Renewables and Energy: Infrastructure Builds Driving Sustainable Power

atNorth confirms 'mega' 300MW data centre in Sweden

atNorth, a Nordic high-density data centre provider, has confirmed plans to develop a 300MW data centre in Sollefteå Municipality, Sweden. Located at Hamre Industrial Park in Långsele, the new site will be developed on a 50-hectare (202km²) plot (Hamre 1) and is expected to be operational in the first half of 2028. The industrial park is fully zoned for development, which the company says supports a shorter construction timeline as demand grows for AI and high-performance computing infrastructure. Renewable energy and heat reuse The site was selected for its grid capacity and access to renewable energy. The campus will follow atNorth’s modular design approach and is intended to support both colocation and built-to-suit deployments. The company states it will pursue heat reuse partnerships so that excess heat from the facility can be redirected for local use. Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, CEO at atNorth, says, “We face a critical point in time right now, where we must balance unprecedented growth in high-density workloads with an increasingly urgent need for sustainable, scalable digital infrastructure. "Our Sollefteå campus represents a significant milestone for the company and demonstrates our commitment to building data centre ecosystems that deliver both technical excellence and long-term value for local communities.” The announcement follows recent expansion projects in Iceland and Stockholm. For more from atNorth, click here.

Power supply options for data centres

In this exclusive article for DCNN, Tania Arora and James Wyatt, Partners at Baker McKenzie (London), examine the evolving landscape of data centre power supply, highlighting why a tailored approach - blending grid connections, on-site generation, microgrids, and emerging technologies such as SMRs and battery energy storage - is increasingly essential for resilience, sustainability, and commercial optimisation: No universal solution Data centres presently require considerable energy resources, with projections indicating a marked increase in their consumption in the coming years. Securing a steady, sufficient, reliable, and scalable power supply is crucial for the financing, operational success, and long-term resilience of any data centre. A universal strategy does not exist for procuring power for data centres; each project requires a tailored approach. The market offers a wide range of power supply options and these are frequently combined to address the specific requirements of each project. The exact power procurement strategy for each project is determined by several factors, most notably the location of the data centre, local regulatory frameworks, its current and future operational needs, and the strategy of the developer (particularly considering other assets / other electricity supply arrangements they own). This article considers power procurement options available in the market and how these could be combined to achieve a successful power supply strategy. The key power supply options available at present include grid power, on-site or adjacent-site power generation, and microgrids (renewable or conventional), supported by backup generators, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and fuel cells. On-site or adjacent-site nuclear power is increasingly viewed as a panacea solution for data centre energy needs, although there are still considerable political, technological, and risk-allocation problems to solve. Data centres usually connect to public electricity grids, but most grids were not designed for their high load. Upgrades and expansions are often needed, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Sometimes, users must pay for these improvements, and further upgrades may be required if the data centre expands. Furthermore, securing a grid connection is rarely guaranteed; capacity reservations may be needed and are often subject to legal conditions. In some cases, installing on-site generation and microgrids can help address grid challenges. This could involve constructing solar and wind power plants (supported by BESS), gas-fired power stations, and/or combined heat and power (CHP) units adjacent to the data centre and supplying electricity directly without relying on the public grid. Furthermore, fuel cell and linear generator systems - as well as small modular reactors (SMRs) - are emerging as low-carbon, scalable power solutions for data centres. While the ongoing costs for self-generated energy are generally much lower, building such a dedicated energy infrastructure typically entails significantly higher upfront costs compared to connecting to the public grid. Furthermore, on-site projects are often constrained by space and planning restrictions, particularly in urban or suburban markets where demand is highest. Sustainable options Sustainability is a key consideration for a number of data centre market participants. Even if on-site wind or solar energy is economically viable for a project, these renewables alone cannot provide a stable base load due to their intermittency. To ensure base-load coverage, additional infrastructure such as energy storage systems, fuel cells, and conventional backup generators are required. SMRs and advanced nuclear technologies are emerging as promising solutions for the rising power needs of data centres. They offer reliable, consistent base-load power, load-following capability, scalable output, low carbon emissions, and a small physical footprint. They can operate independently of the grid or alongside renewables and are designed to be more cost-effective and quicker to deploy than traditional large-scale nuclear plants due to modular construction and established supply chains. SMRs are becoming a tangible reality for data centres. For example, the UK Government recently provided a considerable amount of support for SMRs for data centres through planning reforms, regulatory acceleration, funding, and explicit policy direction encouraging SMR–data‑centre colocation. However, SMRs face challenges: they are largely unproven and most jurisdictions still lack regulatory frameworks tailored to their unique characteristics. Key considerations for deploying SMRs include understanding local nuclear regulations, licensing and approval processes, decommissioning requirements, nuclear waste management, fuel supply security, and site suitability. Addressing these legal and regulatory issues is essential before SMRs can be widely adopted for data centres. BESS has become a key part of data centre power strategies, serving not only as resilience infrastructure but also helping to unlock commercial opportunities. It provides load shifting and peak shaving, thus reducing exposure to volatile wholesale prices and network charges by charging during low-cost or high-renewable periods and discharging power at peak demand. BESS also delivers instant backup power during outages and enables participation in grid services for additional revenue. Key issues include permitting and safety (especially for large-scale systems near nuclear or high-voltage facilities), complex grid connection agreements, and risk allocation where BESS is delivered via third-party energy-as-a-service contracts. Final considerations The near to mid-term future of data centre power lies in combined strategies. Every option in the combination presents its own distinct legal and commercial considerations. Consequently, as strategies become more complex, market participants should anticipate navigating a greater number of legal issues within the context of rapidly evolving regulatory frameworks.

