Here’s where we rethink data centres as active contributors to renewable energy systems and grid stability in Italy and beyond.
The rapid scale and pace of digital infrastructure growth is exposing structural limitations in many national power grids, particularly where renewable energy generation is geographically misaligned with demand.
At Deerns, we increasingly see this challenge as an opportunity to rethink the role of data centres within the wider energy system. Drawing on experience across multiple European markets, we support clients in moving beyond the traditional “plug-in and consume” model towards data centres that actively contribute to grid stability, resilience and long-term sustainability.
" One of the most important shifts now underway is the transition of data centres from energy consumers to prosumers.
These are facilities that both consume and actively manage, store and even generate energy.
The Italian energy context
In the data centre market in Italy for example, almost 90% is concentrated around Milan, yet renewable energy production – particularly solar and wind – is concentrated in the south of the country. This results in a growing geographic disconnect between supply and demand for digital infrastructure which remains firmly anchored in the north close to economic activity, connectivity hubs and end users.
This creates 2 simultaneous pressures:
- increasing strain on transmission infrastructure as energy must be transported over long distances
- growing congestion risks in regions where data centre demand is clustering faster than grid upgrades can be delivered
In 2025 alone, power requests submitted by the data centre sector to the national transmission operator, Terna, approached Italy’s historical peak electricity demand. While not all these requests will materialise, the message is clear:
" If data centres remain purely passive consumers, the grid cannot evolve at the same pace as digital demand.
From consumer to prosumer
Considering the transition of data centres to prosumers, modern data centres already have large-scale UPS systems, battery storage, emergency generation capacity, and advanced power management and control systems.
" In effect a data centre can become part of a smart, responsive energy ecosystem rather than an isolated load.
When intelligently integrated, these assets can play an active role in supporting the wider grid in 3 key ways:
- absorbing excess renewable energy during peak production periods
- providing frequency response services
- reducing demand during moments of grid stress
Renewables, variability and storage limits
Italy has made significant progress in expanding renewable capacity, but renewables introduce variability. Solar and wind generation depend on weather, season and time of day, while data centres require stable, 24/7 power.
Studies commissioned by the Italian government illustrate the challenge clearly. Up to a certain threshold – roughly 70% renewable penetration – energy costs decrease significantly. Beyond that point, the cost of storage and balancing infrastructure rises steeply, making a fully renewable system economically unviable with today’s technologies.
This reality highlights the need for a balanced energy mix and intelligent system design. From a data centre perspective, this reinforces the case for on-site flexibility, local generation options and active grid participation.
Exploring complementary energy pathways
At Deerns, we support clients in evaluating a wide spectrum of decarbonisation pathways, recognising that no single solution will fit all projects or markets.
These include 4 important enablers:
- on-site renewable generation combined with advanced storage strategies
- gas-based generation with carbon capture or biomethane fuels
- hydrogen production and closed-cycle fuel cell applications
- future-ready design accommodating emerging technologies as they mature
With appropriate control systems, data centres can contribute to frequency stability, peak shaving and resilience at both local and national levels. Rather than being seen as a threat to stability, data centres can become part of the solution.
" Perhaps the most significant mindset shift is recognising the data centre as a grid asset.
Sustainability, community and acceptance
Sustainability is no longer only a technical issue. Communities increasingly expect digital infrastructure to deliver local value, whether through employment, resilience or environmental responsibility.
4 components of a future-ready data centre are:
- energy-efficient across its entire lifecycle
- flexible in how it interacts with the grid
- transparent in its environmental performance
- designed to integrate with its surrounding context
Data centres can support digital sovereignty, economic growth and the energy transition at the same time.
" When approached correctly, the narrative shifts from resistance to acceptance.
Deerns’ integrated lifecycle approach
What differentiates Deerns in this evolving landscape is our ability to operate across the full lifecycle of data centre assets. We support clients from early-stage site due diligence through design, construction, optimisation of operations and eventual decommissioning.
2 factors are particularly important:
- our multinational perspective, allowing us to apply lessons learned across borders
- our focus on end-users, who care equally about CAPEX efficiency and long-term OPEX performance
As digital infrastructure expands, Deerns helps clients align data centres with energy systems, communities and national strategies, shaping a resilient and sustainable digital future.
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