Data centre server hall
DATA CENTRES

Data Centre SCADA
Grid & Microgrid Integration

Australian Control Engineering (ACE) delivers data centre SCADA and power-system integration across Australia. To do this, we connect substation automation, microgrid energy management systems (EMS) and backup generation in one control environment. As a result, operators can monitor power assets, manage alarms and test operating modes from grid supply through to restoration.

2.0 GWhBESS SCADA Delivered
11+ YrsGrid & Control Engineering
100,000+Project Engineering Hours
24/7Operational Support
OUR APPROACH

Data centre SCADA for an integrated energy system

Data centre SCADA gives operators a shared view of the assets that supply and control power. For example, a single event can affect the network connection, battery storage and backup generation. Therefore, the design needs clear alarms, operating limits and control responsibilities across these assets.

The network interface shapes connection and energisation. Meanwhile, the microgrid manages demand and coordinates on-site power. ACE engineers both together, drawing on experience in substation automation, SCADA, EMS and backup generation. This also helps the team define and test how the facility responds to network events.

Electrical substation and network interface
THE ENERGY SYSTEM

Four asset groups. One control boundary.

A data centre's power domain spans four asset groups. Together, they connect the network supply, on-site generation, storage and backup power through a shared control layer.

Grid Connection & Substation

Network incomers, transformers, switchgear, protection interfaces and network-facing SCADA — aligned to NSP/TNSP and AEMO expectations

Microgrid, Solar & BESS

Embedded generation and storage that change how the site manages demand, cost and resilience — with operating modes designed alongside the grid interface

Backup Generation

Generators, fuel systems, load sequencing and synchronisation supervised as part of the integrated power system, not isolated plant

Power-System SCADA & EMS

Utility-grade SCADA, EMS, alarms, historian and operator displays that give operations a clear, trusted view during every event

WHAT WE DELIVER

Data centre SCADA and power-system engineering

Network Connection & Approval Support

We design substation automation and network-facing SCADA around the project’s connection requirements. This also gives the network service provider clear interfaces and test evidence to review.

Microgrid EMS & Operating Modes

We define import limits, dispatch and restoration logic. Where the project requires islanding, we also test how battery energy storage systems (BESS), solar and generators work together.

Power-System SCADA, Telemetry & Historian

We bring telemetry, trends, alarms and event records into the operator interface. As a result, teams can see system status and investigate power events.

Redundancy & Timestamped Events

We design backup paths for controllers, communications, I/O and operator workstations. In addition, we check that time-stamped events remain available under real operating load.

Cybersecurity & Operational Audit

We define access roles and secure transport for the control environment. We also log user actions so teams can trace commands and review events.

FAT/SAT & Operating-Mode Commissioning

Our test programmes check normal supply, transfer, generator start, BESS dispatch and restoration. Then we document the results to support commissioning and handover.

ACE EMS PLATFORM

Data centre SCADA & EMS for grid and microgrid operation

Our web-based EMS and SCADA connect existing building, battery and generator controls. In this way, operators gain a shared view of power assets while field controls retain their agreed roles.

Core Platform

EMS + SCADA operator UX
Single-site & portfolio monitoring
Historian, trends, alarms, reports
Template-driven graphics & points

Operational

Operating-mode aware operations
Alarm / event / audit workflows
Generator & BESS state representation
API / OT integrations

Engineering

Design review & signal lists
Redundancy & event-timing design
FAT/SAT support
Commissioning & handover
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Grid, microgrid and BESS depth that data centres draw on

Grid-connected, microgrid and BESS projects that demonstrate the engineering depth a data-centre energy system requires.

Marble Bar Hybrid Power

Horizon Power

Solar + BESS microgrid — plant control network design and SCADA development for on/off-grid microgrid operation

Wagerup BESS

Alinta Energy

200 MWh BESS — control system, SCADA design, supply, programming and commissioning

Glenellen Solar Farm & Substation

GPG

200 MW solar + 33kV substation control system — design, supply and commissioning (SEL RTAC), built for future BESS

EARLY REVIEW

What a focused power-systems review covers

An early review checks the data centre SCADA and power-system design before procurement. It also helps teams agree interfaces, test plans and handover needs.

Network connection and approval dependencies
Substation automation and network-facing SCADA architecture
Microgrid EMS operating modes and integration responsibilities
BESS, generation and backup-power coordination
Telemetry, timestamping, alarms, historian and event evidence
Redundancy across controllers, communications, I/O and workstations
FAT, SAT, commissioning and operational handover readiness
Procedures for maintenance modes, abnormal events and restoration

Southbound (Field & Plant)

DNP3 TCP (IEEE 1815), Modbus TCP/RTU, IEC 61850 (MMS/GOOSE), OPC UA, MQTT; PCS / BMS / inverters, gensets, switchgear IEDs, transformers & tap-changers, protection relays (SEL, Schneider, Siemens), revenue metering

Northbound (Network & Enterprise)

AEMO / market operator, NSP/TNSP telemetry interfaces, DCIM / building management, customer OT platforms, cloud analytics / dashboards, reporting portals, API / data export

FAQ

Data centre SCADA: common questions

For connection planning, see AEMO’s NEM network connection guidance and Western Australian connection guidance.

What is data centre SCADA?

Data centre SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) brings power-system status, alarms, trends and control into one operator interface. For example, it connects substations, generators and battery storage. In addition, an energy management system (EMS) coordinates power flows and operating modes. Together, they help teams understand and manage the facility’s power supply.

What does ACE do for data centre projects?

Australian Control Engineering (ACE) engineers data centre SCADA, substation automation, microgrid EMS and backup-generation integration across Australia. First, we define control interfaces, telemetry and operating sequences. Then we support testing, commissioning and handover so operators can use the integrated power system with confidence.

Why engineer grid connection and the microgrid together?

The grid interface defines what the network operator can monitor and control. Meanwhile, the microgrid coordinates on-site generation, storage and demand. Therefore, designing both together helps identify interface gaps before commissioning. ACE makes the combined operating sequence explicit and testable, including normal supply, transfer and restoration.

What requirements must a data centre's power systems meet?

Requirements depend on the location, network connection and proposed operating modes. Start with the connecting network service provider and the applicable AEMO guidance. Next, agree telemetry, protection, communications and testing requirements for the project. However, protocols such as IEC 61850, DNP3 and Modbus are not universal requirements for every facility. Select them to suit the agreed design.

How does ACE reduce approval and commissioning risk?

ACE reviews data centre SCADA architecture, microgrid operating modes, redundancy and protection interfaces early. As a result, teams can address gaps before procurement and site work. Factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT) then check signals and operating sequences, including generator start, battery dispatch and restoration.

Will ACE work with our existing OEM, BMS and PCS systems?

Yes. ACE integrates data centre SCADA and EMS with existing equipment and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) controls. For example, these may include building management systems, battery management systems, power conversion systems (PCS) and generators. We agree the interfaces and responsibilities for each project, then test how the systems work together.

Does ACE provide ongoing operational support after commissioning?

Yes. ACE supports the operational handover with SCADA displays, alarms, event records and documented procedures. We also discuss ongoing support needs with your team. To plan the next step, get in touch and define the support scope for your data centre energy system.

Want clarity on your data centre energy system early?

Talk to ACE about data centre SCADA, grid connection, microgrid integration and backup generation. Start with a review of your power-system design and commissioning needs.