Data centres could account for a quarter of peak power demand

Data centres could account for 25% of peak demand in some markets by 2030 according to a new report.

The study by Ember also found that data centres are being built faster than the grid infrastructure needed to serve them. A new data centre can be up and running in as little as 18 months while traditional grid expansion takes up to 10 years.

“This mismatch can exacerbate grid constraints and prompt the need for costly upgrades,” the report warned.

It also highlighted the impact on demand on the grid, with only 3% of data centre capacity estimated to be available for load shifting in 2030.

The report said onsite generation could offer nearly five times more grid relief than load shifting, but warned it also poses risks.

“Without effective regulation, this risks fossil fuel lock-in; well regulated, with effective regulation, it could reduce the need to build new firm capacity on the grid,” it said.