Summary:
- Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division, in partnership with Microsoft, advocates for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a sustainable fuel for data centre backup power in Singapore.
- HVO offers up to a 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to fossil diesel and can be used with existing generator systems without modifications.
- The position paper outlines priorities for HVO integration, highlighting Singapore’s potential to lead in HVO adoption with the right policy framework and infrastructure support.
Article:
Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Microsoft Promote Sustainable Fuel for Data Centre Backup Power
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division and Microsoft have released a position paper advocating for the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a sustainable transitional fuel for backup power in data centres within Singapore. This initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions and align with Singapore’s Green Data Centre Roadmap and ambitious net-zero objectives by 2050.
HVO, derived from waste and residual fats and oils, offers a significant reduction in lifecycle CO₂ emissions, up to 90% compared to traditional fossil diesel. One of the key advantages of HVO is its compatibility with existing diesel generator systems, eliminating the need for modifications as long as they are approved for HVO use. This provides data centres with a practical and immediate pathway to reducing their carbon footprint in backup power systems.
The position paper identifies several priorities crucial for comprehensive HVO integration, including standard harmonisation, competitive costs, regulatory approvals, market development, and fostering partnerships across supply chains. Tobias Ostermaier, President of Stationary Power Solutions at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, emphasized Singapore’s potential to lead in HVO adoption with a robust policy framework and adequate infrastructure support, stating that "HVO is a practical step to decarbonise critical infrastructure."
Giovanni Spadaro, President of Global Markets at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, echoed this sentiment, recognizing data centres as drivers of the regional digital economy. He highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts with partners like Microsoft to realize the full potential of carbon-efficient fuel solutions that align with Singapore’s national objectives.
Kavickumar Muruganathan from Microsoft APAC reiterated the commitment to fostering innovation in low-carbon energy sources, aligning with Microsoft’s global 2030 sustainability ambitions. The collaboration between Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Microsoft demonstrates a collective resolve to lead in regional decarbonisation using innovative fuel alternatives, paving the way for a sustainable and carbon-negative future.
