Demand for connections to the UK’s already strained electricity grid is so high that some data centre developers say it could take up to a decade for their facilities to receive upgraded access. As a result, four data centres are considering gas-fired power stations to generate electricity on site—a move that could require 1.3 gigawatts of power and produce an estimated 4.1 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year if they operate at full capacity.
Nathan McWhinney, head of market intelligence and monitoring at Ofgem, said: “In many places the electricity grid is being maxed out. I think it’s easy to forget the scale of the demand for these connections. These projects can be as large as cities.”
New rules for data centres
In last week’s Budget, the Chancellor announced the UK Data Center Code. The code requires operators to invest in local communities, create jobs and protect water supplies in exchange for preferential connections to the electricity grid.
However, the Chancellor also said developers would be allowed to generate their own electricity on site when a grid connection is unavailable.
Potential emissions from on-site power
BBC File on 4 Investigates has found that four data centres are already considering using gas-fired power stations to meet their electricity needs.
According to our calculations, continued full operation could require 1.3 gigawatts of electricity and generate an estimated 4.1 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. That would be more than the combined emissions of the cities of Manchester, Liverpool and Southampton.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
