F E A T U R E

Working with Crown Oil , a company that specialises in helping organisations switch to cleaner-burning fuels , we have also been able to reduce levels of nitrogen oxide as well as particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions . This ties in with our commitment to using 100 % certified renewable energy and ultra-efficient cooling technologies , resulting in an SLA-backed and genuine Power Usage Effectiveness ( PUE ) of less than 1.2 .

As a responsible developer and operator of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing , we believe it is essential to look continually at what new and cleaner fuels can be brought into our power / energy mix . Apart from wanting to use the most environmentally beneficial fuels available , it is vital that we also add a layer of resilience in the provision of fuels . Global geopolitical issues could

For example , while HVO is definitely the cleanest option available for generators , we acknowledge that generators in decades to come could be powered by cleaner , alternative fuels such as hydrogen cells when the technology eventually matures . The truth is , when it comes to the world transitioning to 100 % renewable energy , it is akin to designing an aeroplane while flying it .

Nationwide fossil fuel-free data centres

So , what is the likelihood of data centres with HVO-powered backup generators being implemented on a nationwide basis as demand surges and sustainability requirements get tougher ?

It is firstly important to acknowledge that a nationwide transition will not be driven by government regulations but by a step change in what customers want in terms of sustainability , as well as by the hyperscalers . Going forward , our own design blueprint will always be based around HVO , and the next immediate move is to use this fuel source in our forthcoming data centre in Greater Manchester .

Because HVO is significantly better for the environment than mineral diesel – it is also fully biodegradable and non-toxic – the fuel will undoubtedly play a vital role in enabling the UK to reach its net zero carbon targets . By switching data centre backup generators across the UK and Europe ( and eventually around the world ) to HVO , this energy-intensive industry can make a real contribution to reducing overall emissions for the good of the planet .

Furthermore , other industries could benefit from the data centre industry ’ s experience in terms of adopting HVO . If mission-critical systems can rely on this sustainable fuel , there is certainly scope for shipping , logistics , transport and utility industries – traditional users of mineral diesel – to make the switch . �

48 www . intelligentdatacentres . com