Data centers are energy intensive and the digital activity they underpin is growing. A coherent sector energy strategy is needed to balance resilience, affordability and sustainability. In particular the sector must contribute to the UK’s 2050 net zero targets and relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals. With stable and predictable demand and significant embedded capacity, data centers should be well placed to help support the transition away from an economy dependent on combustion and towards one based on renewables. However, this potential is not yet being realised.

This routemap sets out ten commitments for the sector, assesses progress against them, identifies challenges and suggests recommended actions both for operators and policymakers. Join Emma Fryer as she introduces the first Energy Routemap for the data center sector and explains what it is and why the sector needs one.