Thames Estuary Growth Board Data Centre Study
The Thames Estuary region including East and South East London boroughs, South Essex and North Kent
Project details
Client
Thames Estuary Growth Board
Duration
2024
海角视频 provided by 海角视频
Advisory, Digital advisory, Digital infrastructure, Economics, Energy consulting, Sustainability
海角视频 supported the Thames Estuary Growth Board (the Growth Board) to understand the ecosystem and the supply of data centres within the region.
The Growth Board is driving fair, green growth through the digital transformation of the Thames Estuary area and has recognised the transformative power of digital infrastructure to level-up communities. Through engagement with the Estuary Digital Steering Forum (EDSF), the Board has recognised its role in supporting positive outcomes from specific infrastructure developments.
Challenge
Data-centres are fundamental to the development and deployment of digital solutions and advanced technologies like AI, offering the storage, computing power, scalability, connectivity, security and the efficiencies required to support the digital industry and, indirectly, the entire Estuary.
The Growth Board commissioned a report to understand more about the implications of data-centres in the region from a holistic perspective. It required an analysis on the data-centre ecosystem in the region, to understand the economic, social, and environmental impacts on local businesses, residents and authorities.
This involved developing a clear understanding of the barriers to growth and investment, including infrastructure constraints, while developing a vision for the best way to tackle these challenges.
It also required a holistic view of the potential positive impact on the region and its communities and of encouraging major data centre infrastructure investment into the Thames Estuary area.
Solution
海角视频 conducted research and stakeholder engagement with key parties and produced a report on the ecosystem and supply chain of data centres in the Thames Estuary taking into account key UK Government policy objectives; and illustrated the benefits to local supply chains, businesses and communities. Our team, comprising experts in economics, digital, energy, digital infrastructure and , undertook research and analysis, mapping existing and planned data centre developments within the Thames Estuary region.
We provided insights into the UK data-centre market, including economic and social impacts, planned investments, demand for skills, employment prospects, sustainability practices and energy implications. Our team also collated a broad range of case studies, including global data centre examples showcasing best practice, unique technologies and innovation from around the world.
Our experts played a key role in supporting the Growth Board鈥檚 stakeholder engagement by interviewing data centre operators, supply chain manufacturers, property developers and local authorities to gather diverse perspectives.
The report covered the impact of data centres on various factors e.g. energy, social, policy and the economy, providing a balanced view as to the positive and negative aspects of data centres in the region. This provided a tool for the Board to take further in discussions with residents, local businesses, as well as local and central government, with an informed view of the outcomes that data centres could provide to the area.
Value
Our work provided clear and actionable insights, offering strategic recommendations for engaging with key stakeholders and a high-level roadmap for quick wins and long-term policy plays with the UK government for sustainable data-centre development.
Additionally, the report identified potential areas for further exploration, including further stakeholder engagement, geospatial mapping, energy and economic advisory support, and digital twin development. We are now working alongside the Growth Board to discuss with various parties how a framework for sustainable data centre infrastructure development can be employed in the region, as a pilot for a wider UK based framework.
