AVK's Charlotte Berry-Selwood on Data Centre Power

With an ever-growing demand for AI infrastructure, operators across Europe are facing longer waits for grid connections.

That challenge is reshaping how projects are designed and delivered, with alternative energy solutions engulfing the conversation.

Speaking at Data Centre LIVE, Charlotte Berry-Selwood, Chief Delivery Officer at AVK, says the industry needs to rethink how it approaches energy if it is to keep pace with demand.

"We're being quoted eight to ten years for power connections," Charlotte says.

"So how do we keep up with global demand? We all want our devices, we all want the AI tools and the brilliance that brings, but we all need to be able to build profitably, at scale and rapidly."

For AVK, which delivers integrated power solutions for data centres, that means helping customers navigate an energy landscape where connecting directly to the grid is no longer guaranteed.

"The focus for us is really being that trusted partner for our clients to navigate a changing landscape," Charlotte says.

So, what could be the solution?

Microgrids in the spotlight

With traditional grid connections becoming more difficult, microgrids are attracting growing attention as a solution to support data centre developments.

Charlotte explains that AVK has spent seven years developing Europe's first microgrid for Pure Data Centres, giving the company practical experience as customers explore alternatives to conventional power infrastructure.

While microgrids are an encouraging solution for data centre power constraints, they are no silver bullet fix.

The next challenge is down to grid connection itself.

"At the moment, the island solution isn't connected to the grid – not for want of trying," says Charltote.

While battery energy storage systems (BESS) can help balance electricity demand and provide resilience, Charlotte argues that existing grid infrastructure is not yet ready to receive surplus energy from these systems.

"We have BESS as part of the microgrids, which helps stabilise that power," she says.

"But, going back to my point, that's not the problem. The problem really is the infrastructure in place with these grid providers to be able to receive the energy back."

Charlotte also believes that regulation is slowing progress.

"There is still, I think, a resistance, and I do feel it's bureaucratic."

She added that concerns around fossil fuels and environmental policy mean legislators are taking a cautious approach, even where microgrids could help reduce pressure on constrained electricity networks and support local communities.

Maintaining standards while accelerating delivery

Although AI is increasing pressure to deliver new capacity quickly, Charlotte says commissioning standards cannot be compromised.

"Well, we don't really have a choice."

She explains that customers continue to expect facilities to meet uptime requirements, meaning resilience is a core priority throughout project delivery.

To improve efficiency, AVK is investing in factory-based manufacturing at its Haydock facility, where modular power pods can be assembled and tested before arriving on site.

"So before it gets to site, before it hits dirty conditions – that's a really nice place to be."

Charlotte says moving testing into a controlled factory environment allows quality assurance to be strengthened while simplifying installation for customers.

"We've taken a strategic look as an organisation and said, actually, that's where we want to deploy capital."

Collaboration: the missing piece of the puzzle

Alongside technology, Charlotte argues that closer cooperation between developers, contractors, utilities, policymakers and local communities will determine how quickly new data centre capacity can be delivered.

She believes engagement with communities needs to begin earlier as larger AI facilities become more common in urban environments.

That includes explaining how developments can contribute to wider energy resilience and correcting misconceptions around the industry's environmental impact.

"We want everybody to come on that journey with us," Charlotte says.

"We see a lot of talk in America about water usage; here in Europe, we don't really use evaporative cooling any more – they're closed-loop systems, we're not big draws on water."

More broadly, she argues policymakers should focus on practical progress rather than waiting for perfect solutions.

"We shouldn't let perfection get in the way of betterment.

"We need to keep campaigning and talking to the right people, understanding that this industry is going to continue to grow."