INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Data Centres

That figure is based on a central scenario ; the report also outlines a more aggressive growth scenario , which sees live IT power exceed 7GW by 2030 . While generally seen as only a source of demand on the power system , the report finds that data centres are also a largely untapped resource to support the grid and the integration of renewables .

The study , Data Centres and Decarbonization : Unlocking Flexibility in Europe ' s Data Centres , explores the growth of data centres in the five markets and how data centres could provide flexibility to the power system .

Michael Kenefick , lead author of the report and Decentralised Energy Analyst at BNEF , said : “ Data centres can be part of the solution for achieving higher renewable energy penetrations in Europe . Their on-site energy resources , such as uninterruptible power supplies and back-up generators , could in future be brought to bear to help support the grid .”

Of the resources considered , UPS systems appear to be the most promising source of flexibility in the immediate term .

Based on battery technology , they are universally installed in data centres and are particularly well-suited to the task of providing Fast Frequency Response ( FFR ), a service designed to help grid operators maintain a stable operating frequency . In the UK , Ireland and Norway , data centre UPS systems could be more than enough to meet total FFR needs . and comparable to microgrids in the opportunities they offer through their computing power and physical infrastructure , particularly the vast amounts of battery energy storage attached to their existing back-up power systems .

“ This study highlights the huge untapped potential of data centre flexibility to deliver economic , regulatory and climate benefits . We are calling on grid operators , regulators , data centre operators and users to collaborate to unlock data centres ’ grid stabilisation technology .” p

Across Europe , wind and solar power are projected to approach 60 % of total power generation by 2030 . With these rising penetrations will come a greater need for flexibility . The study highlights the need for greater awareness of data centre flexibility not only among data centre operators and users , but also utilities and regulators .

Some data centre operators are already experimenting with providing such services using their UPS systems .

Karina Rigby , President , Critical Systems , Electrical Sector at Eaton in EMEA , said : “ Data centre facilities are unique

Karina Rigby , President , Critical Systems , Electrical

Sector at Eaton in EMEA

Data centres could provide 16.9GW of flexibility in total across the five markets examined in the report from their on-site Uninterruptible Power Supply ( UPS ), back-up generation , back-up batteries and loadshifting . This is greater than the amount of power demand expected from the facilities themselves , because these resources in principle can each independently provide flexibility to the power system , either by reducing the amount of power the data centre draws , or by exporting power .

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