DATA CENTRE AND POWER NEWS: MARCH 2023
As experts in noise control solutions for the power and data centre sectors, we’re committed to staying up-to-date on recent developments, trends, and innovations. Dive into our handpicked top stories to help you stay ahead in this ever-evolving landscape.
Hydrogen’s European breakthrough
Power Engineering International reports that hydrogen is becoming an increasingly important renewable energy source in the UK and Germany, with 2023 predicted to be a record-breaking year for installations. As capacity is expected to reach 22GW by 2027, the focus will shift to storage, transportation, and pricing. However, European governments must address regulatory obstacles and red tape to compete with the US and Middle East surging ahead with incentives and supportive policies.
Wood is good for wind
The future of wind turbines is wooden! Renews.biz reports that two Swedish companies are to join forces to supply wooden turbine towers for future onshore wind farms. Laminated wood towers offer a stronger, lighter, and cost-effective alternative to steel, reducing the need for expensive reinforcements. Their modular design simplifies delivery and cuts transport costs. As carbon-negative structures, wooden towers store more carbon than emitted during production, significantly reducing emissions. This collaboration between Modvion and RWE Renewables Sweden highlights how innovative, renewable solutions are being embraced to enhance sustainable energy production.
UK unveils floating wind investment
The UK government has launched a £160m Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOWMIS) to boost port infrastructure and support net zero goals. Part of the ‘Powering Up Britain – Energy Security Plan’, the initiative aims to expand renewable energy sources, create green industries, and bolster the country’s energy independence. The government aims for the plan are to help reduce energy prices, create jobs, and strengthen the UK’s position in reaching net zero emissions. As with any policy it has it’s critics with a report in the Guardian stating that many don’t think it goes far enough, with some labelling the strategy “half-baked, half-hearted,” lacking sufficient investment and ambition to attract green industries and meet legally binding climate targets. Time will tell on this and hopefully the benefits outweigh any negatives.
Microsoft’s major move to Wisconsin
Microsoft has announced plans to build a $1bn data centre campus in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. Microsoft will develop on a 315-acre parcel of mostly vacant land owned by the Village of Mount Pleasant, which is part of the wider 2,500-acre plot that was set aside for a Foxconn manufacturing hub. The announcement comes after Foxconn failed to meet its ambitious goals, with the new proposal set to receive its first vote by the village board on 30 March. The data centre campus aims to employ more than 1,000 people and will be powered with 100% renewable energy.
Swimming in data, literally
If you’ve ever felt like you’re swimming in a sea of data, spare a thought for the patrons of Exmouth Leisure Centre, who actually are. Well, sort of. Thanks to a partnership with start-up Deep Green, the heat generated by a washing-machine-sized data centre is being used to heat the public swimming pool to around 30°C, reducing the leisure centre’s energy costs by thousands of pounds. Founder Mark Bjornsgaard said seven other England pools had signed up to the scheme, which pumps hot oil from the computers into a heat exchanger to warm the pool. As rising energy costs force more and more swimming pools to close, it’s an innovative solution worth diving into.
Wiltech Acoustics engineer, manufacture and install high-quality noise control solutions for Industrial and Power applications. Contact us to find out more about how we can help your business.