In order to power the UK’s growing data centre sector, Javier Cavada, President & CEO EMEA at Mitsubishi Power, emphasizes the importance of a smarter, hydrogen-ready gas infrastructure. Data centres are essential to our digital era, enabling AI innovation and storing vast amounts of cloud-based data. With over 500 operational facilities in the UK, the surge in energy demand raises questions about the readiness of our current infrastructure.
As data centres continue to expand, the pressure on the power grid intensifies. Electrification is a key component of net zero strategies, but the focus now shifts to how we generate cleaner and more reliable electricity. While renewables are crucial, they alone cannot provide the stability needed for high-demand users like data centres. This is where modern gas infrastructure, designed to incorporate future fuels like hydrogen, plays a vital role in the energy transition.
To ensure grid readiness and support the data centre revolution, a technology-neutral approach is essential. By investing in hybrid power projects with dispatchable and hydrogen-ready assets, we can build a resilient, flexible, and decarbonized energy system. Long-term policy certainty, backed by clear incentives, is crucial to accelerating the transition towards a sustainable energy future.
