Power Electronics: The transformative opportunity for Data Centres

Hyperscale data centres are set to become the backbone of our digital economy—but they are also among the most energy-intensive facilities on the planet. A single hyperscale campus can use up to 880 GWh annually. At today’s UK electricity prices, that translates into hundreds of millions of pounds in yearly energy costs, not to mention the associated carbon footprint.

As operators face mounting pressure to reduce costs and meet sustainability targets, advanced power electronics offer a transformative opportunity. By rethinking how energy is generated, distributed, and consumed on-site, data centres can achieve double-digit efficiency gains, slash operating costs, and dramatically reduce CO₂ emissions.

Three Power Electronics Applications That Change the Game

Decentralised DC Microgrids – Smarter Energy, Less Grid Dependency
Traditional AC-based architectures require multiple conversion stages, each introducing energy losses. A DC microgrid reduces the number of conversion stages needed, cutting energy loss by up to 15%.

But this is just the start. DC Microgrids open the door to straightforward integration and management of local generation- solar PV for instance- and battery storage, significantly reducing reliance on the grid. Peak tariffs, heavy CAPEX for Grid Upgrades, not to mention associated delays become a thing of the past, while saving in the £10s of millions become the new normal. Then on top, further cost rewards through energy arbitrage or selling back to the grid.  And then, there’s the CO2 saving – in excess of 80,000 tonnes a year.

High-Efficiency HVAC Systems – Cooling at a Fraction of the Cost
Cooling accounts for 40% of a data centre’s energy use. Advanced power electronics enable variable-speed drives and high-efficiency chillers, reducing HVAC energy consumption by up to 30%.   A hyperscale data centre can expect a staggering £60,000+ daily saving.  And if powered by a DC Microgrid, an annual CO2 saving of around 22,000 tonnes.

High-Speed Magnetic Motors – Instant, Efficient Backup Generation
Backup power is non-negotiable, but diesel generators are costly and carbon-heavy. High-speed permanent magnet motors, integrated with battery storage, deliver instant response and high efficiency, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels and enabling participation in grid services like frequency regulation. The savings? Hundreds of thousands of pounds in diesel usage and 41 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, daily.

The Energy-Secure Data Centre of the Future

So, a facility that combines DC microgrids, high-efficiency HVAC, and magnetic motor-driven backup systems is not just greener—it’s more resilient and significantly cheaper to run.  In an era where energy volatility and sustainability commitments define competitive advantage, advanced power electronics are no longer optional—they are the foundation of the world’s most energy-secure data centres.

If you want to talk to us about how our power electronics technology can transform sectors and win competitive advantage, you can eac h us here: Contact Us | Find Out How We Can Help | Turbo Power Systems

Today you need a partner that understands the entire power ecosystem to provide you with solutions which will evolve, adapt, and grow as we move into the ever-changing world of tomorrow.
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