Gainsborough emissions control specialists Eminox has a part to play in protecting UK data centres now that the Government has classified them as ‘critical national infrastructure’.
The company’s Engineering Director Dr David Phillips has explained that data centres have emergency generators to ensure uninterrupted operation – but that from the beginning of January these would have to have controlled exhaust emissions.
He said: “The announcement means data centres in the UK, which currently support over 40,000 jobs and have an annual projected growth rate of 20%, will now be supported by the government in the event of critical incidents. This will help to mitigate the impact of data centre failures or breaches on business, UK residents and the economy.
“Undoubtedly, this is a pleasing development, and one which was necessary to acknowledge the importance of digital data, how it is stored, and the impact it has on the day to day running of business and the country.
“As demand for digital services surges, data centres continue to be built enabling digital transformation across all areas of the economy. Eminox will remain a key partner in providing emissions compliance solutions to the data centre sector across the UK pertaining to backup power generator sets.”
“Statistics show the UK has the highest number of data centres in Western Europe and this added level of security through CNI will support the crucial role of data centres sector as the backbone of the UK’s digital economy.
“Therefore, as the data centre sector grows in response to projected demand for digital technologies, including the growing trend of AI use, it is important to ensure back up power supplies have the necessary technologies to prevent an increase in harmful NOx and PM entering the atmosphere. This will ensure air pollution does not negatively impact on public health of operatives within the data centre sector, as well as local communities in urban areas, such as Cardiff, London and Manchester which have seen major data centre developments.”
