Greener Upgrades blog series #14

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

Introduction

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 and shortages

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.

Sustainability

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.

Energy costs and efficiency

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.

How can decentralised power solutions help data centres?

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:

1. Gas generators

Gas generators offer a fast, flexible, and lower-emission solution for data centres facing grid delays, capacity constraints, or unstable power supply. Unlike fixed infrastructure, which requires high CAPEX and long lead times, gas power provides immediate, scalable energy with a lower Total Cost of Energy (CoE).

Fast deployment & commissioning – delivered and operational within weeks, far quicker than fixed assets.
CAPEX avoidance – flexible OPEX-based rental model, eliminating stranded asset risks.
High efficiency – up to 41% electrical efficiency on natural gas, exceeding 80% in CHP applications.
Scalable & modular – easily scaled for multi-MW deployments, supporting both temporary and long-term needs.
Multi-fuel capability – runs on natural gas, LPG, biogas, landfill gas, and ethane, adapting to regional availability.
Advanced load management – optimised transient response and load-sharing for reliability under fluctuating demand.
Sustainable & lower emissions – reduces CO₂, NOx, and particulate emissions, helping meet ESG targets.

By bridging grid delays with cost-effective, sustainable power, Aggreko’s gas solutions ensure uninterrupted operations, lower energy costs, and flexible scaling for data centers.

2. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Batteries will play a crucial role in the development of data centres, facilitating the storage of energy and the efficient management of peak shaving, which helps to balance demand and reduce strain on the power grid or the additional generators. Additionally, they will be essential on ULEZ worksites, not only because of their silent operation, which minimises noise pollution, but also due to their low emissions, supporting environmental goals and compliance with stringent air quality standards.
Battery energy storage systems are an essential part of any modern power solution, offering:

Resilience: provision of large scale back up power.
Load management: reduces reliance on diesel during peak demand.
Peak shaving: lowers energy costs by minimising dependence on the grid during high-demand periods.
Emission reduction: reduces CO₂ and NOx emissions by integrating with renewable and generator power systems.

3. Stage V diesel generators: PowerMX

Stage V generators help meet the need for decentralised, low-emission power by providing immediate, flexible energy that complies with strict environmental standards. They reduce reliance on grid power, mitigate delays, and avoid long-term capital investments. Hiring these generators allows operators to meet regulations without upgrading existing equipment. Aggreko offers advanced solutions to support these needs.

Aggreko’s POWERMX2 Stage V/Tier 4 Final generator is a dual-engine, low-emission solution ideal for dynamic loads. Key features include:

Modular scalability: operates efficiently from 117 kW to 1188 kW, with the ability to link multiple units for large-scale power.
Advanced emissions control: integrated systems like Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to reduce particulate matter and NOx.
Sustainable fuel compatibility: supports HVO, GTL, and B10 fuels for cleaner energy.

4. Hybrid solutions – combining technologies for maximum efficiency

Hybrid configurations—integrating gas generators, batteries, and diesel units—offer unmatched flexibility and sustainability.

They optimise energy use by balancing load demands, reducing fuel consumption, and cutting emissions. This integrated approach ensures reliable, scalable power while meeting environmental standards. Aggreko provides tailored hybrid solutions to meet diverse energy needs efficiently. They optimise performance by:

Combining technologies: transitioning between generator and battery power to match load demands or maximise resilience.
Minimising fuel use: operating efficiently under varying loads, especially during low-demand periods.
Reducing environmental impact: lowering emissions while maintaining resilience and uptime.

Why does sustainable power matter for data centres?

Temporary power solutions provide an immediate fix for grid delays, ensuring facilities can come online without waiting for grid upgrades. These solutions also allow operators to expand capacity without the risk of stranded assets.

Decentralised solutions help operators align with decarbonisation targets while enabling flexibility to adopt renewable fuels and latest technologies without investments.

With rising energy costs, efficiency is key to maintaining profitability.

By adopting energy-efficient solutions, data centres can significantly reduce their energy consumption, lowering operational costs and improving profitability. This not only helps in managing rising energy expenses but also supports sustainability goals by reducing the environmental impact.

Conclusion

Europe’s data centre industry depends on its ability to adapt to power challenges while meeting environmental requirements. By leveraging Aggreko’s expertise in decentralised, low-emission power solutions, operators can overcome grid constraints, reduce their carbon footprint, and incorporate the latest in power technology.