GCRE extends Energy and Data Centre Partner opportunity

The Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) has extended its competition to secure an Energy and Data Centre Partner (EDCP) for its 700-hectare site. GCRE is a new, purpose-built facility being developed in South West Wales for international rail research, testing, and net zero technology development. The GCRE site has the potential to become Europe’s leading cluster for rail innovation. In September last year, the company began its search for a partner to develop Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and a data centre (DC) on the site, a former open cast mine equivalent to the size of Gatwick Airport. The plan is for the partner to develop the assets alongside the rail project. Chief Executive Simon Jones notes that ‘significant’ interest had been expressed in the site from developers in the energy and data centre sectors, but confirmed that bidders had requested more time to develop comprehensive proposals for the site. GCRE has therefore decided to extend its search for a partner into 2026, with a revised EDCP Invitation to Tender (ITT) available on the Sell to Wales platform. Potential bidders can register their interest in the opportunity, by completing a ‘Conditions of Participation’ document, which runs from now until 12 noon on 10th March 2026. Opportunities in an emerging data centre region The site is only 30km from Bridgend and 50km from Cardiff, where data centre clusters are already forming. GCRE Chief Executive Simon Jones explains, “The last few weeks have been very encouraging as we have seen the significant interest there is from the commercial market in the GCRE site as a location for high-quality renewable energy and data centre infrastructure. “What’s clear, however, is that more time is needed for bidders to develop their proposals. It has meant that we have taken the decision as a company to extend our partner search and give everyone in the market more time to put forward proposals. “That is why we have issued a new ITT with an extended timeline to allow that interest to crystalise into firm proposals. We had originally hoped to appoint a partner by the end of the current Senedd term, but that has not been possible and so we have extended the time available into 2026. “The opportunity for a long-term partnership with GCRE is a unique one. The GCRE site’s size, power grid, and telecoms connectivity make it very appealing for the development of renewable energy assets and data centre infrastructure. 132kV and 400kV power lines cross over the GCRE site, with high-quality fibre connectivity being progressed for the area. “It’s right that we take time to find the correct partner. Energy and data centre infrastructure at GCRE will help raise the economic profile of the site, something that is very important as we continue our search for private investment for the rail project.” The EDCP competition is being developed in parallel with GCRE’s separate search for private investment for the railway. Simon continues, “We have seen in recent months the important ways in which the energy and AI policy landscape is developing fast. The UK is seeking to harness the opportunities of net zero transition and AI by developing the infrastructure needed to support it. "This region is at the forefront of that change. Just recently, South Wales was designated as a new AI Growth Zone by the UK Government. “GCRE and the modern energy and data infrastructure we can build on the site is one of those opportunities and it’s something we believe we can use as a platform for new green jobs around an international rail cluster.”

