Scala conducts successful HVO test

Scala Data Centers has conducted a trial of using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to power its backup generators. However,  the company noted the alternative fuel’s prohibitive costs meant it wasn’t adopting it more widely. “When HVO enters commercial-scale utilization, the plan is to begin replacing the fuel in its tanks,” the company said.

Agostinho Villela, Scala CTO, said: "The transition to HVO aligns perfectly with our strategy to ensure continuous and sustainable operations without compromising the quality and reliability our customers expect from us."

Christiana Weisshuhn, chief communications and sustainability officer, added: "We look forward to beginning the transition to HVO as it becomes economically viable, continuing to lead by example in sustainable data center management."

"We closely monitored Scala's test on Caterpillar equipment in a pioneering initiative in Latin America," said Mauricio Garcia, director of Sotreq's power unit. "The use of HVO in generators opens up a universe of possibilities, in addition to ensuring lower maintenance costs, preserving equipment, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions."