Software Green IT

Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit 2026 aims to accelerate decarbonisation strategies in London

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 13:01:42 +0000

Organisers are preparing for the 2026 Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit in London, uniting over 1,000 delegates to tackle climate goals through innovation and digital transformation within supply chains.

With two months to go, BizClik is preparing to stage Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit 2026 on 4–5 March at the QEII Centre in Westminster, London, bringing together procurement, supply-chain and sustainability leaders for two days of sessions, workshops and vendor showcases. ^[1]^[2]

The summit arrives as organisations face tightening climate disclosure rules and escalating pressure to address Scope 3 emissions, placing procurement and supply-chain teams centre-stage in corporate decarbonisation efforts. According to the announcement, the event is designed to help firms translate net-zero ambitions into operational delivery across global value chains. ^[1]^[3]

Organisers expect more than 1,000 in-person delegates alongside a global virtual audience and say the programme will include more than 50 expert speakers, 10 content tracks and four executive workshops aimed at CPOs, CSCOs and senior transformation leaders. The agenda promises case studies, deep-dive masterclasses and vendor solution showcases focused on practical implementation. ^[1]^[2]^[3]

The 2026 programme will centre on six priority areas: net zero and decarbonisation; supply-chain resilience and risk management; digital procurement and AI innovation; sustainable and ethical supply chains; global logistics, freight and distribution; and leadership, strategy and transformation. Organisers frame those themes as the most urgent challenges for procurement leaders seeking to reduce emissions while strengthening resilience and transparency. ^[1]

"As organisations move faster toward decarbonisation, the connection between digital transformation and sustainability has never been stronger. This summit is designed to give leaders the strategies, tools and partnerships they need to deliver meaningful change at scale," Glen White, CEO of BizClik, said in comments accompanying the event launch. ^[1]

The London edition will run alongside Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit, creating a co-located platform intended to unite climate strategy with procurement and supply-chain execution. BizClik is also expanding the Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE series internationally, with a US Summit scheduled for 21–22 April 2026 at Chicago’s Navy Pier. ^[1]^[5]^[4]

Registration is open with early-bird tickets available for both in-person and virtual attendance. The QEII Centre in Westminster, noted for its central location and transport links, will host the London event, and organisers say a refreshed visual identity for the Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE brand will launch with the 2026 season to align the platform more closely with BizClik’s Supply Chain Digital and Procurement Magazine portfolios. ^[1]^[6]^[7]

Reference Map:

- ^[1] (PR Newswire) - Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 4, Paragraph 5, Paragraph 6, Paragraph 7
- ^[2] (BizClik Media) - Paragraph 1, Paragraph 3
- ^[3] (GlobeNewswire) - Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3
- ^[4] (BizClik Media) - Paragraph 6
- ^[5] (BizClik Media) - Paragraph 6
- ^[6] (Procurement Magazine) - Paragraph 7
- ^[7] (BizClik Media) - Paragraph 7

Source: Fuse Wire Services

PJM faces grid policy deadlock as AI data centres fuel rising electricity costs

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 07:42:56 +0000

Despite a heated debate over managing surging demand from AI-driven data centres, PJM Interconnection remains without a consensus, risking higher power prices and grid reliability in the US's largest power market.

Members of PJM Interconnection, the largest power grid operator in the United States, have reached an impasse over how to manage the rapidly surging electricity demand generated by AI-driven data centers. Despite months of intense deliberations culminating in an advisory vote, a key step in PJM's expedited regulatory process known as the Critical Issue Fast Path (CIFP), no consensus emerged among the diverse stakeholders. The vote, which sought endorsement of a dozen proposed measures ranging from requiring data centers to generate their own power, expediting energy project connections, to temporarily halting new data center hookups, failed to meet the necessary two-thirds approval threshold. This lack of agreement now leaves PJM’s 10-member board of managers with significant discretion to formulate its own policy approach addressing the challenge of serving expected demand of up to 30 gigawatts by 2030, an amount roughly equivalent to powering 20 million homes.

The consequences of this unresolved grid challenge are already starkly visible. Electricity prices across PJM’s extensive service territory, which includes all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia, have surged, driven heavily by data center consumption. One notable illustration occurred in New Jersey, where prices jumped 20% during a recent summer period, becoming a hot-button political issue. This price rise has stirred voter discontent in the state, with polling indicating bipartisan support for requiring data centers to bear a greater share of grid costs rather than ordinary households subsidising the technology giants benefiting from the power. As industry representatives debated the proposals, several voiced concerns about the implications of tough regulatory measures, including potential caps on energy company revenues or increased business risks that might ultimately be passed on to consumers.

