Data centers are beginning to play a key role for economies around the world. It is estimated that the rapid growth of this sector, coupled with an increase in the number of electrification processes, may result in increased demand for electricity.
Poland, wanting to build its competitiveness also on the basis of this type of investment, has a chance to take a leading position in this sector, taking into account the region of Central and Eastern Europe.
Data centers are one of the most essential elements in building a digital economy. This is because the future of the industry now depends on investment in modern infrastructure, care for the environment and the development of specialized staff. However, the main challenge in its creation, is the availability of cheap and green energy, which – in the development of the data center market – is an absolutely critical component. Key players in this sector are developing their businesses where there is access to it – Poland has the potential to become just such a place.
An opportunity for cheap and green energy
The availability of low-cost zero-carbon energy will increase the competitiveness of Poland’s economy in the data center sector. However, in order for this scenario to come true, it is necessary to adapt Polish regulations and the electricity system to the needs and requirements of new investors. According to estimates, by 2033, data centers and AI technology will be responsible for 20% of European electricity demand, and the demand itself is expected – due to the dynamic development of these sectors – to increase by 40% over the next decade.
RE-Source Poland Hub presents solutions
The RE-Source Poland Hub Foundation, noting the growing needs and concerns of investors, has prepared a concept to support new electricity consumers, who – implementing projects in the areas of data centers and AI – will need large amounts of energy from RES. We identify three steps that will increase the competitiveness of the Polish economy in the eyes of major foreign investors.
First of all – identification of available RES potential.
This is a key point for new large energy consumers. A solution could be the creation of a map of Main Power Supply Points (GPZ), with information on available connection capacity and the size of the current queue, which consists of submitted connection applications. This step would speed up the pace of investment, as RES projects would not have to be developed from scratch.
Second is the state’s support of RES development for the data center sector.
The measures that the government could take under this point involve introducing systemic solutions. For example, we are talking about creating separate RES auctions in designated areas, taking into account the location.
Third – conditions for operatives.
The key is to create the right conditions for distribution grid operators and transmission grid operators to enable these entities to develop the connectivity of specific connection points.
Equally importantly, investment support funds should be created in parallel with the above-mentioned activities – which aim to develop network infrastructure. It should be remembered – passivity towards the development of data centers will influence the decisions of investors, who may choose other locations for their projects. After all, some countries already allow access to cheap and green energy.