Cooperation Forum Data Centres
Towards the Sustainable and Resilient Integration of Data Centres into the Energy System
Data centres are a key component of Germany’s digital infrastructure. Their expansion requires increasingly scarce grid connections and substantial amounts of electricity, whilst at the same time they provide valuable waste heat. As a result, data centres are also gaining importance within the energy system, and their integration into both the grid and the energy sector is becoming a key factor for a sustainable and resilient energy system. This requires close coordination between all stakeholders, from grid operators and local authorities to energy suppliers and stakeholders involved in the planning and operation of data centres.
In the ‘Data Centres’ Cooperation Forum, the FfE, together with the participating companies, energy suppliers and grid operators, systematically identifies the challenges posed by the expansion of data centres, scarce grid connections, waste heat utilisation and future electricity supply. This means that companies do not have to work through these issues individually; instead, we support one another. The results are summarised in discussion papers.
Four Key Areas of Focus
The cooperation forum focused on four key areas:
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- Grid connection and integration: Clear processes for rapid capacity increases.
- District heating and waste heat supply: Technical and regulatory frameworks for guaranteed off-take.
- Flexible data centres: Making the flexible operation of data centres a reality.
- Integration into the energy system: Harnessing synergies between the data centre sector and the energy industry.
The forum was designed as a practical, solution-oriented format.
The methodological approach
The methodological approach includes:
- Structured exchange: In-depth, research-based analyses of current issues by the FfE contribute to the development of potential solutions.
- Scientific support: We contribute to solution‑finding through in‑depth, research‑based analyses of current issues.
- Developing solutions from diverse components: Our aim is to develop solutions that are supported by a majority of the participating companies.
In addition, we are engaged in dialogue with regulatory decisionmakers. The cooperation forum ‘Electrification of Logistics’ is supported by the associations vbw and BDEW.
The Forums are Welcomed and Supported by
Further Information