This trend of rising prices is evident in PJM’s recent capacity auctions, which secure commitments from power producers to have generating capacity available during times of peak demand. The latest auction set a record-high price of $329.17 per megawatt-day, a staggering 1,000% increase compared to two years earlier, signalling immense pressure on both supply and consumers. Market analysts warn that electricity bills could rise by 30% to 60% by 2030 if current demand trajectories persist. While nearly 2,670 megawatts of new capacity were cleared in these auctions, this only satisfies half of the expected increase in demand, leaving a supply gap that threatens both affordability and grid reliability.

The energy mix underpinning PJM's supply remains dominated by traditional sources: 45% natural gas, 22% coal, 21% nuclear, supplemented by minimal contributions from hydro, wind, and solar power. Although the region has approved over 46,000 megawatts of renewable projects, many remain in stalled construction phases, exacerbating concerns about delays in integrating clean energy. PJM has initiated a fast-track system to accelerate new power plant development, which attracted 50 candidate projects assessed for readiness and capacity. However, this process has attracted criticism from clean energy advocates who argue it disproportionately favours natural gas plants despite the abundance of renewable projects awaiting approval, and they question the transparency of the selection criteria.

One of the more stringent proposals on the table suggested halting new data center builds altogether until PJM can ensure reliable power delivery for current and future users. Others recommended incentivising data centers to self-generate power in return for prioritised grid connections and permitting, an idea supported by a coalition of four state governors along with major tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. Another legislative proposal advocates for demand response measures where data centers would need to reduce power usage during grid strain events, potentially firing up polluting diesel backup generators in emergencies, which raises environmental justice concerns.

Environmental groups urge PJM and regional stakeholders to consider rapid deployment of renewable energy to meet burgeoning demand sustainably. For example, advocates point to Texas' progress in renewables as a model for accelerating clean energy integration. Climate policymakers stress the necessity of balancing the grid’s reliability with decarbonisation goals amidst the AI-driven expansion of energy-hungry data centres.

Now, PJM’s board is under pressure to devise a viable policy framework by December to present to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Once submitted, FERC will evaluate the proposal’s fairness and potential discriminatory impacts. The board’s decisions will significantly shape the future of electricity pricing, infrastructure investment, and energy consumption governance across a vast swath of the eastern U.S., affecting millions of consumers and major tech industries alike.

📌 Reference Map:

- ^[1] (Stephen Heins Substack) - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
- ^[2] (Reuters) - Paragraphs 4, 5
- ^[3] (Reuters) - Paragraphs 4, 5
- ^[4] (PJM Press Release) - Paragraph 5
- ^[5] (NRDC Press Release) - Paragraph 5
- ^[6] (AP News) - Paragraph 6
- ^[7] (Utility Dive) - Paragraph 5

Source: Fuse Wire

Project Drawdown's new Explorer tool redefines effective climate solutions in food and agriculture

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 07:42:21 +0000

A novel data-driven tool from Project Drawdown categorises impactful climate mitigation strategies, highlighting dietary shifts, waste reduction, and sustainable farming as highly recommended actions for immediate and collective implementation.

Climate action organisation Project Drawdown has introduced an innovative Explorer tool designed to classify environmental solutions by their actual impact on climate change mitigation. This new tool supersedes its earlier Solutions library, which ranked climate fixes based on projections extending to 2050. Instead, the Explorer tool provides a real-time, data-driven assessment using up-to-date intelligence and high-quality regional information, enabling more actionable insights for policymakers, businesses, investors, philanthropists, and other stakeholders.

Unlike the previous ranking system, the Explorer does not pit individual climate solutions against each other in a hierarchical manner. Instead, it categorises solutions into four distinct groups: Highly Recommended (truly effective actions), Worthwhile (smaller or niche applications), Keep Watching (promising but not yet scalable or ready), and Not Recommended (scientifically implausible or high-risk interventions). Project Drawdown stresses the necessity of implementing almost all available solutions collectively to address climate change effectively.

The database covers over 100 solutions spanning various sectors such as buildings, electricity, transportation, carbon removal, health and education, and notably, food and agriculture, a sector responsible for about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Among the food-based climate solutions, several stand out as highly effective.

The most impactful food-related solution identified is adopting improved diets, specifically reducing consumption of ruminant meats like beef and lamb in favour of plant-based proteins or alternative protein sources. This dietary shift alone can reduce emissions by 65 kilograms of CO2 equivalent for every kilogram of meat replaced, with a potential to mitigate 1.4 to 5.3 gigatonnes of CO2e annually. Moreover, beyond emissions reductions, this approach supports water and land conservation, enhances food security, and promotes public health benefits.

