Aligned & Calibrant launch 31MW battery to ease power delays

Aligned and Calibrant have announced plans to deploy a large-scale battery system to address power constraints at Aligned's Pacific Northwest data centre campus.

The agreement will see Calibrant deliver a 31MW / 62MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to the site, with operations slated to begin in 2026. This system is expected to allow the facility earlier access to grid power, supporting its scaling requirements ahead of traditional utility upgrade timelines.

Industry background

The move comes as the growing demands of artificial intelligence and advanced computing increase overall pressure on energy infrastructure. Grid connection bottlenecks have become a significant concern for data centre operators planning expansion in the United States and worldwide.

Calibrant and Aligned have been working with a regional utility in the Pacific Northwest to accelerate the interconnection process. The companies explore how flexible onsite energy resources can help address interconnection delays associated with large-scale projects.

Project details

The BESS will be deployed onsite and forms part of efforts to enable "adaptive data centre solutions" powering cloud, high-performance computing, and enterprise workloads. The system is described as the first in the United States built specifically to speed up interconnection and bring such a large facility online. Calibrant states its 'Path to Power' solution underpins the project, creating a replicable and scalable approach for similar developments facing grid constraints.

The battery will act as a grid-responsive asset, designed to discharge during peak demand, support overall grid reliability, and ensure uninterrupted services to Aligned's customers. Key equipment, including transformers, switchgear, and batteries, is manufactured or assembled domestically in the United States. The companies note a prioritisation of safety, using battery chemistries with built-in fire mitigation and around-the-clock remote monitoring.

Statements from project leaders

"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."

Martin added, "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."

Andrew Schaap, CEO at Aligned, discussed the potential of the project to change approaches in power-constrained settings.

"This strategic project redefines how we grow in power-constrained markets. 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."

He also remarked, "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."

Market implications

Aligned and Calibrant both signalled intentions to pursue similar battery storage projects in other markets, suggesting they view the approach as suitable for replication in regions facing delays or challenges in data centre interconnection.

Safety and domestic supply chains remain central to the project, with multiple layers of battery protection and the use of U.S.-based manufacturing. The companies highlight these elements as measures to support reliable operations and local economic benefits.

The data centre industry is expected to continue facing grid power challenges as digital infrastructure expands and AI workloads increase. Battery storage solutions, such as those planned by Calibrant and Aligned, represent one model being considered to facilitate ongoing data centre growth within existing grid limitations.