Datacentre pros must plan for power, say experts

Upcoming environmental and buildings legislation, the increasing cost of energy and uncertainty over power resources means that UK firms should be taking steps to help protect their long term energy supplies as well as to ensure facilities are energy efficient, industry experts speaking at a recent meeting of the UK Datacentre Networking group have concluded.

The UK Datacentre Networking Group is a joint initiative between datacentre specialists DataCenterDynamics and the British Institute of Facilities Managers, and provides a forum for IT, facility and datacentre managers to share knowledge and best practice with their peer group.

Under the title If the Grid Goes Down, the meeting took a rounded look at electrical infrastructure considerations. The event was supported by suppliers including APC, HellermannTyton, K8T and Rittal.

Addressing the group, Mick Dalton, chairman of the British Institute for Facilities Management, warned that energy legislation is set to "affect the whole idea of new datacentre designs and costs".

Clive Steed, major connections manager, London and South East, EDF Energy also advised datacentre operators to inform electricity companies at an early stage about future plans for facility development, stating that longer lead times would help to "reduce risk".