ECA: data centre growth must not outpace grid capacity or skills supply

Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has welcomed the approval of a new data centre in west London, but warned that rapid expansion must be matched by sufficient grid capacity and a skilled electrical workforce.

ECA said data centres can bring major economic opportunities for UK engineering services businesses, from construction and installation to long-term maintenance and specialist technical work. However, councils and Government must ensure projects are planned responsibly, so they do not place unsustainable pressure on local electricity networks or compete with other national priorities, such as housing and clean energy infrastructure.

ECA has already begun work with industry and Government on the skills and supply chain challenges linked to data centre growth. Its recent data centre skills roundtable, held with BESA, brought together senior business leaders, Government departments, Skills England, industry bodies and major contractors to discuss workforce planning, competence, apprenticeships, commissioning and routes into the market.

Another ECA initiative – Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliances (ETCAs) – bring together ECA Members, training providers, regional authorities, industry bodies and other stakeholders to address local electrical skills issues. The 14 regional ETCAs established so far include the Thames Valley and Local London which covers east London and surrounding areas.

Andrew Eldred, Managing Director at ECA, said:

“Data centres are critical to the UK’s digital economy and can create significant opportunities for electrical and engineering services businesses.

“But they must be delivered safely, sustainably and with proper regard for local grid capacity. These are complex, safety-critical projects that depend on competent businesses and properly skilled workers.

“ECA supports responsible data centre growth. We want our Members to be at the heart of this opportunity, but it must not come at the expense of grid resilience, local communities or other national infrastructure priorities.

“That is why ECA is already working with Members, national and local Government, skills bodies and industry partners to identify the workforce and supply chain measures needed to deliver this market at scale.”

eca.co.uk