Aggreko Calls for Decentralised Data Centre Power in the UK

The rise of AI is placing unprecedented strain on the infrastructure supporting digital services.

While algorithms and GPUs dominate headlines, the real bottleneck for data centres is power.

As AI training and inference workloads grow, facilities are consuming several times more power per rack compared to conventional operations. 

According to Aggreko, the challenge is especially acute in the UK, where securing new grid connections can take years, threatening to slow the rollout of AI-ready capacity.

Power as the new bottleneck

Aggreko, a global provider of decentralised power solutions, has published a whitepaper titled Bridging the Energy Gap for European Data Centres – highlighting grid delays as a direct risk to investment in digital infrastructure.

“Our conversations with data centre owners and operators show Digital Realty’s concerns are echoed throughout the sector,” says Billy Durie, Global Sector Head for Data Centres at Aggreko.

“As with a great many other places, AI is set to have a transformative impact on the data centre industry. But if it is to do so, reliable power sources are key.”

The whitepaper aligns with warnings from major operators such as Digital Realty, which has called for systemic reform of the UK’s energy grid and planning systems.

Without new solutions, Aggreko argues, the UK risks losing out on billions in AI-related infrastructure investment.

Decentralised energy as a solution

Aggreko is promoting decentralised energy as a practical strategy to ensure projects stay on track. Rather than waiting for lengthy grid connections, operators can deploy on-site or modular generation.

The company points to several approaches already being implemented:

• Stage V HVO-fuelled generators – running on cleaner fuels that cut emissions while maintaining reliability.
  
  
• SCADA-based monitoring and controls – enabling operators to oversee systems remotely and integrate power more tightly with facility infrastructure.
  
  
• Temporary bridging power systems – providing energy during construction and commissioning phases until grid approvals are finalised.

Decentralised energy is not just a short-term fix, Aggreko finds. Much like hybrid cloud strategies, it provides resilience and flexibility, making energy a more dynamic component of digital infrastructure.

“The lengthening queues for grid connections provide proof that these sources cannot be guaranteed via the grid,” Billy adds.

“While in the long run planning reforms will make it easier to deliver the necessary infrastructure needed to power facilities handling AI-heavy workloads, bridging power is required in the short- to medium-term. 

“It is essential to ensuring UK data centre construction can continue to meet skyrocketing demand and not miss out on the huge levels of investment that come with AI technologies.”

Procurement challenges

While the case for decentralised energy is strong, Aggreko warns that permanent equipment in Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets can be difficult to secure. Supply chain challenges have historically slowed adoption and lead times for large-scale systems are lengthy.

To address this, the company recommends that data centre operators consider temporary hire solutions. Renting energy infrastructure allows facilities to keep projects on schedule while waiting for permanent capacity.

Billy explains: “Data centre construction and commissioning must continue as unhindered as possible if facilities are to be brought online within strict project timescales.

“However, grid connection delays and a scarcity of decentralised energy solutions available for outright purchase means deadlines may be missed,” he continues.

“Yet power is power, whether it comes from the grid or a hired generator. It is therefore vital project stakeholders and facility operators investigate different strategies for procuring necessary energy supplies.

“Leveraging third-party expertise within the supply chains can help these organisations access the expertise and capacity to swiftly deploy energy-efficient and scalable technologies on a hire basis, so they can meet specific site needs.”

A critical moment for UK data centres

AI-driven demand is pushing the UK’s data centre sector to scale at unprecedented levels. However, the ability to deliver depends on overcoming the energy gap.

With billions in potential investment at stake, the case for flexible, decentralised power is becoming harder to ignore.

Aggreko’s call to action highlights the urgency of the issue: without reliable bridging power, the UK risks falling behind in the global race to build AI-ready infrastructure.