Sustainability

Salumanus unveils white paper on green data centres

To encourage businesses to take practical steps to reduce emissions from data centres, which contribute 1-3% of the world’s total energy usage, optical solutions specialist, Salumanus, has released a white paper titled Building a sustainable digital infrastructure: A comprehensive guide to green data centres. This guide offers in-depth insights into the evolution and implementation of green data centres, providing essential guidance for businesses and organisations aiming to reduce their environmental footprint. In today's hyper-connected world, data centres are the backbone of our digital economy, supporting everything from cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to online retail and streaming services. As the demand for digital services continues to grow exponentially, so does the energy consumption of data centres, which are now some of the largest consumers of electricity globally. According to the International Energy Agency, data centres are responsible for approximately 90 billion kWh of electricity annually, producing around 330 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Salumanus’ white paper delves into the environmental challenges posed by traditional data centres, particularly their significant energy demands and the extensive cooling systems required to maintain optimal operating temperatures. It highlights that cooling systems alone can consume up to 40% of a facility’s total energy, exacerbating the carbon footprint of data centres. “Salumanus is committed to advancing digital infrastructure in a way that supports both technological progress and environmental stewardship,” says Marcin Bala, CEO of Salumanus. “Our white paper is a vital resource for businesses and organisations looking to reduce their environmental footprint, while maintaining high levels of performance and efficiency in their data centres.” The white paper outlines the concept of green data centres, which represent a paradigm shift towards more sustainable and energy-efficient practices. These facilities incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as virtualisation, which allows multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server, significantly reducing the number of servers needed and consequently lowering power consumption. Liquid cooling systems, another innovative solution discussed, offer superior heat dissipation compared with traditional air cooling, reducing the energy required for cooling by up to 27%. A key highlight of the white paper is the discussion on universal optical transceivers, such as the Smart Recode Device (SRD) offered by Salumanus. The SRD standardises optical transceivers across different networking equipment, streamlining inventory management, reducing electronic waste, and enhancing operational efficiency within data centres. This technology not only simplifies maintenance and upgrades, but also features advanced energy-saving modes that contribute to the overall sustainability of data centres. “The SRD exemplifies our commitment to advancing sustainable practices in data centre management,” Marcin continues. “By enabling the use of a single optical transceiver across multiple platforms, the SRD addresses the inefficiencies that have long plagued data centres. This innovation streamlines operations and plays a crucial role in reducing electronic waste and energy consumption.” Additionally, the white paper explores the role of edge computing in minimising energy consumption by processing data closer to the source, thereby reducing the need for data to travel long distances. AI and machine learning technologies are examined for their ability to optimise workloads and improve energy efficiency in real-time. The white paper is now available for download on the Salumanus website by clicking here. For more from Salumanus, click here.

AVAIO announces partnership with renewable energy developer

AVAIO Digital Partners (ADP), a data centre business developing sustainable hyperscale data centres in North America and Europe, has announced a partnership with one of Quebec's leading renewable energy developers, Sunbird Energy. The partnership integrates renewable energy capabilities with ADP’s large scale development project in Gatineau. As a result of the partnership, ADP will work with Sunbird to bring innovative power, transmission, and heat reuse solutions for its planned sustainable data centre development in the Province. ADP’s development in Gatineau is currently underway and intended to serve the rapidly growing cloud services and AI demand in Quebec, Greater Outaouais, and the National Capital Region. “As a leader in the development of new sustainable energy solutions in Quebec, Sunbird is an ideal partner for ADP’s Gatineau project,” says AVAIO Partner, Anthony Gordon. “Quebec is an ideal proving ground for new renewable power and digital infrastructure integration strategies, and Sunbird is the right local partner to bring this project forward and make the Outaouais Region a new zone of digital and sustainable energy innovation. “We have been waiting for two years for Hydro Quebec to provide us a contract for connecting to the grid, which is the last element needed before we can move forward with this innovative project. We hope Hydro Quebec and the Quebec government will see the promise this approach offers for supporting Quebec’s technology, industrial, and environmental goals.” Simon Lafleur, Founder and President of Sunbird Energy, adds, “Sunbird Energy is proud to partner with AVAIO Digital Partners on this major digital infrastructure project. This partnership highlights our commitment to renewable energy and underscores our dedication to supporting the energy transition and promoting sustainable economic development. “By deploying our solar and energy storage solution, connected to our advanced energy management software, we are providing our partner the tools they need to build a data centre that will preserve the integrity of Hydro-Québec's grid in the region, while setting a new standard for diligent data centres in the province. We're pleased to see AVAIO adopt Sunbird's new vision of energy consumption.”

Feature - Data centre growth requires sustainable thinking

The development of AI is having a huge impact on almost every industry, and none more so than within data centres. It is expected that global data centre electricity demand will have doubled by 2026 due to the growth in AI. So, how do we ensure our data centres are operating as efficiently as possible? Russell Dailey, Global Business Development Manager, Data Centres at Distech Controls, explains. We are generating more and more data in all aspects of lives, whether that’s through our business operations, the use of social media and even our shopping habits with the growth of e-commerce. Our new dependence on web services and digital infrastructure requires a greater number of data centres, and we need them to operate more reliably and efficiently than ever before. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2022, data centres used 460 terawatt hours of electricity, and it expects this figure to double in just four years. Data centres could be using a total of 1,000 terawatt hours annually by 2026. This demand for electricity has a lot to do with the growth in AI technology. In a similar way to how the growth of e-commerce drove uptake for large industrial warehouses, AI is expected to more than double the need for global data centre storage capacity by 2027, according to JLL’s Data Centres 2024 Global Outlook. As data centres contribute substantially to global electricity consumption, more facilities are seeking to adopt enhanced sustainability strategies. To achieve net zero emissions targets or other environmental objectives, data centre companies must invest heavily in energy efficiency measures. A Building Management System (BMS) can form the cornerstone of these efforts, providing insights into energy usage and helping to reduce unnecessary energy waste with enhanced operational efficiency. Data centres are unique buildings, and a BMS within this environment requires careful planning and implementation. Let’s be open In the past, building systems have traditionally been proprietary and not flexible like open systems. Proprietary systems speak different languages, resulting in incomplete visibility, data, and reliability, and leave you tied to one, often expensive, service provider. However, that is changing, and open systems are becoming ever more popular in commercial buildings and have numerous benefits for data centres.Systems offer monitoring and analytics at the local controller, reducing network complexity, increasing redundancy and security. With Distech Controls, operators can keep their facility at optimal performance through a proven IP-based solution that creates a more secure and flexible network enabling easy integration of systems with a wide range of IT and business applications. Distech Controls’ commitment to open protocols and industry IT standards, combined with its best-in-breed technology, creates a sustainable foundation that supports and evolves with a building system’s life cycle. Efficient and forward thinking Open systems also have an effect on the sustainability of a data centre. They can bring everything together in a cohesive and centralized fashion allowing users to visualise information, assess relationships, establish benchmarks and then optimise energy efficiency accordingly. Distech Controls’ solutions meet even the most demanding data centre control requirements (even remotely) via fully programmable controls and advanced graphical configuration capabilities. They leverage technology such as RESTful API, BACnet IP, connected controllers, and unified systems, to help future-ready your data centre as technology continues to advance. The importance of security The smarter buildings become, the greater the importance of cyber security. There are some fundamentals that building owners and system integrators need to consider when it comes to the security of their BMS. As a starting point, the devices or operational technology (OT) should be on a different network to the IT system as they have separate security requirements and various people need to access them. As an example, contractors overseeing BMS devices do not need access to HR information. Each device should be locked down securely so they can only communicate in the way that is required. There should be no unnecessary inbound or outbound traffic from the devices. This links neatly to monitoring. It is vital to monitor the devices after installation and commissioning to ensure there is no untoward traffic to the devices that could threaten a buildings or company’s security. Some manufacturers, such as, Distech Controls, are ensuring its products are secure straight out of the box. Security features are built directly into hardware and software like TLS 256- bit encryption, built-in HTTPS server and HTTPS certificates. For instance, the ECLYPSE APEX incorporates a secure boot and additional physical security measures to help overcome today’s security challenges. Distech Controls’ solutions are specified by leading web service providers because of their high resiliency, flat IP system architecture and open protocol support. They also incorporate the right technologies to comply with the most stringent cybersecurity standards as well as RESTful API / MQTT for OT/IT interoperability purposes. These attributes allow data centre operators, integrators, and contractors the freedom to choose the best-in-class solutions for their data centre’s infrastructure management services. These advanced features enable significant operational efficiency improvements and energy cost reductions for data centre owners and managers. AI technology is already having a revolutionary effect in business and our personal lives. At Distech Controls, we are utilising its capabilities, and it is clear that this revolution is going to require more data centres. We need to look at ways we can make these specialist buildings as efficient as possible. Utilising an intelligent and open BMS is essential.

Yondr secures approval for third data centre on London campus

Yondr Group, a global developer, owner and operator of hyperscale data centres, has secured planning permission for a third building on its London campus in Slough. Located on the site of a former paint factory, the new data centre will follow the first facility which was completed in July and the second currently under construction. It will be part of Yondr’s proposed 100+MW capacity campus, continuing to position the West London location as one of the most prominent data centre hubs in Europe, with Yondr as a key player in that market. Yondr has worked collaboratively with Slough Borough Council and the Canal & River Trust to develop a design for the building that enhances the canal bank and biodiversity, improving both views and access for local residents. Despite limitations, Yondr was able to install a green wall on the facade, placing it on an independent structure. The green wall will face out towards the canal and provide visual and acoustic shielding, as well as enhancing biodiversity on the site. The design also includes additional landscaping beyond the border of the data centre site, with trees and shrubs selected to be sympathetic to local plant species and wildlife. Residents will benefit from a new walking and cycle route, creating a convenient cut-through that will shorten journeys and encourage active travel. Energy efficiency also lies at the heart of the design for Yondr’s BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rated data centre facility, in line with the company’s sustainability strategy and 2030 target for Scope 1 and 2 carbon neutrality. Solar panels will be installed on the building’s roof and the facility will boast industry-leading power utilisation efficiency (PUE). Carl Fisher, Design Director EMEA from Yondr, comments, “With the design for the third building on our London campus we have taken learnings from the previous two buildings and considered challenges to develop an exceptional data centre design that will set the standard for environmental best practice in the data centre sector. “The design that has been approved will enhance the canal-side walks, protect the canal, and enhance both vistas and pedestrian/cycle access for local residents, while increasing data capacity with an energy-efficient and resilient data centre asset. “With this project, we are proving that data centre performance, environmental responsibility, aesthetics and sensitivity to local residents can all be factored into progressive data centre design, and we’re looking forward to delivering on every one of those objectives as this project advances.” Yondr’s VP of Design & Construction EMEA, Peter Hill, adds, “Our team's collaboration with our partners, Slough Borough Council and other stakeholders exemplifies what true excellence looks like. The seamless coordination and shared commitment to our vision have been pivotal in driving this project forward." For more Yondr, click here.

Leep strengthens data centre foothold with new EHV team

Following several high-profile data centre contract wins, Leep Utilities – one of the UK's leading owners and operators of last-mile utility networks – has launched a specialist extra high voltage (EHV) team. Leep states that it is now better equipped than ever to provide global data centre operators, and other higher consumption industrial and commercial users, with utility grid connections, 132kV networks and smart battery energy storage solutions for local heat networks. The firm owns, operates, and manages every electrical element – from the point of connection to the metering position and beyond – for the entire length of contract. Leep is also enabling data centre owners to increase their revenue, and sustainability credentials, by repurposing their waste heat to power local heat networks – reducing grid requirements and, crucially, improving their energy efficiency. Matt Ling, Director of Business Development at Leep Utilities, says, “Our success with EHV customers is founded on the team’s expertise and the many added value services we provide. Through early engagement, a holistic consultative approach and seeking out value in the supply chain – thanks to the transparency that our adoption-only model affords – we’re able to help high consumption users to operate most cost-efficiently and cost-effectively, all with the support of our in-house legal team. “An often-cited frustration amongst EHV operators is the inflexibility of specification of network components, which can create blockages and inefficiencies. As an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), Leep offers much greater flexibility, on the likes of electric plant and design, to provide bespoke solutions that best meet their needs, and at the best prices and timings. By separating Asset Adoption Value payments from design and build costs, we further maximise the supply chain, often at a critical cashflow juncture. “The UK data centre industry continues to rapidly evolve and the surge in its demand is unprecedented. We’re already a proven electricity supplier of choice to a number of the biggest global brands and we’re now very much looking forward to further increasing our footprint and credentials with a dedicated expert team in place, and many added value benefits that our customers are loving.”

New open access data centre in DRC goes live

The first phase of OADC Texaf Digital - Kinshasa, a joint venture between Open Access Data Centres (OADC) and TEXAF, is now live. OADC Texaf Digital is establishing a vibrant digital ecosystem supporting Internet Exchanges, content providers, cloud operators, carriers, telcos and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in offering a wide range of digital products and services to business and domestic customers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The 2MW-capable facility is the DRC’s first live open-access, carrier-neutral and Uptime Institute Tier-III certified data centre, with ISO27001 post live certification on track for Q3 2024. Clients are already establishing and installing in the facility, and all major fibre network providers are present to provide vibrant interconnect to tenants. The facility offers integrated core digital infrastructure solutions comprising tailored colocation services together with a wide range of reliable connectivity and peering options. Power to the data centre is fed from utility sourced from hydro generation ensuring environmentally sustainable power generation in tandem with low Power Utilisation Effectiveness (PUE). The facility underpins and is accelerating the country’s digitalisation and ICT capabilities, enabling clients to cost-effectively, flexibly and securely grow their operations within the DRC. With a population of more than 16 million, Kinshasa is at the epicentre of demand for digital connectivity services within the DRC and the region. OADC Texaf Digital - Kinshasa, located within TEXAF’s Silikin Village digital hub, is operated by OADC, Africa’s fastest-growing data centre company. Configured with 1,500 square metres of IT white space to accommodate more than 550 racks, it delivers colocation, interconnect and peering services to support the colocation needs of enterprise clients, content distribution networks, local and international cloud providers. This enables them to improve efficiency, expedite digitisation initiatives, and more effectively service business and customer needs. This infrastructure, with its white space architecture and the interconnect and peering ecosystem, is ideally suited to the large international Content Distribution Networks, global content companies and cloud providers that will be able to invest in the DRC. Mohammed Bouhelal, Managing Director of OADC Texaf DRC, comments, “OADC Texaf Digital - Kinshasa is central to boosting many sectors of the DRC’s economy, creating rich and vibrant digital ecosystems, and providing content distribution networks and cloud content providers with access to a quality peering location in the country. “We already have over 12 leading national and international carriers connected, with the banking sector being the leading adopter of OADC Texaf Digital - Kinshasa solutions. The open-access, carrier-neutral facility is set to transform the country’s digital infrastructure by creating a comprehensive, vibrant interconnection and peering ecosystem involving multiple carriers, ISPs, content providers and Internet Exchanges.” The facility embodies carrier-neutral principles, maximising interconnection opportunities for all clients. Increased competition and improved operator cost-efficiencies will contribute to the expected decrease in the cost of internet connectivity for the Congolese people and companies, serving as a major enabler for expansion of the DRC’s digital ecosystem. It will not only offer businesses a viable alternative to self-build and self-manage data centre facilities - with all the benefits of dedicated resource, expertise, management time and costs that come with that - but also support the cloud infrastructure and content needs of a wide range of businesses and enterprises. Carriers will benefit too, as OADC Texaf Digital - Kinshasa offers them both additional connectivity revenue opportunities and the opportunity to extend their service portfolios to include managed colocation services. OADC and TEXAF have partnered in creating this essential building block of the DRC’s digital transformation. This fully validates TEXAF’s strategy of attracting international industry leaders such as OADC into the country and specifically into the new Silikin Village digital hub. Christophe Evers, Chairman of OADC Texaf’s Board of Directors, adds, “Establishing a strategic partnership to build a data centre in the DRC is crucial for driving digital transformation and economic growth in the region. By leveraging the joint strengths and expertise of OADC and TEXAF, we are not only enhancing digital connectivity and infrastructure but also creating opportunities for businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering world-class data centre services that meet the growing demands of enterprises and support the broader objectives of economic development in the DRC. It is a cornerstone of the DRC’s National Digital Plan announced by the President of the Republic.” For more from Open Access Data Centres, click here.

A sustainable future for data centres

By Ruari Cairns, Director of Risk Management and European Operations, True (powered by Open Energy Market). In recent years, the data centre industry has witnessed significant growth and innovation, with notable developments such as Google's £1 billion investment in a new data centre in Hertfordshire and Octopus Energy’s commitment to utilising energy from processing centres to heat swimming pools. These advancements underscore the industry’s critical role in supporting our increasingly digitalised world. Since 2010, demand for digital services has increased rapidly with the number of global internet users more than doubling, and internet traffic increasing 25-fold, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Data centres serve as the backbone of digital infrastructure, providing the necessary storage, processing, and connectivity to not only allow day-to-day activity, but also to enable businesses to innovate, improve efficiency, and stay competitive in an increasingly digital age. The environmental impact of data centres Data centres are undeniably energy-intensive operations. A report from the IEA reveals that data centres and data transmission networks collectively accounted for approximately 330 Mt CO2 equivalent in 2020. Despite their environmental footprint, data centres are indispensable. Therefore, innovation is vital to decarbonise and make this sector more energy efficient. Challenges surrounding sustainability Encouragingly, major corporations are placing greater emphasis on environmental credentials. A prime example is Google Cloud, which has committed to achieving a carbon-neutral footprint and transitioning to completely carbon-free energy across all its global data centres by 2030. This ambitious target highlights the growing demand for sustainable solutions in the sector. However, regardless of the growing emphasis, data centres face significant challenges in achieving these green objectives. Balancing energy procurement during operational ramp-up periods and navigating regulatory complexities pose strategic hurdles. The insatiable demand for data presents capacity issues and strains on energy availability, necessitating innovation and collaboration for a greener future. Looking ahead to the next 12-18 months, not only will the data centre industry face pressures around sustainability, but it also may encounter capacity constraints and energy availability challenges. Power purchase agreements To achieve sustainability goals, data centres will adopt various strategies in 2024, including securing long-term PPAs for renewable energy procurement. With PPAs, data centres enter into agreements with renewable energy providers to ensure a consistent and sustainable source of electricity. According to a report by BloombergNEF, corporate PPAs for renewable energy reached a record of 23.7 gigawatts in 2020, with data centres being one of the key sectors driving this growth. This trend is likely to continue to grow, with more data centres looking for reliable green energy sources. Energy audits It is also important that data centres increase the regularity with which they perform energy audits. Energy audits identify areas of high energy consumption and support data centres to implement energy-efficient measures. This can include optimising server utilisation, upgrading to energy-efficient hardware, and implementing advanced cooling technologies. According to a study, commissioned by the US Department of Energy, energy audits can lead to energy savings of up to 30%. Infrastructure design Data centres will continue to prioritise energy efficiency in their infrastructure design into 2024. This includes using energy-efficient servers, cooling systems, and power distribution units. Advanced cooling technologies, such as liquid cooling, will also gain traction to improve energy efficiency. Advanced systems and infrastructure can support data centres to optimise cooling operations by adjusting cooling levels based on heat loads and demand. This minimises overcooling and ensures resources are used more efficiently. In some cases, cooling systems use up to 40% of the total energy a data centre needs. By implementing advanced, green, cooling technologies, data centres can make substantial and critical energy and carbon savings. Onsite generation Due to the growing concerns about grid capacity, data centres will increasingly invest in on-site energy generation technologies. This will be primarily through solar and wind turbines, as these are easily tailored to each location’s needs. By generating their own clean energy, data centres can reduce their dependence on the grid and minimise their carbon footprint. Highlighting this point, Google recently signed its first PPA in Ireland for a 58-megawatt solar site to help its offices and data centre in Ireland reach 60% carbon-free energy in 2025. The trend will continue this way as more data centres seek the security that comes with onsite generation. Conclusion As the digital revolution accelerates, the sustainability of data centres becomes key. By prioritising sustainability, navigating regulatory challenges, and adopting strategic energy procurement strategies, data centres can pave the way for a greener and more resilient future. Collaboration between industry stakeholders and government support will be pivotal in driving collective progress towards a sustainable data centre ecosystem.

