Registration and refreshments
08:45 to
09:30
Morning chair’s opening remarks and overview of the industry
09:30 to
10:00
Speaker:
Mark Acton.
Executive Director.
DCA (Data Centre Alliance).
Part 1: The future of data centres – supporting and accelerating the delivery of data centres
10:00 to
11:20
Panel discussion: Unlocking wider data centre development – what else is needed to accelerate delivery to meet future demand?
10:00 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 opportunities and challenges for development
- What else is needed to unlock delivery
Speakers:
Barry Matthews.
Managing Director – Development and UK.
Orrön Energy.
Andrew Fraser-Urquhart KC.
Francis Taylor Building.
Allan Bosley.
Director, Public Affairs.
Ark Data Centres.
Chris Ward.
Head of Asset Management.
Northtree Investment Management.
Morning refreshments
10:50 to
11:20
Part 2: Successfully navigating planning requirements and identifying locations for data centres
11:20 to
12:35
Potential planning routes for getting data centres consented
11:20 to
11:45
- 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?
Speaker:
Richard Marsh.
Partner.
TLT.
Improving sustainability at data centres
11:45 to
12:10
- Sustainability as part of data centre development
- Innovations improving sustainability and reducing emissions
Speaker:
Louise Alter.
Sustainability Director.
nLighten.
Successfully engaging with communities
12:10 to
12:35
Speaker:
Matt Hard.
Associate Director.
WSP.
Networking lunch
12:35 to
13:35
Afternoon chair's welcome
13:35 to
13:40
Speaker:
Venessa Moffat.
Managing Director.
DCA (Data Centre Alliance).
Part 3: Meeting the power and infrastructure requirements for data centres
13:40 to
16:45
Panel discussion: Unlocking new areas for data centres – how to identify optimal sites?
13:40 to
14:25
- Breaking beyond the southeast – identifying the options for future development
- What are the land and infrastructure requirements for new centres?
Speakers:
Matthew Grimwood.
Partner.
TLT.
John Howells.
Partner.
Newmark.
Hugh Gilmour.
Head of Development.
Telis Energy UK.
Combining data centres with renewable energy – what are the options?
14:25 to
14:50
- 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
Speaker:
Josh Dickie.
Energy Markets & PPA Manager.
Downing.
Afternoon refreshments
14:50 to
15:20
Grid connectivity and power constraints – obtaining a grid connection
15:20 to
15:45
- How to secure the power needed?
- What are the most critical geospatial considerations for siting?
- How are data centres making use of flexible grid connections?
- Demand connections reform
Speaker:
Tamsyn Lonsdale-Smith.
Senior Energy Analyst.
Regen.
How to overcome challenges around resources to make data centres a community asset
15:45 to
16:10
Speaker:
Neil Richardson.
Head of Development.
Veolia.
Identifying water needs for operation and cooling
16:10 to
16:35
- What are the water requirements for new centres?
- Engaging with water authorities – how to have conversations about timelines and requirements
Speaker:
Ali Leonard.
Water-Energy Planning KTP Associate.
Newcastle University, Water Resources West, United Utilities.
Chair’s closing remarks
16:35 to
16:45
Close of conference and networking drinks
16:45 to
17:45