Data Centres are hot topic right now and that was reflected at UKREIIF. This week, our team attended numerous informative sessions across a three-day agenda. As we know, the UK government have designated data centres as Critical National Infrastructure due to their essential role in the digital economy and AI development. With substantial investments already being made and more planned, data centres are fundamental to the UK's AI growth ambitions.
Nevertheless, this growth presents challenge. As the demand for data continues to increase, the UK power grid faces increasing pressure. Hyperscale Data Centres require substantial megawatts of power; the term gigawatt is also not uncommon now. Other infrastructure needs are also demanding on the future requirements of the grid, including electrification of transport and heat for example - so how do we overcome this challenge.
Positive regulatory, policy, and governmental changes, along with significant investment by network operators, aim to address these challenges. However, energy efficiency and sustainability must also be a priority. Innovative solutions are necessary to mitigate the strain on the UK’s power grid, and the integration of renewable energy in the design and operation of low-carbon data centres is essential.
Resilience is crucial for data centres. Microgrids and localised energy systems that can operate in conjunction with the main power grid can offer reliable and resilient power, reduce full dependency, and alleviate some pressure on the grid. Data centres designed to use renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and batteries can also positively impact sustainability. Furthermore, while cooling is an energy intensive process in data centres the repurposing of heat generation can help play a key role in the UKs low-carbon heat ambition.
Collaboration is key
Effective energy management requires collaboration among data centres and wider stakeholders, including network operators, local and combined authorities, and other developers, to form a collective view on power requirements for an area or region.
SSE Energy Solutions offers comprehensive expertise and bespoke solutions tailored to our clients’ requirements. With decades of experience in energy infrastructure, including the ongoing development, management, and operation of Europe’s largest Data Centre hub, we provide end-to-end solutions from initial consultancy through final delivery and handover to our operations and asset management team.
This includes grid-connected power, heat off-take, on and off-site generation, energy storage, fibre, CPPAs, and more. Our methodical and partnership approach, termed Whole Systems Thinking, ensures clear, targeted implementation without overwhelming operators with unnecessary complexity.
Contact Noel
To learn more about how SSE Energy Solutions can support your data centres energy needs, contact our Head of Regeneration and Data Centres, Noel Powell.