RWE sustainably powers Global Switch’s London DC

RWE, a German renewable energy company, has signed an eight-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Global Switch, an owner, operator, and developer of data centres in Europe and Asia-Pacific. Under the terms of the agreement, Global Switch will source electricity produced from RWE’s Brechfa Forest West onshore wind farm to power its data centre in the heart of London’s Docklands. From January 2026 until 2033, RWE will supply a total of 70 gigawatt hours of clean electricity per year. The Brechfa Forest West onshore wind farm is located in southwest Wales and was commissioned in 2018. It comprises 28 turbines and has a generation capacity of 57.4 megawatts. Ulf Kerstin, Chief Commercial Officer at RWE Supply & Trading, notes, “In view of the ongoing digitalisation and the increasing use of artificial intelligence in almost all areas of life, the number of data centres and their energy requirements are growing. "Some data centre operators are already relying on the use of low-carbon electricity from RWE, and we are delighted to have gained Global Switch as another partner.” Peter Domeney, COO at Global Switch, comments, “Our agreement with RWE is a critical next step on our journey to purchasing 100% renewable energy by 2030 and to the setting of new standards for what a sustainable, environmentally-conscious data centre can look like. "It’s an agreement that brings together the forests of Wales and the most powerful, most advanced AI and high-performance compute deployments in the world.” Wind power from Wales to London Global Switch’s London data centre, set to benefit from this agreement, is located in the heart of the city’s business district, with access to 224 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA) - or approximately 224 MW - of secured power and currently undergoing a programme of densification and expansion. Last year, it was selected by CoreWeave to host one of Europe’s largest deployments of NVIDIA H100 and H200 GPUs, as well as being the site of the company’s liquid cooling showcase - a presentation of the latest liquid cooling technologies, some of which had never before been deployed in Europe. Global Switch is targeting 100% renewable energy by 2030, and annualised power usage efficiency (PUE) of 1.2 across its European sites. In 2025, its emissions reduction targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative and its sites were inducted into the voluntary European Code of Conduct for Energy Efficiency in Data Centres initiative. RWE says it is investing billions of euros in expanding its generation portfolio, particularly in offshore and onshore wind, solar energy, and battery storage. This is complemented by its global energy trading business. The company says that, thanks to its "integrated portfolio of renewables, battery storage, and flexible generation, [it] is well positioned to meet the growing global demand for electricity," which is being driven by the increasing use of artificial intelligence and further electrification.

Datacenter United gains SBTi emissions validation

Datacenter United, an independent Belgian data centre operator, has confirmed that its near-term emissions reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global partnership that helps companies set emissions reduction targets aligned with climate science. The approval aligns the company’s targets with the 1.5°C pathway, the most stringent scenario within the SBTi framework. The company says its investment programme will continue to prioritise energy efficiency, cooling approaches suited to higher density environments, responsible water use, and infrastructure designed to support AI workloads. Friso Haringsma, CEO of Datacenter United, says, “The SBTi validation confirms that our sustainability strategy is not only ambitious, but also substantively sound. "We are convinced that digital progress and sustainable growth can reinforce each other. This recognition motivates us to continue on this path consistently.” Sustainability commitments and investment programme The SBTi validation forms part of a wider sustainability framework in place at Datacenter United. The company holds ISO 14001 certification and is a signatory to the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact. It also works with external organisations including EcoVadis, Greenly, and The Green Grid. Datacenter United has linked the validation to its ongoing €120 million (£105 million) investment programme, which is focused on efficiency improvements, reduced energy consumption, water management, and infrastructure designed for future demand. The company says the milestone supports its longer-term approach to operating data centres in Belgium with an emphasis on reliability, scalability, and environmental performance. For more from Datacenter United, click here.

