More Watts Less Carbon; The Challenges of Innovating To Accommodate the Energy Demands of Data Centre Projects Without Compromising Net Zero
Published by The International Construction Law Review
Published by The International Construction Law Review
Published in The International Construction Law Review, in this article by Roberta Downey examines the growing tension between the soaring energy demands of hyperscale data centres and the global drive toward net-zero emissions. As digital infrastructure expands—fuelled by AI and cloud computing—its reliance on continuous, high-capacity power supply is increasingly at odds with the intermittent nature of renewable energy.
The article explores how legal frameworks, procurement strategies, and engineering practices must evolve to address this clash, drawing lessons from sectors such as aviation and offshore wind. It argues that standard construction contracts are no longer fit for purpose, calling instead for bespoke, collaborative models that proactively manage performance risk. With mounting regulatory scrutiny, environmental litigation, and strained grid infrastructure, the piece offers a compelling case for legal innovation in the face of technological disruption.
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