A resilience-aware methodology to support data center optimal allocation considering the transmission grid’s hosting capacity
Giovanni Manassero, Rodrigo Rozenblit Tiferes, Thamiris Nascimento Ribeiro, Andrea Mazza, Enrico Pons · Applied Energy · 2026
The growing demand for digital services has driven the deployment of increasingly large data centers, with individual facilities expected to reach gigawatt-scale power requirements in the near future. However, integrating such large loads into existing transmission systems requires careful planning to ensure efficient and timely grid connections while minimizing environmental impacts. In this context, this article introduces a methodology to support the optimal allocation of new data centers within an existing transmission grid. The proposed approach relies on Particle Swarm Optimization and explicitly accounts for the grid’s hosting capacity while identifying allocations that remain technically feasible under a predefined set of contingency scenarios. By jointly addressing capacity limits and operational resilience, it enables data center placements that operate within the transmission infrastructure’s limits and preserve system security under adverse conditions. A case study based on a real transmission system with high-capacity data centers already in operation is presented, and the results indicate that the methodology can provide practical decision support for both transmission system planners and data center developers.