Registration and refreshments
08:45 to
09:30
Chair’s welcome and opening remarks
09:30 to
09:40
Part 1: The future of data centres – supporting and accelerating the delivery of data centres
09:40 to
11:45
Support for data centre growth and development – the policies impacting data centre planning and delivery
09:40 to
10:05
- The assignment of AI Growth Zones
- The role of data centres as critical national infrastructure
- The next steps for data centre development
Panel discussion: Unlocking wider data centre development – what else is needed to accelerate delivery to meet future demand?
10:05 to
10:50
- The pipeline of projects for development – are there the resources in place to meet these?
- Securing the UK’s place as an AI leader – what investment is needed to accelerate delivery and meet future demand
- The opportunites and challenges for development
- What else is needed to unlock delivery
Morning refreshments
10:50 to
11:20
The data centre landscape – securing investment and financing
11:20 to
11:45
- Demonstrating the impact of data centres
- What is the appetite for investment?
- The optimal methods and models for investment
Part 2: Successfully navigating planning requirements and identifying locations for data centres
11:45 to
14:00
Potential planning routes for getting data centres consented
11:45 to
12:10
- Data centres in the NSIPs regime – what does the designation mean for planning?
- Key considerations for each planning route
- What does co-location with energy mean for planning?
Improving sustainability at data centres
12:10 to
12:35
- Sustainability as part of data centre development
- Innovations improving sustainability and reducing emissions
Successfully engaging with communities
12:35 to
13:00
Networking lunch
13:00 to
14:00
Part 3: Meeting the power and infrastructure requirements for data centres
14:00 to
16:50
Panel discussion: Unlocking new areas for data centres – how to identify optimal sites?
14:00 to
14:40
- Breaking beyond the southeast – identifying the options for future development
- What are the land and infrastructure requirements for new centres?
Combining data centres with renewable energy – what are the options?
14:40 to
15:05
- How can energy be integrated with projects?
- The value of on-site generation
- What are the possible options? What energy generation is being used at data centres
Afternoon refreshments
15:05 to
15:35
Grid connectivity and power constraints – obtaining a grid connection
15:35 to
16:00
- What do grid reforms mean for future connections?
- How to secure the power needed?
- Timelines for connectivity
- Correctly estimating the power needed and when this is required
Innovative approaches to securing the power needed
16:00 to
16:25
- What are the technology advances helping with data centre power requirements?
- Alternative power supplied
Identifying water needs for operation and cooling
16:25 to
16:50
- What are the water requirements for new centres?
- Engaging with water authorities – how to have conversations about timelines and requirements
Chair’s closing remarks
16:50 to
17:00
Close of conference and networking drinks
17:00 to
17:30