Another key Highly Recommended solution targets the reduction of food loss and waste across the supply chain. Saving each tonne of food is estimated to reduce emissions by 2.82 tonnes of CO2e, with potential global annual mitigation between 1.23 and 4.94 gigatonnes. This strategy also conserves vital land and water resources, strengthens food security, supports economic resilience, and aids in adapting to extreme weather events.

Improving nutrient management by optimising nitrogen use on croplands is another critical measure highlighted. Excessive nitrogen fertiliser application releases nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, and contributes to water pollution and soil degradation. Effective nutrient management practices reduce emissions, improve soil health, increase crop yields, and promote climate-resilient agricultural systems.

Additionally, enhancing rice production offers considerable benefits since rice paddies emit methane, another significant greenhouse gas. Techniques such as alternate wetting and drying can cut methane emissions substantially while also improving water efficiency and crop productivity, thus contributing to both climate mitigation and food security.

In the category deemed Worthwhile, Project Drawdown includes improvements in aquaculture systems, better manure management, addressing overfishing, and enhancing irrigation efficiency. Although these interventions may not lead to globally transformative emissions reductions alone, they are valuable for replacing high-emission protein sources, reducing methane emissions from manure storage, and fostering sustainable fish stocks and water use.

The Explorer tool also advises caution or patience with some emerging technologies classified as Keep Watching, including cultivated meat produced from animal cells in bioreactors, methane-reducing feed additives for livestock, selective breeding for lower methane emissions in ruminants, and preserving seafloors to protect sediment carbon stocks. These solutions show promise but currently face barriers such as limited scalability, high costs, insufficient data, and the need for further research.

Conversely, certain widely discussed climate actions receive a Not Recommended rating. Notably, the deployment of vertical farms, which cultivate crops indoors using stacked layers and controlled environments, is discouraged. Despite theoretical benefits like reduced land use and shorter food transport, these farms consume enormous amounts of energy and materials, leading to a higher carbon footprint compared with conventional farming methods, alongside elevated costs. Other solutions falling into this category include increasing livestock grazing, carbon capture and storage on fossil fuel power plants, production of blue hydrogen, and stratospheric aerosol injection, which either lack scientific plausibility or pose significant risks.

Project Drawdown’s new Explorer tool therefore offers a nuanced and evidence-based framework that helps distinguish genuinely effective climate actions from less impactful or potentially counterproductive ones, particularly within the critical food and agriculture sector. This approach underscores the multifaceted nature of climate solutions, advocating for a broad and integrated strategy that combines dietary changes, waste reduction, improved farming practices, and careful technological innovation to meet global climate goals.

📌 Reference Map:

- ^[1] (Green Queen) - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
- ^[2] (Drawdown - Plant Rich Diets) - Paragraph 5
- ^[3] (Drawdown - Reduce Food Loss & Waste) - Paragraph 6
- ^[4] (Drawdown - Improve Nutrient Management) - Paragraph 7
- ^[5] (Drawdown - Improve Rice Production) - Paragraph 8
- ^[7] (Drawdown - Reduce Food Loss & Waste) - Paragraph 6

Source: Fuse Wire

Lenovo’s warm water cooling revolution reduces data centre energy use by up to 40%

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:33:26 +0000

Lenovo has unveiled a pioneering warm water cooling system that leverages high-temperature water to cut energy costs and enhance sustainability in data centres, employing AI and corrosion-resistant materials to optimise thermal management.

In the evolving era of AI and high-performance data processing, Lenovo has introduced a pioneering water cooling technology designed to enhance energy efficiency in data centres. This system utilises warm water, heated up to 45 degrees Celsius, to cool server components instead of relying on traditional chilled water systems. By allowing the water temperature to rise to around 55 to 60 degrees Celsius after heat exchange with components such as chips, it effectively dissipates heat with minimal additional energy required for cooling, thus significantly cutting operational costs.

This innovative concept leverages the naturally high surface temperatures of server chips, which can reach between 60 to 65 degrees Celsius. Consequently, even water at 45 degrees is sufficiently cool to absorb heat, avoiding the need for energy-intensive chillers. After passing through the server cabinets, the warmed water is cooled again via a secondary water loop or by transferring heat to the ambient indoor air before recirculation, allowing for continuous and efficient thermal management. Lenovo highlights that this looped system utilises industrial-grade corrosion-resistant materials and sophisticated sensors combined with artificial intelligence to detect minor changes in flow or pressure, enabling proactive maintenance and minimising downtime.

