EXPERT OPINION
The data centre in a world of power transformation
How , then , can the industry achieve seemingly contrasting objectives and ramp up while ramping down ?
Squaring this circle will be the dominant feature of the energy and data centre industry for the next five years . As if this conundrum was not enough , now throw in the fact that electrification is sweeping other industrial sectors , transport , domestic and commercial heating / cooling . As the demand for electrical energy is set to soar , data centre operators will face tough challenges in accessing scarce , new energy production .
Ciaran Forde , Data Centre Segment Leader ( EMEA ), Eaton
The solution is to ramp up renewable energy production , not only to meet new demand but also to displace current fossil-based production . So , it is not just the data centre industry facing challenges . Energy network operators themselves will be stretched as they are asked to perform the magic trick of increasing supply while simultaneously decommissioning fossil fuel plants .
This may apply further pressure on commercial end-users . And governments setting the rules and direction for energy markets will be asked to make complex and highly consequential decisions about how energy is produced , managed and who is prioritised for power consumption . Dublin for example , has risen to become a major data hub for Europe , and data centres currently take up around 11 % of Ireland ’ s grid capacity , with warnings that this will rise significantly higher , there www . intelligentdatacentres . com
41