Terra Innovatum, Uvation agree micro-modular nuclear pilot

Terra Innovatum Global, a developer of micro-modular nuclear reactors, and Uvation, an integrated technology provider, have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to launch a 1MWe pilot programme of Terra Innovatum’s micro-modular nuclear technology, with an option to scale up to 100MWe. The pilot is intended to support Uvation’s growing requirements for high-density AI and modular data centre infrastructure. Terra Innovatum develops micro-modular nuclear reactors, while Uvation focuses on technology platforms designed for large-scale, performance-intensive AI workloads. The companies state that behind-the-meter nuclear generation could provide a resilient and scalable alternative to grid-dependent power for data centre development. Alessandro Petruzzi, co-founder and CEO at Terra Innovatum, comments, “Uvation’s data centre expansion requires infrastructure that is not only scalable, but fundamentally resilient. "By integrating Terra Innovatum’s SOLO micro-modular reactor, we will offer a behind-the-meter energy source capable of delivering safe, stable, high-density power that traditional grids cannot guarantee. "SOLO adds built-in safety and provides redundancy - important for data centres, de-risking energy deployment during maintenance or shutdowns, ensuring continuity independent of power shortages, and enhancing cybersecurity protection. "This enables next-generation, high-performance modular data centres powered by a clean, uninterrupted energy backbone - unlocking new possibilities for AI, HPC, and mission-critical workloads.” Nuclear as an alternative pathway for energy-constrained AI projects Giordano Morichi, Founding Partner, Chief Business Development Officer and Investor Relations, adds, “As AI infrastructure outpaces today’s grid, the constraint is no longer processing power; it’s reliable, cost-effective power. Uvation’s future commitment to behind-the-meter nuclear reflects a broader market reality: energy security now defines the speed at which AI can scale. "SOLO fast-tracks AI commercialisation by providing near-instant, CO₂-free, revenue-generating power while sidestepping the delays and CapEx overruns inherent to traditional grid-dependent solutions. "This agreement also strengthens our commercial deployment and positions nuclear as the most viable path to support Uvation’s planned multi-gigawatt growth in the AI and data centre sector.” Reen Singh, CEO of Uvation, notes, “Global demand for AI, driven by the US, and the need for sovereign cloud infrastructure is accelerating far faster than the available power to support it. Some of our off-takers forecast demand exceeding 1GW, yet current infrastructure and lack of readily available access to energy limit the scale of deployments. “Power shortages have been major forces in this industry’s project delays. By integrating Terra Innovatum’s SOLO reactor into our future roadmap, we will look to secure immediate power along with a reliable, behind-the-meter energy source that enables scalable AI, inference, and edge deployments. "Our future 1MWe SOLO pilot program represents a critical first step, with a path to expand to 100 MWe across multiple sites and potentially several megawatt-scale installations throughout the US.” The companies intend the pilot to act as a foundation for potential multi-site expansion, citing accelerating power demand and increasing constraints on conventional grid-connected data centre projects.

