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GENERATORS ARE HARD TO DISPLACE
through an electrochemical process, also look a promising technology for providing power to data centres. When the heat generated during operation is repurposed locally (for heating, for example), overall efficiency can exceed 80% because both electrical and thermal energy are utilised. Without heat recovery, only the electrical output counts toward efficiency, often landing closer to 60%. A significant portion of the energy consumed by data centres is lost in the transmission of electricity from a power plant through the grid and to the data centre. The integration of fuel cells directly into a data centre could significantly increase energy efficiency. The Marine Sector The global marine sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for around 2.5% of global CO 2 emissions. To address this challenge, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions from ships by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. [19] A major shift is underway to replace traditional fossil fuels with cleaner alternatives such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), biofuels and synthetic fuels. LNG offers a significant reduction in carbon emissions compared to heavy fuel oil, while biofuels and synthetic fuels can potentially achieve net-zero emissions. According to Andy Lawrence, Executive Research Director of the Uptime Institute, eliminating expensive generators and UPS systems has long been a goal for some hyperscale data centre providers. “No other technology so effectively combines low operating costs, energy density, reliability, local control and, as long as fuel can be delivered, open-ended continuous power. Few – very few – can even contemplate operating production environments without diesel generators.” [17] However as alternative fuel technology progresses, Uptime Institute also note there is promising sustainable alternative to diesel for generators. “HVO serves as a drop-in replacement for diesel: it can be stored in existing tanks, used by most (if not all) existing generators and mixed into existing diesel stocks without changes to parts or processes” [18]
Research and development are accelerating to develop zero-emission propulsion systems for ships, such as battery-powered, hydrogen fuel cell and wind-assisted vessels. While these technologies are still in their early stages, they hold promise for achieving net-zero emissions in the long term. Governments and maritime organisations are implementing various regulatory measures to drive the adoption of low-carbon technologies and practices in the marine sector. These include carbon taxes, emissions trading schemes and fuel efficiency standards. The introduction of variable speed generators, which can drastically reduce fuel burn, would be a welcome move for the marine sector.
ALASTAIR MCQUEEN: FLEXIBLE THINKING REQUIRED
I can see us looking at different power take-out, power take-in and power take-home strategies for vessels so they can adjust to the operating standard required. For example, supply vessels might need to have full power to get to where they are going but once there, they can run on reduced power. Batteries might need to be deployed for in-port silent zero emission operation.
ROBERT REINIUS: A WEIGHTY MATTER
The power-to-weight ratio is of greatest significance in the marine sector, and that will force the shipping industry to always look for highly efficient and lightweight solutions.
POWERLINE Winter 2025 | 33
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