Surging supply necessitates contingency power for under-strain FLAP markets
A large surge in data centre supply across the FLAP market and an anticipated record-breaking year overall means facility operators must explore distributed energy solutions to avoid potential disruption from under-strain power grids .
This warning comes from temporary power specialist , Aggreko , and follows the publication of a recent CBRE report predicting that 2019 ’ s supply record of 318MW registered will be broken in 2021 . Specifically , the real estate investment firm has reported 114MW came online in Q3 2021 , with 94MW predicted over Q4 as part of a continued upward trajectory into 2022 .
Billy Durie , Global Sector Head for Data Centres , said : “ The data centre market continues to be extremely vibrant and driven by ever-increasing colocation supply in Amsterdam and Frankfurt specifically . Yet despite this good news , challenges still remain around power provision as 2022 begins , with both cities ’ grids under strain , new builds subject to restrictions and London and Paris also experiencing long-standing energy supply issues .
“ Consequently , we must ensure this success is built on a solid foundation of stable , non-fluctuating power in these affected areas and stakeholders must be aware of potential legislative shifts from this issue . The Irish market provides a glimpse of what may happen if supply continues to outstrip energy provision and further underlines the need for pre-emptive steps now .”
Recent events in Ireland include the recent decision from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to reserve the right to place a moratorium on data centre connections to protect security of supply . Alongside this , EirGrid now requires data centre builds offset grid power consumption with on-site , decentralised energy provision , otherwise known as Firm Capacity .
“ The steps taken by the Irish government starkly show that there are caveats to the traditional model of supply-and-demand in the colocation data centre market ,” said Durie . “ Namely , grid-based energy provision to these facilities is no longer guaranteed , but instead classed as ‘ flexible ’.
“ The CBRE ’ s latest report shows this situation is not far off repeating in the FLAP markets , which may become more stringently regulated to combat this growing concern . Consequently , data centre suppliers should take steps now to become more self-sufficient if they are to effectively loadbank test future facilities , access the grid and avoid blackouts and other disruption .
“ The provision of environmentally-friendly energy solutions including Stage V generators and hybrid battery systems could therefore prove crucial to bridging energy gaps during construction continued facility operation . Alongside providing a steady , decentralised power supply , such solutions can operate in urban areas subject to stricter emissions rules – a key concern given where colocation centres are often situated .” ◊ intelligent POWER AND COOLING www . intelligentdatacentres . com
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