Sabey achieves 25% carbon emissions cut

Sabey Data Centers, a data centre developer, owner, and operator, has announced a 25.2% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions from a 2018 baseline, even as electrical load under management has continued growth in the same interval. The company’s 2024 Sustainability Report details progress in environmental performance, technology innovation, and clean energy partnerships intended to rival the global data centre sector. 2024 report highlights The 2024 report shares data on Sabey’s emissions reductions, energy efficiency improvements, and external partnerships. The company says it continues to align its emissions reductions with its science-based targets and is working to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2029. Key developments from the report include: · Carbon emissions slashed 25.2% from 2018 baseline· Pioneering MOU with TerraPower to explore integrating next-generation nuclear energy· Nine buildings earn ENERGY STAR certification with scores over 90; five receive a score of 99/100 Clear path to net zero The report outlines the steps Sabey is taking to meet its net-zero goal. These include continued investment in carbon-free energy, improving building operations to reduce energy use, reducing emissions from HVAC and fuel sources, and helping customers better understand their own energy footprints. Casey Mason, Senior Energy & Sustainability Manager, says, “Data centres are the backbone of the digital economy and [the] AI revolution, but must become stewards of global decarbonisation. “We are not just on track for net zero by 2029; we're reimagining how critical digital infrastructure can be both scalable and sustainable for the world’s fastest-growing industries. "Our work with TerraPower, local utilities, and SBTi showcases the kind of bold collaboration needed for a climate-secure future.” In alignment with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Sabey reports on emissions and sustainability efforts annually, engaging with external organisations in the process, including CDP, GRESB, EcoVadis, Atrius, and data centre tenants. The company’s emissions reporting includes both location-based and market-based accounting methods. For more from Sabey, click here.

CleanArc adds 300 MW to planned Virginia campus

CleanArc Data Centers, a US developer of renewable-energy-powered hyperscale data centre campuses, has acquired an additional 35.4 hectares of land to expand its flagship hyperscale data centre campus in Virginia. The expansion increases the site’s planned capacity from 600 MW to nearly 1 GW, supporting growing demand for scalable and energy-efficient digital infrastructure. The new development will deliver an extra 300 MW of critical power capacity, enhancing redundancy and long-term resilience for hyperscale clients. Expansion timeline and capacity growth The first 300 MW phase of the Virginia campus is scheduled to come online in the first quarter of 2027, followed by a second phase in 2030. The latest land acquisition enables a third 300 MW phase, currently planned for between 2033 and 2035. James Trout, founder and CEO of CleanArc Data Centers, comments, “Securing this additional land and substantially increasing our planned capacity positions CleanArc to meet the needs of the most demanding hyperscalers. "We’re ensuring our customers have the infrastructure they need to grow, innovate, and operate without limits today and well into the future. "Working closely with Caroline County, this expansion will support our customers’ growth while reinforcing our dedication to sustainability and making a positive, lasting impact on the local community.” Groundbreaking for the VA1 project is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025. For more from CleanArc Data Centers, click here.

Renewables key to public support for DCs, says report

A new poll has found that public support for UK data centre development depends heavily on the use of renewable energy. The research, carried out by YouGov for net zero communications agency Alpaca Communications and supported by TechUK, shows that while most people are in favour of new data centres, they are cautious about their environmental and social impact. Renewables drive public approval According to the findings, 75% of respondents support data centres powered by renewable energy. This drops to 40% for nuclear power and just 20% for fossil fuels. The report, Powering the Fourth Industrial Revolution, identifies renewable energy as the strongest driver of support. Sustainability concerns, including the environmental impact of construction (40%) and ongoing operations (28%), ranked as key public priorities, alongside cyber security (35%) and cost (28%). By contrast, appearance (15%) and distance from homes (24%) were lower priorities. Despite the role data centres play in everyday life - from NHS records to online banking, streaming, and AI - awareness remains low. Only 8% of people say they “know a lot” about data centres, while 27% have never heard of them. Even among 18–24 year olds, often viewed as the most digitally engaged, just 3% claim to know much about the sector. National support drops at local level The research highlights a gap between national and local support. More than half of people (52%) back additional data centres across the UK, but this falls to 44% when projects are located near their communities. The report argues that developers can address this by making projects relatable to communities, highlighting benefits such as jobs, training, digital access, and investment in local infrastructure. AI, another driver of demand for data centres, also divides opinion. While most people have heard of it, only 18% feel positive about its impact on the UK compared with 42% who feel negative. Sector urged to focus on trust and sustainability Peter Elms, Founder and Director at Alpaca Communications, says, “Data centres are the critical infrastructure powering the UK’s AI revolution, but they’re invisible to the public. The sector has a choice: keep quiet and risk opposition, or go green, engage locally, and earn trust.” Luisa Cardani, Head of Data Centres Programme at TechUK, adds, “With data centres contributing £4.7 billion annually to the UK economy and supporting 43,000 jobs, the industry must now make sustainability central. The message from the public is clear: renewable power is the only option.” The report concludes that to secure public support, data centres need to be explained in clear, relatable terms; powered sustainably; and developed in partnership with local communities. With demand for AI and digital services rising, the research points to an opportunity for the technology and energy sectors to align infrastructure with public expectations.

