Sustainable Energy for Data Centers
Low-carbon, high efficiency energy and cooling for mission-critical data center infrastructure.
Overview
Data Centers are the backbone of the digital economy, but their high energy demand and 24/7 operational requirements make decarbonisation challenging. Clarke Energy delivers integrated power and cooling solutions that reduce carbon intensity, improve efficiency, and ensure resilience for hyperscale, co-location, enterprise, and edge facilities.
Our systems combine base-load low-carbon and renewable power generation with renewable integration, hybrid controls, and microgrid resilience, enabling operators to meet performance requirements while advancing sustainability targets.
Combined Cooling, Heat and Power (CCHP) to Improve PUE
Clarke Energy’s CCHP systems (trigeneration) produce electricity, heating, and cooling from a single fuel source. For data centers, this means:
• Cooling: Waste heat from gas engines drives absorption chillers, reducing reliance on electrically driven chillers and improving Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE).
• Heating: In CHP mode, recovered heat can be used in nearby district energy schemes for offices, housing, or industrial facilities.
• Efficiency: Total system efficiency can exceed 80%, lowering energy costs and carbon emissions.
Alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Clarke Energy’s renewable gas production projects contribute to:
• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Expanding access to clean, renewable fuels
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Building sustainable fuel production infrastructure
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Using waste and renewable resources efficiently
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: Reducing emissions in energy, heat, and transport sectors
Fuel-flexible Systems
Microgrids and Hybrid Energy Systems
Benefits of Microgrids for Data Centers
Fuel-flexible Systems
Our systems are fuel flexible, operating on:
• Biomethane / Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) – carbon-neutral fuel from organic waste
• Hydrogen blends or 100% hydrogen – zero-carbon at point of use
• Natural gas – with potential for future conversion to renewables
Microgrids and Hybrid Energy Systems
For ultimate energy resilience, Clarke Energy designs data center microgrids integrating:
• CHP or CCHP engines (RNG or hydrogen-ready)
• Solar PV generation
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• Gas-fired standby or peaking units
Benefits of Microgrids for Data Centers
• 24/7 uptime even during grid outages
• Dynamic load balancing for variable IT and cooling demand
• Grid interaction for demand-response services and revenue opportunities
• Lower OPEX through optimized dispatch and storage use
Frequently Asked Questions about Sustainable Energy for Data Centers
How can data centers reduce carbon emissions?
By using efficient systems like absorption chillers for trigeneration with renewable or low-carbon fuels.
What is trigeneration used for in data centers?
It uses one fuel source to generate power, heating, and cooling for efficiency.
Are Clarke Energy systems suitable for hyperscale data centers?
Yes, we tailor solutions for hyperscale, edge, and co-located facilities.
Can microgrids support 24/7 uptime?
Yes, microgrids with storage and gas backup ensure uninterrupted operation.
What fuels are compatible with Clarke Energy systems?
Natural gas, biomethane, and hydrogen blends are all supported.
Advancing Data Center Sustainability and Resilience
Clarke Energy can help you evaluate efficient, low-carbon power solutions that strengthen data center ESG performance.
