In Europe, many obsolete coal and gas power plants can get a second life, turning into data centers. Large technological companies, such as Microsoft and Amazon, are interested in using these sites to accommodate their data centers. This is due to the presence of ready-made communications-access to electricity and water supply, which is critical for the work of the data centers.
Energy companies in France, Germany and Italy, including Engie, RWE and ENEL, are considering the possibility of converting their old power plants for data centers. This approach allows not only to reduce the costs of closing obsolete objects, but also to create the basis for future projects in the field of renewable energy.
Technological corporations see in such objects a convenient way to quickly gain access to electric networks and water cooling systems – two important factors for the effective operation of data processing centers, especially against the backdrop of a rapid increase in demand associated with the development of artificial intelligence.
Energy companies can either rent land, or independently build and manage the data centers, concluding long-term contracts with IT films. This provides stable income and reduces the risks associated with investment in the infrastructure.
