#insights

The increase in workloads that IT systems must process, driven by the use of artificial intelligence, is redefining the design of data centres.

The emergence of new computing models is significantly changing infrastructure requirements, accelerating strategic decisions that until a few years ago were considered longer-term.

This new context is shaped by two main factors: the use of high-capacity equipment and the need to find new energy solutions in response to the limitations of existing electrical infrastructure. Together, these factors are creating a new scenario that poses significant challenges, but also opens the door to optimising the future design and operation of data centres.

Infrastructure simplification: less complexity, greater efficiency

At an electromechanical level, one of the clearest trends is simplification. There is a strong move towards reducing the complexity of electrical and mechanical topologies, with the aim of making infrastructures more efficient and easier to operate.

This translates into:

• Reduced operational complexity.
• Simplified electrical and mechanical topologies.
• Minimised maintenance requirements.

This approach makes it possible to improve the overall availability of facilities by relying on a smaller number of systems, each with high individual reliability.

Operational efficiency

The current trend is towards reducing system complexity, which helps to simplify facility operations, lower the maintenance burden and improve efficiency in infrastructure management.

In this context, reducing complexity is not only a design issue, but also one related to the day-to-day operation of the facility. There is an increasing preference for solutions in which reliability depends less on the number of systems in place and more on the quality, robustness and individual performance of each system.

This approach supports greater operational stability in high-density data centres.

Power grid limitations and hybrid energy solutions

One of the main current challenges is access to energy. Securing new connections to the power grid is becoming increasingly difficult, and this is directly affecting the development of new data centres.

In response, many organisations are opting for alternative solutions, such as combining renewable energy sources or using on-site generation plants powered by different fuels (gas, diesel or even hydrogen).

In these hybrid configurations, the objective is not to rely on a single generation source, but to combine different technologies that ensure both capacity and continuity of energy supply, depending on resource availability and grid conditions.

These solutions help address grid capacity constraints and provide greater flexibility in energy supply.

The role of gas in data centre energy strategies

Within this mix of solutions, gas is gaining prominence as a particularly relevant option for on-site generation and energy back-up.

Its high availability in recent years makes it an attractive option for ensuring energy supply in high-demand scenarios, especially as a complement to renewable energy sources.

Conclusion: the evolution of data centre design

Data centre design is evolving towards simpler, more efficient models that are better suited to an increasingly demanding energy environment.

The combination of higher workloads, limited access to the grid and new energy solutions is defining a new paradigm in the planning and operation of these infrastructures.