Data centres can contribute to the grid and strengthen system resilience.
Global powers are increasingly looking at how large data-centre loads affect our grids and what measures are needed to make them more system-compatible and also at potentially making data centres a market to strengthen our domestic production of strategic technologies.
Right now, the draft EU rating approach for data centres does not fully meet the current needs. It includes a grid-related label, but that alone is not enough to show a site’s actual ability to contribute to resilience or flexibility.
The European Commission has published a draft regulation for a common EU-wide rating scheme on data centre sustainability, and FBE has contributed to the call for feedback. This debate should not focus only on efficiency within the facility, but also on how data centres can benefit the grid and support Europe’s wider goals on energy security, strategic independence, and strategic technology manufacturing.
As the Commission develops a common EU-wide rating framework, long-duration energy storage solutions such as flow batteries mustn’t be overlooked. These technologies play a critical role in enhancing both the sustainability and system value of data centres.
Read our call for feedback here
