Data centres are evolving from being energy consumers to active participants in both the energy grid and the local area. With increasing moves to incorporate edge facilities into data centre networks, there is significant potential for them to act as a balancing service to the grid providing stability at critical moments and supporting local infrastructure through district heating.
Thanks to smart grids, advanced software, and artificial intelligence, data centres can provide flexibility – absorbing surplus renewables and restoring stability in critical moments. Heat recovery and reuse, already possible with mature air-cooling technologies and further enhanced by liquid cooling, powers district heating networks and local applications, shifting stakeholder attitudes towards data centres from a cause of friction to a shared opportunity.
You’re invited: DCN Milan
We are delighted to be Platinum sponsors for this year’s DCN Milan. And we are hosting a panel discussion to explore how data centres can manage this transition and establish a more positive perception within their communities.
📆 27 May 2026
📍 Allianz Mico, Milano Convention Centre
🎤 Panel discussion: Prosumer Data Centre: Energy, Territory and Sustainability in the AI Era
- Becker Emmanuel – Mediterra Datacenters
- Luca Beltramino – EdgeConneX
- Matthew Brown – Equinix
- Christopher Leahy– Deerns
- Simon Allen – Data Center Nation (Moderator)
Visit us at our booth
- Mauro Rigo – Business Development Data Centres
- Danilo Andreotti – Unit Director Data Centres
- Christopher Leahy – Sector Director Data Centres
- Mattia Mariani – Unit Director Building Performance Group
- Nicola Greco – Operations Director Façades
