I N T E L L I G E N T T E C H N O L O G Y SUSTAINABILITY

With news that major data centre developments are pivoting towards building their own dedicated gas power stations to bypass grid constraints, leading voices in sustainable infrastructure and utility connection are calling for stricter, forward-thinking mandates, while warning that the government’ s current approach represents a major missed opportunity for economic and climate resilience.

“ The figures for the expected energy demand of data centres are staggering, but immediately pivoting to new gas power stations is incredibly disappointing,” said David Wood, Head of Net Zero Engineering and Operations at Ennovus Solutions.“ The space and resources required to build a new gas power plant could almost certainly be used instead for significant renewable generation development – ideally utilising wind turbines to better match the consistent, 24 / 7 energy demand of these facilities.

“ While on-site renewables may not provide 100 % of the baseline power required by these data centres, a forwardthinking country aiming for energy independence and climate mitigation should jump at the chance to integrate green generation directly into planning permissions. We already mandate solar panels on new-build homes; why are we not implementing similar, strict sustainable development mandates for industrial-scale data centres?

“ Furthermore, as the government considers mandating grid‘ flexibility’ from operators, we must look beyond standard battery technologies, like lithium-ion. Long-standing energy hungry data centres need a technology that matches their requirements, like Vanadium Flow batteries. They are suited to large energy demand projects, provide up to double the lifespan of lithium-ion, experience no degradation and avoid environmentally hazardous, scarce materials like cobalt and lithium. If battery storage is on the table to support the National Grid, it is nonsensical not to bring on-site renewable generation into the exact same conversation.”

“ The reality is that while resolving these infrastructure bottlenecks is physically possible, it carries massive cost and time implications,” said Lee Ackerman, Utilities General Manager at Connectus Utilities.“ The National Energy System Operator( NESO) and Ofgem have transitioned the grid from a‘ first come, first served’ model to a‘ first ready and needed, first connected’ approach. While major structural upgrades, new onshore power lines and smart grid sensors are scheduled for rollout between 2026 and 2028, there is an immense amount of work to do before we see true grid relief by 2030.

“ Developers could and should be targeting the Environmental Discounts offered in Water Charging Statements, aiming for Tier 2 or Tier 3 water neutrality incentives through advanced rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling,” continued Ackerman.“ Some might argue that technology will naturally become more efficient over time, but history shows that as components shrink, developers simply pack more technology into the same footprint. The energy demand isn’ t going to drop on its own; we must build sustainability from day one.” �

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