Powering the Data Centre Boom

The global demand for data centres is booming — driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the digital economy. But behind the acceleration of this revolution lies a critical challenge: power.

Data centres are hugely energy-intensive facilities, and their rapid expansion is putting unprecedented pressure on grid infrastructures all around the world – creating major bottlenecks, especially in regions where infrastructure can’t keep pace. In response, the industry is turning to innovative solutions— on-site power generation, supported by advanced control systems and switchgear that ensure reliable, high-quality energy delivery.

To explore this shift and its impact on the future of data infrastructure, we sat down with Lee Dainty, Sector Manager at Actemium Instrumentation, Control & Switchgear (ICS) — a business with a substantial track record in designing control systems and switchgear for power generation. Lee shared his insights into the challenges, emerging technologies, and how Actemium is helping unlock growth in this fast-moving industry.

Lee, what’s behind the rapid rise in data centre development?

It’s all about AI and cloud computing which are rapidly becoming a part of our daily lives. These technologies are driving huge demand for computer processing power, and that means more data centres, across the globe. AI workloads are especially energy-intensive—they require high-performance servers and cooling systems, which push up electricity consumption significantly.

In countries like the UK and US, according to government reports, data centres already use 2–4% of national electricity. That figure is expected to at least double by 2030.

The problem is that the grid can’t always deliver the power fast enough, especially in areas where infrastructure is stretched or underdeveloped.

So how are operators solving this energy bottleneck?

The trend is shifting toward on-site power generation. Instead of waiting for grid upgrades, data centres are installing their own generator sets—diesel, gas turbines, and even battery storage—right next to the facility. This gives them control over their energy supply and helps them avoid delays – while also saving time and money.  The key is flexibility and speed—data centres need power now, and they are investing to secure it.

What role does Actemium play in this process?

On-site generation gives data centres independence from the grid. But once you have your own generator on site you also need the high-performance systems to manage it properly. It’s not just about having the power available; it’s about having the right electrical infrastructure to control it, distribute it safely, and keep everything running smoothly 24/7.

That’s exactly where we come in. We design and deliver the control systems and switchgear that sit at the heart of these energy projects. Our technology ensures that the power generated on-site is delivered efficiently, reliably, and safely to support the data centre’s operations—especially those with high processing demands.

What makes Actemium stand out in this rapidly evolving market?

It’s how seamlessly we integrate with the generator sets provided by world-class OEMs. We’ve worked with them for decades, and those long-standing partnerships have helped us build deep expertise in this space. We understand the nuances of these energy systems and how to tailor our control solutions to match the specific needs of each project.

We’re particularly proud that we have now delivered control systems and switchgear to many customers all over the world, helping them scale their infrastructure with confidence and resilience.

We are also an agile business. Our team is highly responsive, customer-focused, and committed to delivering industry leading quality. And we are part of the global VINCI Energies brand, which gives us international reach and access to cutting-edge technologies.

Looking ahead, how do you see the role of on-site power evolving in the data centre world?

It’s clear that in the very near future on-site power generation is going to become a core part of how data centres operate—not just a stopgap solution. As global energy infrastructure comes under more strain, data centres will need faster, more reliable ways to secure the power they depend on. On-site generation offers that control and security of supply.

What comes next is a shift toward cleaner, more sustainable technologies. Solutions like small modular reactors (SMRs) are starting to enter the conversation, and they could play a big role in the future – alongside other technologies. But no matter how the power is generated, it will still need to be managed and distributed on-site.

We will therefore continue to work closely with our customers in developing our technical capabilities and deepening our expertise in the industry, and at the same time ensuring our control systems and switchgear remain at the forefront of technology, performance and reliability.