquid. Liquefication dramatically reduces the gas volume, making it easier and more efficient to store and transport. LNG shares the same clean-burning features as CNG, along with its limited availability.
The other drawback of LNG is processing. Maintaining cryogenic storage facilities and specialized handling equipment makes it a more expensive fuel than diesel. Additionally, LNG must be regasified for use in generators. This is an added layer of operational complexity. If you need immediate, reliable fuel, LNG can be less effective.
The right fuel will depend on your facility’s demands and budget. MDCs must balance fuel costs with efficiency and reliability — fuel type must ensure uptime without overextending your center’s profitability. Here are the main natural gas vs. diesel generator considerations for your facility:
Fuel efficiency and performance directly impact your operation’s reliability. If an MDC cannot rely on backup generators to reduce downtime, they aren’t doing their job. Diesel generators are favored for their wide availability and rapid startup times. Depending on the generator type, your facility could see uninterrupted power restoration times as little as 10 seconds.
Diesel is also more efficient than natural gas. Fuel efficiency is measured in British thermal units (BTU). The BTU of natural gas vs. diesel is 1,036 BTU per cubic foot compared to 137,381 BTU per gallon. Diesel and natural gas can power your generator, but diesel will operate more efficiently and provide better power.
MDCs need reliable fuel. When the power fails, uptime is everything. If your center sees an outage due to a fuel shortage, your operation is down without a backup plan. Diesel fuel is widely available thanks to its popularity. Your facility can schedule diesel fuel deliveries, ensuring your on-site storage tanks always have enough fuel.
CNG and LNG require specialized infrastructure to support their use, which limits accessibility. CNG needs transporting by pipeline or high-pressure tanks, while LNG needs cryogenic support. These factors increase natural gas’s supply complexity. If you’re in a more remote area, you might see limited access to natural gas for your generators.
Data centers are an increasing source of carbon emissions. With more people dependent on data and the popularity of AI, data centers are consuming high amounts of energy. Already, they use 1% to 2% of global energy demand. This number is only expected to increase. Your MDC may want to prioritize sustainability with its fuel.
Diesel has a larger carbon footprint. It accounts for 10% of the U.S.’s energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. New standards for diesel and diesel fuel developments have improved diesel emissions, but it’s still a carbon emission contributor.
On the other hand, CNG and LNG are cleaner-burning fuels than diesel and other common fuel types. While they still emit greenhouse gases, they can offer a slightly more environmentally friendly solution for your facility.
The cost of natural gas vs. diesel is another area where diesel is the better choice. The wide availability and simple storage needs of diesel make it a more cost-effective fuel than CNG and LNG. Diesel is readily available and easy to store, and it needs no additional infrastructure. Diesel pricing is also stable. Businesses can even negotiate long-term contracts to control diesel costs. With regular inspections and deliveries, your MDC can use a diesel generator without dramatically driving up your expenses.
LNG and CNG require specialized storage and transportation. When combined with these needs and limited availability, the result is more expensive fuel. MDCs prioritizing cost and fuel-sourcing reliability should invest in diesel for their needs.
MDCs are high-demand environments. Power reliability is critical for protecting your business. Fuel choice isn’t just about cost — it’s about uptime, efficiency and long-term reliability. While CNG and LNG are more sustainable, they lack the infrastructure and efficiency of diesel. Get commercial diesel fuel deliveries from Foster Fuels and enjoy consistent, full-service fuel support.
With over 100 years of experience as a family-owned fuel provider, you can count on Foster Fuels to provide comprehensive fuel solutions for your business. With our varied fuel options and reliable fuel delivery, we ensure your data center has a consistent, high-quality fuel supply. Contact us to learn how we can help fuel your business!
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel is primarily used as a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel fuel. It is often used for fueling transportation, heavy machinery, generators, and other industrial applications.
Organizations around the globe have integrated HVO into their fuel strategies across various sectors, including power generation, transportation, construction, military, and aviation.
HVO does not have a specific chemical formula because it is not a single compound but rather a mixture of various hydrocarbons. The chemical composition of HVO can vary depending on the feedstock used in its production.