Microgrids are key to accelerating DC growth, research finds

A combination of renewables, grid balancing engines and energy storage make for the most cost-effective microgrids to power data centres, while also cutting emissions and providing vital grid balancing to enable the energy transition, according to a new research paper from technology group Wärtsilä and energy solutions business AVK. The paper, Data centre dispatchable capacity: a major opportunity for Europe’s energy transition, provides new analysis on how data centre microgrids can reduce grid infrastructure spending, emissions and wasted energy, while providing a balanced path for the energy transition.The analysis finds that powering the data centres across Europe by optimised microgrids could create a significant bank of dispatchable power, supporting the entire continent’s energy transition. The rapid growth of AI is driving increased demand for data centres across Europe, which is expected to increase by 250% by 2030, from 10GW to 35GW. With the continent’s grid facing constraints from high energy prices and bloated grid connection queues, data centre operators are increasingly turning to off-grid solutions to power these energy-intensive assets. Anders Lindberg, President of Wärtsilä Energy and Executive Vice President of Wärtsilä, says, “The growth of AI over recent years has been extraordinary, and as it continues to transform the way we live and work, it drives a need for more energy. This is causing significant challenges for grid operators across Europe, who are struggling with rising costs and up to a 10-year waiting time for a grid connection. “By investing in microgrids, data centres can sidestep energy constraints, and with the right technology mix of renewables, grid balancing engines and energy storage, can ensure their emissions profiles and costs do not outweigh the huge benefits that AI brings. AVK CEO Ben Pritchard comments, “The answer to the challenges we face in combatting climate change is as much to do with changing behaviours as developing new technologies. And the key to behavioural change is the recognition that there are different ways of doing things. The solutions outlined in this paper are not impractical; they are based on real-world cases and calculations. All that’s needed to make them more widespread is for investors, operators, equipment suppliers, planners, policy makers to recognise the widespread benefits that sharing dispatchable data centre capacity with the grid can bring and pass that knowledge on.” In addition to benefits created by microgrids, engine power plants bring cost efficiencies to data centre power generation. Modelling an 80MW data centre, a combination of engine power plants, renewables, and energy storage provides the lowest levelised cost of electricity – at 108 EUR/MWh – in comparison to three other real-world scenarios. It also offers a low emissions scenario in comparison to the other modelled scenarios, and particularly in comparison to gas turbines. The emissions of engine power plants can also decrease as sustainable fuels become commercially available. “Through investing in flexibility, microgrids can have the lowest possible cost, while cutting emissions dramatically compared to other pathways including turbines. This flexibility can have a significant, positive impact on the continent’s digital and energy transition,” Anders Lindberg states. On current trajectories, 40% of existing AI data centres will be operationally constrained by power availability by 2027. Microgrids can take this new strain off the grid in the short term and when grid connection is achieved, excess energy generated can be sold. As well as furthering cost reductions for data centre operators, this can provide vital flexibility to Europe's power challenges. Read the new research paper by clicking here. For more from AVK, click here.