EXPERT OPINION
Combatting grid strain with decentralised energy solutions
With demand for data in Europe on the rise , data centre operators are under increased pressure to ensure that the continent ’ s digital appetite continues to be met . However , with these facilities now consuming more energy than ever before , many nations are beginning to place restrictions on data centre connections in order to ward against grid strain . Billy Durie , Global Sector Head for Data Centres at Aggreko , discusses the importance of incorporating decentralised energy solutions on site in order to combat this industry challenge . emand for data in Europe is currently surging , with a CBRE
D report published in late 2021 indicating that colocation supply in the FLAP ( Frankfurt , London , Amsterdam and Paris ) market was 17 % higher than that of the previous year . While this growth cannot be attributed to a single factor , it would be fair to say that the retention of remote working post-pandemic has undoubtably fuelled this shift .
The price of grid strain
The physical consequence here is grid strain , with electrical demand at risk of outstripping supply in a number of key markets . Consequently , data centre operators may find that their mains connection is not as reliable as it previously was and that grid supply is increasingly unable to meet the demands of their facilities .
In a worst-case scenario , this poses the risk of blackout , which – as any operator can attest – can prove extremely damaging , even in minor instances . With data centres expected to aim for 99.999 % uptime and the risk of power cuts only continuing to grow as the grid becomes more strained , operators may soon find themselves in an untenable position .
A warning from Ireland
Moreover , with grid strain as much of a threat to the wider economy as it is to data centres , many nations are beginning to take action against the sector in order to protect supply . Here , the Irish market may serve as a glimpse into the legislative changes that may follow in the
40 www . intelligentdatacentres . com