Currently, over 50 data centres worldwide employ Lenovo’s Neptune water cooling system. The company claims that in colder regions, this system can enable data centres to achieve exceptionally low power usage effectiveness (PUE) values around 1.07, a metric that benchmarks the energy efficiency of data centres by comparing total power usage to that consumed solely by IT equipment. For context, efficient water cooling systems typically achieve PUEs below 1.1, while more conventional cooling systems hover near 1.2. However, Lenovo acknowledges that the use of warm water cooling limits the potential for overclocking chips, which could affect peak processing power.

Lenovo’s Neptune platform, including its ThinkSystem SD650 V3 and SC777 V4 servers, is built around this direct water cooling technique. It eliminates the need for expensive chillers and reduces power consumption by up to 40% compared to air-cooled setups. By circulating warm water directly to critical heat sources, CPUs, GPUs, and memory modules, the system maintains temperature uniformity and prevents thermal jitter, ensuring stable performance even under demanding workloads. Industry data positions Lenovo at the forefront of green computing, with its Neptune-enabled supercomputers securing top ranks on both the Top500 and Green500 lists, spotlighting the blend of cutting-edge performance and sustainability.

The broader implications for modern data centres are significant. As demand for AI and high-density computing grows exponentially, cooling systems traditionally represent a substantial portion of total energy consumption. Lenovo’s approach addresses this challenge head-on by rethinking temperature requirements and leveraging warm water loops rather than conventional chilled water, reducing both capital expenditure and ongoing electricity usage. According to Lenovo, this model supports higher-density server arrangements and greater operational flexibility, aligning with the increasing need for scalable, energy-conscious solutions in data infrastructure.

In conclusion, Lenovo’s warm water cooling technology exemplifies how innovation in thermal management can contribute to substantial energy savings and environmental benefits in the data centre sector. While the trade-off includes some restrictions on chip overclocking, the overall reduction in cooling costs and improved sustainability make it a compelling choice for data centre operators seeking to balance performance with ecological responsibility.

📌 Reference Map:

- ^[1] Ming Pao - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 6
- ^[2] Lenovo ThinkSystem SD650 V3 - Paragraph 4
- ^[3] PR Newswire - Paragraph 5
- ^[4] Lenovo Official - Paragraph 5
- ^[6] Intel Document on Lenovo Neptune - Paragraph 5
- ^[7] Lenovo ThinkSystem SC777 V4 - Paragraph 4
- ^[5] Lenovo NeXtScale System M5 - Paragraph 4

Source: Fuse Wire

Photonics emerges as a crucial solution to Europe's growing AI energy challenge

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:32:51 +0000

A new report underscores photonics as the key to reducing AI-induced electricity demand and carbon emissions in Europe, amid soaring data centre growth and infrastructure pressures.

A new report by Photonics21, authored by TEMATYS, underscores photonics, the use of light to transmit and process information, as the only feasible solution to address the escalating energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) without exacerbating carbon emissions. As AI models and data centres rapidly expand across Europe, the electricity consumption driven by these technologies is surging at a pace that current power grids cannot sustainably support.

Global data centre electricity usage already stands at 415 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2024, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), representing about 1.5% of global electricity consumption. This figure is projected to more than double by 2030 if present growth trends continue, largely fueled by increased AI workloads. Within Europe, data centres currently consume roughly 2–3% of electricity, depending on the region, but this share is set to rise sharply. Industry analyses suggest that data centre power demand in the EU, UK, Norway, and Switzerland alone could almost triple by 2030, escalating from an existing load of 10 gigawatts to approximately 35 gigawatts, which would push overall electricity consumption by data centres beyond 150 TWh, about 5% of Europe’s total electricity use. This surge coincides with a stagnation of overall electricity demand growth across the continent since 2007, intensifying pressure on existing power infrastructure and climate targets.

The report highlights that current silicon-based semiconductor technologies cannot meet these rising computational needs without unsustainable energy costs and environmental repercussions. Photonics is thus presented as an essential complement to electronic chips, not a replacement for CPUs or GPUs, but as a means to alleviate their workload through innovations like co-packaged optics. This approach can substantially reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with AI computing, supporting Europe's ambitions for cleaner and more competitive AI infrastructure.

Already integral to digital networks through fibre optic technology, photonic components are now progressing towards integration within chip packages, a critical developmental phase for translating laboratory advances into scalable industrial solutions. Notably, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) showcased fully photonic neural-network chips in 2024, signalling promising breakthroughs in optical computing that could further enhance energy efficiency.

