Our power strategy
Two potential scenarios for power supply to the data centre campus are being considered.
SDC's approach to the Project's power is driven by and responds to external uncertainties, including the current lack of grid infrastructure and anticipated timings for securing grid connections.
SDC's objective is to secure staged, coordinated power for the data centre campus, moving from an interim 35MW connection to either Scenario 1 (an energy centre of around 200MW followed by an eventual grid connection) or Scenario 2 (a direct supply from the overhead transmission lines that run along the north east of the site and a 400kV substation).
Only one of the two scenarios would ultimately be delivered. This will be informed by ongoing conversations with relevant operators and technical stakeholders.
Scenario 1: Energy centre, followed by a future grid connection
In Scenario 1, an on-site energy centre of approximately 200MW would provide power for the data centre campus while wider grid upgrades are progressed. The energy centre would use an existing high-pressure gas pipeline running beneath the western edge of the site and would generate enough power for up to two of the three data centre buildings.
Once sufficient grid capacity becomes available, anticipated by 2040, the data centre campus would connect to the wider electricity network. At that point, it is assumed for the purposes of the DCO that the energy centre will operate as a peaking plant, supplying electricity to the grid during periods of high demand.
Why the energy centre is required in Scenario 1
Demand for connections to the UK's electricity grid has increased significantly, particularly to the west of London. The data centre campus needs a secure and timely power supply so that much needed data centre capacity can be delivered. This may be before a wider grid connection is available.
SDC recognises the need to provide a viable project that can deliver operational certainty, and so Scenario 1 includes an onsite energy centre powered using gas from an existing pipeline on the site.
Scenario 2: Direct connection to the existing 400kV overhead lines
In Scenario 2, the data centre campus would be supplied directly from the existing 400kV overhead transmission lines in the north east of the site. This would require a new on-site 400kV substation and up to two new pylons to connect into and redirect the existing overhead lines. Scenario 2 would provide a grid connection from the start of operation and would not require the energy centre to be built.
The land required for Scenario 2 would sit within the same part of the main development area as the energy centre for Scenario 1. Because of this, the two scenarios could not be delivered together.
What both scenarios have in common
In both scenarios, a central substation would be required within the main development area. This 132kV stepdown substation would reduce higher voltage electricity to a level suitable for use by the data centre campus and would link the data centres to the selected power supply.
Before either main scenario is delivered, an interim substation may also be used to provide around 35MW of power. This would allow the first data centre halls to come online in phases. At this stage, the interim substation is expected to form part of the DCO application, although this will continue to be reviewed as the design and delivery programme develop.
Decarbonisation readiness
The Project is also being developed in line with the government's decarbonisation readiness strategy. The energy centre (Scenario 1) will be designed so that it can be transitioned to low carbon technology. Conversion to hydrogen is the only viable decarbonisation ready pathway for the Project due to the space constraints associated with the alternative carbon capture storage route.
Further information is set out in the Community Consultation Environmental Report (CCER).
Battery storage
The Project would include a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This would store electricity when available and release it when needed to help balance supply and demand for the data centre campus. The BESS would have a maximum building footprint of approximately 5,000 square metres.
All visuals shown are indicative and are subject to further design evolution.