Bridging the power gap: large scale low-emission power solutions for data centres

As Europe’s data centre industry continues to expand, power supply challenges are mounting. Grid delays, shortages, and the drive toward sustainability are prompting data centre operators to seek flexible and more greener solutions.

With data centres consuming 1.5% of the total global electricity demand and European legislation on emissions becoming ever stricter, stakeholders face multiple challenges including securing reliable power and minimising environmental impact. 

To overcome these obstacles, temporary decentralised solutions are key to bridging the power gap efficiently and sustainably. 

Grid delays in key markets like Dublin, London, and Frankfurt, and emerging Tier 2 markets such as Milan and Warsaw, exacerbate these challenges, with some sites waiting up to 13 years for grid connections.

Data centres are under pressure to comply with tightening emissions regulations, including the EU’s goal of reducing emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2050.

This is intensified by the need to adopt green energy technologies, such as HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to meet ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ) requirements.

The cost of energy remains volatile across Europe, making inefficiency and wasteful energy solutions a growing financial burden for data centre operators. Simultaneously, noise and emissions compliance are becoming critical, especially in urban areas.

Decentralised, low-emission power solutions can bridge the gap by providing immediate, flexible, and scalable energy. They mitigate the risks associated with grid delays and enable operators to meet environmental standards without long-term capital investment. Hiring also allows you to comply with the latest regulations without having to upgrade your existing machines.

Aggreko offers several technologies to meet these needs: