Securing Power for Data Centre Development

As demand for data centre capacity continues to accelerate, securing sufficient power is becoming one of the most significant challenges facing new and expanding developments.

Grid connection constraints, increasing power requirements and the need to maintain high levels of availability and resilience are leading operators and developers to consider a broader range of approaches to securing power.

This workshop will bring together a small group of data centre operators and developers with organisations from across the energy and infrastructure ecosystem to explore the practical options available for powering future data centre development.

The discussion will be centred around the requirements and experiences of the participating data centre operators and developers, creating an opportunity to examine where different technologies, infrastructure models and approaches could help address real-world power challenges.

Key Discussion Themes

The workshop will explore:

• How are data centre operators securing power for new and expanding developments?

• Where are grid connection constraints having the greatest impact on development?

• What alternatives and complementary approaches to conventional grid connections are being considered?

• What role can onsite and behind-the-meter generation play?

• How should resilience, redundancy and availability requirements influence power strategy?

• Where can energy storage support data centre power requirements?

• How can different power technologies and infrastructure be integrated effectively?

• What are the practical barriers to deploying alternative power solutions?

• How can today's power decisions accommodate future decarbonisation requirements?

• Where are the opportunities for closer collaboration between data centre developers and the energy sector?

Workshop Format

The 90-minute session will combine perspectives from two participating data centre operators and developers with an open, moderated workshop discussion involving all participants.

The emphasis will be on practical challenges, experiences and potential solutions rather than formal presentations.

Agenda Overview

Welcome & Introductions

Opening remarks from the moderator, introductions around the table and an overview of the objectives for the workshop.

Data Centre Operator / Developer Perspective I

A moderated fireside discussion with the first participating data centre operator/developer, exploring their development plans, power requirements and the challenges they face in securing resilient power.

Data Centre Operator Perspective / Developer II

A second fireside discussion exploring another operator or developer's requirements, experiences and approach to securing power.

Open Q&A

An opportunity for participants to question the two operators and explore the challenges and requirements raised during the discussions.

Securing Power – Workshop Discussion

An open, moderated discussion around the table exploring the different routes available to secure power for data centre development. The discussion will draw upon the expertise represented in the room and consider areas including grid connections, onsite generation, energy storage, electrical infrastructure, resilience, redundancy and future energy requirements.

Conclusions & Next Steps

Closing discussion identifying key takeaways, areas requiring further exploration and opportunities for continued bilateral engagement between participants.

Informal Lunch

The workshop will be followed by a small private lunch, allowing participants to continue discussions and explore areas of mutual interest.

Who Will Participate?

The workshop will bring together:

• Two data centre operators/developers

• Energy and power infrastructure providers

• Onsite and behind-the-meter generation

• Energy storage

• Electrical and infrastructure expertise

• Selected organisations from across the wider data centre power ecosystem

The final participant group will be carefully selected to ensure that each organisation brings a relevant perspective to the discussion.

Who Should Attend?

The workshop is particularly relevant to senior professionals involved in:

• Data centre development

• Energy and power strategy

• Engineering and infrastructure

• Site development and expansion

• Power procurement and connections

• Resilience and operational strategy

Supporting Partner: