E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N
JAMIE SHAW , MANAGING DIRECTOR , SHAWTON ENERGY
In September , the UK Government designated data centres as Critical National Infrastructure – a move that accelerates the need for more sustainable energy sources for the sector . It ’ s estimated that electricity demand from UK data centres alone will jump six-fold over the next decade . According to the BBC , by 2026 , data centres globally will consume the same amount of electricity as Japan .
Due to this fast-growing , energy-hungry phenomenon , adopting renewable energy sources such as solar has never been more pressing .
Solar panels as a sustainable solution
Solar panel installations are a tried-andtested way for businesses to produce sustainable electricity . Not only do they reduce reliance upon the grid and more conventional energy sources , but they shield from unpredictable energy market fluctuations too .
Custom solar energy installations help data centres meet their carbon-reduction and financial targets – significantly reducing energy bills – while also enabling them to maximise unused roof or ground space for greater environmental and economic efficiency . as well as other global powerhouses . The UK is home to one of the world ’ s largest financial services sectors , and the technology that powers it is increasingly being generated by greener sources .
Finding space for solar
Data centres have an untapped resource for producing sustainable energy – their rooftops .
However , if the roof isn ’ t an option , unused space around data centres provides operators with the opportunity to install ground-mount solar installations too .
But if space itself is at a premium , an increasingly popular option to explore is a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement ( VPPA ) – a financial contract that enables businesses to support renewable energy generation without receiving the energy directly . The company also has exclusive rights to the asset , so it can be visited by staff and clients . With VPPAs , companies also achieve ‘ additionality ,’ as the solar asset wouldn ’ t exist if the business hadn ’ t decided to adopt renewable energy .
A business enters a VPPA with a commercial solar developer , agreeing to purchase electricity generated by a specific project at a fixed price over a long-term period , typically 10 to 20 years . VPPAs can help empower data centres when it comes to energy supply , by reporting emissions , improving brand image , attracting investors and helping to counteract the environmental impact of its energy usage .
As the digital world grows , so too does the need for eco-friendly practices in data management . These needs have become an increasingly important consideration for IT decision makers , and solar energy can certainly help make the future that little bit brighter for the industry .
When it comes to seeing solar energy in action , data centre operators can take inspiration from the UK ’ s financial sector
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