AVK CEO: AI Growth Zones Demand Data Centre Energy Rethink

The UK government's plan to establish AI Growth Zones will require data centre operators to implement innovative power solutions to meet the demands of high-density computing, according to Ben Pritchard, CEO of power solutions provider AVK-SEG. 

Ben warns that the ambitious expansion of AI infrastructure will test the limits of the UK's existing power grid and necessitate new approaches to energy management.

“This all sounds very promising but what do these announcements mean for the energy industry and how can data centre developers and operators optimise their power/energy solutions to facilitate the proliferation of high-density AI workloads?” he says. “At first glance, the challenges seem immense, although not insurmountable.”

Government AI Growth Zones target 500MW infrastructure development by 2030

The UK Government recently unveiled its AI Opportunities Action Plan, which aims to position the UK as a leader in AI adoption. The initiative focuses on three core goals: investing in AI foundations, establishing the UK as a partner for frontier AI development and accelerating AI adoption across sectors.

To support this vision, the government announced the creation of AI Growth Zones designed to accelerate data centre development through streamlined planning processes and access to clean power. These zones form part of a broader strategy to build at least a 500MW AI infrastructure cluster by 2030.

The government is particularly interested in proposals that extend beyond data centres to contribute to the wider AI ecosystem, including research, innovation, and skills development. Local authorities will be tasked with identifying sites with substantial existing power connections of 100MW or more, deindustrialised areas suitable for redevelopment, and locations near potential low-carbon power generation.

AVK-SEG microgrids offer solution to AI data centre energy demands

The expansion of AI capabilities presents significant energy challenges for data centre operators. AI models require high-density computing, which increases demand for energy at a time when many power grids are already constrained.

“AI models require high-density computing which leads to an inevitable increase in demand for energy. It follows then that AI Growth Zones are likely to accelerate the demand for scalable and sustainable power solutions and this development is especially rife with challenges and likely risks,” Ben explains.

He notes that beyond grid constraints, operators face potential issues with rising energy costs and the need for reliable sustainable power sources. Regulatory changes could also affect the viability of sustainable power projects, requiring stakeholders to remain vigilant about compliance requirements.

To address these challenges, AVK-SEG offers multiple sustainable power solutions including prime microgrids that integrate renewable energy sources and provide backup during outages.

“AVK offers a range of sustainable power solutions that reduce reliance on traditional power sources and ensure uptime and reliability,” says Ben. “These include full prime microgrids. Offering a resilient and flexible power supply, microgrids can integrate renewable energy sources and provide backup power during outages.”

Data centre energy management systems deliver operational efficiencies

Beyond microgrids, AVK-SEG provides standby power options, hydrogen-powered backup, and battery storage solutions that enable more effective energy load management. The company also implements advanced energy management systems that allow real-time monitoring and control of energy usage.

“To flag up inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement, AVK specialises in the implementation of advanced energy management systems that enable users to monitor and control their energy usage in real-time,” Ben states.

Data centres can improve their energy profile through various strategies, including advanced cooling technologies such as free, liquid and adiabatic cooling. Server virtualisation, consolidation and optimisation can also reduce the number of servers required, further decreasing energy consumption.

“By being ‘technology agnostic’, AVK is able to focus on delivering the optimal power solution through the application of the very latest technology, backed by the expertise and experience of such impressive and long-standing partners as Wärtsilä and Rolls-Royce Power Systems,” says Ben.

Explore the latest edition of Data Centre Magazine  and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Tech & AI LIVE and Data Centre LIVE. 

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today

Data Centre Magazine is a BizClik brand