SINES DC becomes Europe's largest data centre campus

Start Campus, a company focused on designing, building and operating a new generation of sustainable data centres, has announced the award of additional power by REN, the Portuguese transmission system operator. This expanded power allocation brings the total IT capacity secured for SINES DC to 1.2 GW, an increase on the initial 495 MW, making it the largest colocation site in Europe with fully secured grid power. SINES DC, which has land secured for the full campus, uses seawater cooling to minimise its environmental impact and improve efficiency. This unique offering enables Start Campus to deliver large scale, AI-ready and sustainable data centre solutions. The campus, located south of Lisbon and comprising six buildings (SIN01-06), will be developed incrementally until 2030: • SIN01: the first building with an initial 14 MW of IT capacity is set to be operational by Q4 2024. In direct response to the requirements of its customers and, through the use of liquid cooling technologies, its capacity is being expanded to 26 MW. • SIN02-06: each subsequent building will support up to 240 MW of IT capacity and will be constructed sequentially, with SIN02 ready for service from 2026. All buildings are expected to be operational by 2030. Rob Dunn, Chief Executive Officer of Start Campus, says, “Securing this additional grid capacity marks a significant milestone for Start Campus. The scale of SINES DC, coupled with our unique seawater cooling solution, creates an unprecedented offering that sets new standards for the industry. I am proud to deliver a solution that sustainably meets the evolving needs of our customers.” This power allocation follows the commitment by REN to make significant investments to extend and develop the transmission network in the high-demand area of Sines. Throughout its phased development, Start Campus continues to support the development of the Sines region and will contribute to renewable energy developments in Portugal. For more from Start Campus, click here.

Aggreko invests in cooling fleet to support data centres

Energy solutions specialist, Aggreko, has significantly invested in its European fleet of cooling solutions to bring reliable, clean and efficient cooling to the market. As weather forecasts predict warmer than normal temperatures for the continent this summer, companies across Europe will require HVAC solutions to maintain operations on site while keeping energy consumption to a minimum. Specifically, Aggreko has grown its fleet of chillers to support data centres with the most efficient short and long-term solutions to maintain critical operations, assist during emergency scenarios and support with increasing capacity. Growing its expertise in HVAC, the company is expanding its fleet to make greener cooling provision both for production processes and cooling applications. Complementing its existing range of industrial HVAC solutions and wider Greener Upgrades portfolio, Aggreko is introducing two new cooling product ranges. Its new very low temperature chiller, the VLTC550, uses CO2 (R774) refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) equal to one, and provides stable and exceptionally efficient cooling. The containerised unit is capable of achieving 220 kW of cooling at -40°C in a condensed 10ft footprint. As companies are under pressure to use low GWP refrigerants, Aggreko is able to help companies accelerate the transition with this new fleet. To further support the transition to more environmentally friendly refrigerants, the company is switching all screw chillers in its fleet to R513A, significantly reducing the GWP of Aggreko’s fleet of industrial chillers by almost 60%. For larger scale cooling requirements, Aggreko has also introduced a new range of water-cooled chillers which delivers 1.5 MW of cooling and uses R513A refrigerant. Designed to meet the needs of data centres, manufacturing, petrochemicals, food and beverage, and mining sectors, the modular and scalable water-cooling solution provides advanced control capabilities to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Danny Quinn, Head of HVAC and Compressed Air Product Lines at Aggreko, comments, “Supplementary cooling solutions are important for any data centre operators looking to maintain smooth operations while balancing cost and environmental impact. We have invested in our European fleet of temperature control equipment so that we can provide the most efficient solutions that meet all regulatory requirements for customers, which can be implemented quickly on their site. Our expert teams can ensure the correct level of equipment is selected, with no project too complex.” Further enhancing the environmental credentials of its cooling solutions, Aggreko has also recently invested significantly in its portfolio of Greener Upgrades to efficiently and sustainably power the chillers. This includes incorporating Stage V generators, greener fuels and Battery Energy Storage Systems to enhance efficiency, reduce fuel use and carbon footprint. By investing in its Greener Upgrades, Aggreko is aiming to make efficient and clean technologies more accessible to customers, in addition to the skills and expertise required to correctly implement them – a fundamental part of the company’s sustainability framework, Energising Change. By providing turnkey cooling solutions, Aggreko can ensure that customers across Europe are able to prioritise resilience and uptime on site while keeping operational costs under control and emissions to a minimum. Danny adds, “Ensuring our customers can make progress with their sustainability strategies while balancing costs and resilience is something we remain committed to. As we come into key seasons for temperature control, we are making sure we are equipped with a strong fleet and the right people to implement solutions to make this a reality.” For more from Aggreko, click here.

Data centre powered by solar energy generated onsite

iomart, a leading provider of cloud hosting and managed services, has installed 560 solar panels on its flagship data centre in Maidenhead, which will contribute to the aim of self-sustaining energy during the summer to power the site. The solar panels will generate circa 250,000 kWh of energy per annum at the data centre, avoiding 96,061kg of CO2 emissions annually. The 2,800 square metre data centre in Maidenhead is iomart’s largest site across its entire UK estate, which comprises 13 data centres. It is also the cloud hosting provider’s main self-managed infrastructure facility, powering more than 12,000 servers. This investment is part of iomart’s wider long-term sustainability strategy, which has seen the cloud hosting provider power all its data centres with 100% renewable energy coming from sources including wind, hydro and solar. The business also partnered with Katrick Technologies in 2021 to pilot a world-first heat cooling system, which aimed to turn iomart’s Glasgow data centre waste heat into power to drive its servers’ essential cooling system. David Gammie, CTO at iomart, says, “We have a large portfolio of data centres across the UK, and making sure they’re as sustainable as possible is one of our biggest focuses at iomart. “We’ve already committed to powering all our data centres with 100% renewable energy. This installation at Maidenhead takes that commitment one step further - generating our own energy onsite, and in addition, the potential to export energy back into the grid network in the future. “Our Maidenhead data centre is the ideal location for a project like this. It has a vast roof space, making solar panels the ideal solution.” The installation, which is being delivered by solar energy company, 3ti, was completed in May 2024. For more from iomart, click here.