- New data center using energy storage solution opens in Saint-Romain de Colbosc Eco Park, marking European data center first
- Major step forward for Nissan and Eaton collaboration in developing energy storage solutions with first commercial system deployment
NORMANDY, France – Nissan and Eaton have joined forces to provide an innovative energy storage solution incorporating renewable energy sources for cloud and IT services hosting company Webaxys' new, "eco-responsible" data center based at the Saint-Romain de Colbosc Eco Park in Normandy, France.
The energy storage solution provides a "second-life" for Nissan electric vehicle batteries, and in combination with Eaton's leading uninterruptible power supply capabilities, provides an industrialized energy control and storage solution for managing data centers. This innovative solution not only enables integration with local renewable sources, it also allows companies to draw down from and provide energy back to the grid, ensuring stable and cost efficient energy management systems.
Data centers already make up 1.5 to 2 percent of worldwide electricity consumption, and this rises sharply each year. However, the energy demands of data centers, which cannot tolerate the slightest power outage, makes the application of renewable energy sources particularly difficult. This new Eaton and Nissan energy control and storage system will mean firms like Webaxys can store energy once produced so that it can be used on demand to power the business. This overcomes risks associated with renewable energy sources, which are more susceptible to interruptions in supply and ensures the supply of pure, quality power.
"This installation at Webaxys marks an important historical moment for data centers in their quest to become energy autonomous in the near future," said Gareth Dunsmore, director of Electric Vehicles, Nissan Europe. "By combining Nissan's expertise in vehicle design and reliable battery technology with Eaton's leadership in power quality and electronics, we hope to demonstrate that data center energy management can be stable, sustainable and cost efficient in the near future."
During the COP21 Paris Climate Change Summit last year, Eaton and Nissan announced a partnership that was designed to bring energy storage solutions to market. The ambition was to combine powerful electronics and ordering software with renewable energy production and storage in one system. As the global leader in the electric vehicle market, Nissan's EV batteries will be given a second life and will be reused within the system. This eco-responsible approach maximizes the usage of these batteries before the end of their life, minimizing the use of natural resources.
Following the opening of the site at Saint-Romain de Colbosc in Normandy, Webaxys plans to open a series of regional data centers that harness this same technology and integrate into the local economy, minimizing environmental impact and energy consumption.
About Nissan in Europe
Nissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 17,000 staff across locally based design, research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. Last year Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced more than 635,000 vehicles including award-winning crossovers, commercial vehicles and the Nissan LEAF, the world's most popular electric vehicle. Pursuing a goal of zero emissions and zero fatalities on the road, Nissan recently announced its Intelligent Mobility vision. Designed to guide Nissan's product and technology pipeline, this 360 degree approach to the future of mobility will anchor critical company decisions around how cars are powered, how cars are driven, and how cars integrate into society. Nissan is positioned to become the most desirable Asian brand in Europe.
About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2014, the company sold more than 5.3 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.3 trillion yen. Nissan engineers, manufactures and markets the world's best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan manages operations in six regions: ASEAN & Oceana; Africa, Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America and North America. Nissan has a global workforce of 247,500, and has been partnered with French manufacturer Renault under the Renault-Nissan Alliance since March 1999.
About Eaton
Eaton is a power management company with 2015 sales of $20.9 billion. Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton has approximately 97,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.
Get more information about Webaxys here.
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Contact
Kayleigh Edwards, Nissan Europe
Kayleigh.edwards@ntc-europe.co.uk
Tel: +44 1234 755 860
Cedric Ratinaud, Nissan Europe
CRatinaud@nissan-europe.co.uk
Tel: +33 616 643 481