UNRAVELLING DATA CENTRE POWER IN AN OFCI WORLD

This white paper by Geoff Halliday of WB Power Services explores the complexities and opportunities in delivering critical power infrastructure to hyperscale data centres using the Owner Furnished, Contractor Installed (OFCI) procurement model. It compares traditional Contractor Furnished, Contractor Installed (CFCI) models with OFCI, highlights the supply chain and project risks associated with OFCI, and emphasizes how modularisation can mitigate many challenges. The paper also discusses the benefits of a “one-stop-shop” modular power train solution, advocating for knowledge-driven design and early-stage planning to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate delivery timelines in data centre construction.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

In this paper, you will learn how:

OFCI boosts control and standardisation
OFCI adds coordination and removes several challenges
Modular builds reduce time and complexity
Power modules save space and speed up setup
Expert planning avoids costly mistakes
One-stop suppliers streamline the whole process

MORE ABOUT WHAT IS IN THIS WHITE PAPER

The white paper begins by examining the current data centre environment, emphasizing the surging demand for data services driven by AI advancements, remote work trends, and the rise of streaming content. It contrasts traditional CFCI (Customer-Furnished, Customer-Installed) procurement models with the more modern OFCI (Owner-Furnished, Contractor-Installed) approach, outlining the key differences, benefits, and drawbacks associated with each method.

Further, it explores the benefits and risks of adopting the OFCI model, noting advantages like enhanced cost control and standardization alongside challenges related to design integration and shifting risks. The paper also addresses supply chain and regulatory hurdles when implementing OFCI strategies globally, where varying legal and climate conditions complicate deployment. Lastly, it highlights the role of modularisation in data centre construction—improving speed, safety, and scalability—and discusses innovative solutions like modular power trains and one-stop shop models that consolidate design, build, and testing processes for smoother project execution.