New wave of UK data centres to run on gas engine and CCS microgrid

Gas engines integrated with carbon capture are set to power a new wave of data centres in the UK.

Under a three-year deal between power supplier AVK and plant developer Landmark Power Holdings, Rolls-Royce engines enhanced with carbon capture will be integrated into advanced microgrid systems to power four data centre developments in England. 

AVK will lead on design, planning, implementation and maintenance services, including front-end engineering, procurement and construction.

Landmark develops low-carbon power generation plants using its patented FLEXPOWER PLUS technology, which converts conventional gas-fired assets into flexible and clean energy. To scale the technology, Landmark works with C02 solutions company ASCO for carbon capture technology, and Rolls-Royce, through its mtu brand, for reciprocating engines. 

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The four sites comprise 30MW in County Durham and a 20MW in Essex - both of which have consent - plus a further potential 300MW between sites at Heathrow and Buckinghamshire. Further expansion is planned in the EU, Norway and Iceland. 

Ben Pritchard, AVK chief executive, said the agreement "is a next step in preparing for the future of microgrids and dispatchable power [which is] essential as hyperscalers and AI infrastructure drive unprecedented energy demand". 

He said Landmark's technology "complements our full power chain capabilities perfectly, including our work on prime power and microgrids, as well as standby and modular power pods", adding that "we are creating a brand new route to reliable, low-carbon energy that will not just meet the urgent need for sustainable data centre power solutions but also pave the way for future ground-breaking developments.”

Mick Avison, Landmark chief executive, added: “With these power solutions, we are pushing forward together in delivering on a joint vision for decarbonising data centres without compromising on resilience.”