Data centres could be built at more than 140 sites along the south coast
Data centres could boost economic growth, an investment conference was told
More than 140 sites have been identified as prime locations for data centres in this region.
The 144 potential sites across the south coast were highlighted during a discussion about powering growth at the South Coast CPS conference at St Mary’s Stadium on November 12.
However, their exact locations have not been revealed.
Nella Pang, director at OMEGA RE, said the findings showed how the region could think differently about data centres as it looks to attract investment and support economic growth.
She said there had previously been suggestions that the south coast was not right for data centres, but discussions at the conference had explored the different types of facilities that could be developed.
Ms Pang said: “Interestingly, on my data centre panel, we started then defining the different types of data centres from hyperscale to edge.”
Hyperscale data centres are large facilities designed to handle huge amounts of data, while edge data centres are smaller and process data closer to where it is being used.
She added: “They were saying actually an edge data centre could be in the back office. It doesn’t have to be in your standard big buildings. So actually the software developer identified 144 sites on the south coast that are prime for data centres.”
Ms Pang said alternative approaches to powering and cooling facilities, including solar power, batteries and liquid cooling, should also be considered.
But she warned the south coast would need the right infrastructure in place if it wanted to capitalise on opportunities around data centres and other industries.
Ms Pang also pointed to the impending election of a mayor for the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority.
She said infrastructure should be a priority for the region’s future mayor, particularly as the area seeks to build homes and attract defence and manufacturing businesses.
Ms Pang added: “If we don’t have a strategy, we would not attract the defence industries, the manufacturing, the lights, the office occupiers, coming out into the region.
“And this will then hinder the growth of the south coast market.”
Ryan O’Sullivan, head of business development at ESP Utilities Group, said early discussions over utilities would be crucial for developments.
He said: “I think early engagement is key and getting the right advice in. If you’re just going to the default options, I think you’re going to struggle.”
Mr O’Sullivan pointed to an example where waste heat from a data centre was being used for residential homes, arguing greater coordination could allow infrastructure to serve different developments.
The discussion comes as separate plans are being developed to transform the former Fawley Power Station into a major employment-led campus, with data centres among the potential uses.
Fawley Waterside has proposed up to 143,000 square metres of development for digital, energy, maritime and other commercial uses.