Europe boasts world-class photonics research and a growing cluster of pioneering start-ups. However, the report warns that without coordinated investment, scaled manufacturing capabilities, and workforce development, Europe risks falling behind and becoming dependent on overseas suppliers for key AI infrastructure components. Investment calls emphasize the need for increased funding in pilot manufacturing, scaling photonics firms, prioritizing photonics within major technology funding schemes, and building suitable skills for production at scale.

This concern is echoed in recent EU initiatives, including a €133 million investment in pilot photonic semiconductor production facilities in the Netherlands, part of a broader €380 million effort under the Chips Joint Undertaking. Spearheaded by leading universities and research institutes, this initiative aims to enhance Europe's semiconductor competitiveness, secure supply chains, and boost photonics' strategic importance. Facilities are planned to commence development by 2025.

Parallel industry developments illustrate the rising momentum for photonic chips in AI data centres. For example, STMicroelectronics, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), is launching a photonics chip designed to improve speed and power efficiency in AI infrastructure. This chip will enter production in 2025 at ST’s French facility and targets the expanding market for optical transceivers, forecasted to grow significantly by 2030. Such advancements underscore the critical role photonics is poised to play in the future AI ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the scale of the challenge is apparent at the policy level. Belgium is contemplating imposing energy allocation limits on data centres to manage soaring electricity demands largely attributed to AI. The national grid operator, Elia, has proposed reserving fixed grid capacity for data centres to prevent them from monopolising electricity resources and crowding out other sectors. This issue is being incorporated into Belgium's upcoming 10-year grid development plan, reflecting broader concerns about infrastructure constraints amidst rapid AI-driven growth.

At the EU level, policymakers acknowledge the urgent need for enhanced energy efficiency in data centres. The European Commission is preparing new measures aimed at improving energy use across these facilities as part of its broader sustainability goals. Data centres currently account for approximately 3% of the EU's electricity usage, a share expected to rise sharply with AI's adoption.

The commercial and regulatory landscapes converge on the recognition that without significant innovation, particularly in photonics, and strategic infrastructure planning, the rapidly expanding footprint of AI in Europe threatens to become both costlier and environmentally more damaging. According to Sébastien Bigo, Nokia Bell Labs Fellow and Photonics21 work group leader, Europe holds the research foundation to lead in clean AI infrastructure, but coordinated investment and industrial-scale efforts will be decisive in determining if this potential is realised.

As Europe's AI-driven digital economy evolves, the interplay of cutting-edge technologies, ambitious industrial policies, and energy sustainability will shape its competitive position globally and its ability to meet climate commitments.

📌 Reference Map:

- ^[1] IT Brief - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9
- ^[2] Reuters (Belgium energy limits) - Paragraph 6
- ^[3] Reuters (McKinsey data centre power demand) - Paragraphs 2, 6
- ^[4] Reuters (EU investment in photonics) - Paragraph 7
- ^[5] Reuters (EU energy saving measures) - Paragraph 6
- ^[6] Reuters (STMicroelectronics photonics chip) - Paragraph 7
- ^[7] European Parliament study (IEA data centre energy use) - Paragraph 2

Source: Fuse Wire

AI-driven surge in data centre energy demand sparks scepticism over sustainability

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:44:30 +0000

Global data centre electricity consumption is projected to nearly double by 2030, driven by AI expansion, raising urgent questions about sustainable power solutions amid mounting environmental concerns.

Electricity demand for data centres worldwide is set to surge dramatically over the coming decade, driven in large part by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. According to Gartner, Inc., global data centre electricity consumption is forecast to rise 16% in 2025 alone, reaching 448 terawatt hours (TWh), and then nearly double to 980 TWh by 2030. This sharp increase is predominantly due to the growing use of AI-optimised servers, which are expected to see their power consumption surge from 93 TWh in 2025 to 432 TWh by 2030. These AI-specific servers will account for 21% of global data centre electricity use in 2025 and expand to 44% by 2030, comprising 64% of the incremental power demand for data centres at that point.

The US and China stand as the leading hubs of this rapidly growing infrastructure, together accounting for more than two-thirds of global data centre power demand. China is better positioned to manage electricity consumption through the deployment of more power-efficient servers and careful infrastructure planning, while the US data centre consumption is projected to rise from 4% to nearly 8% of the country's total regional electricity use by 2030. Europe is also experiencing growth, with its share of regional power usage by data centres expected to climb from 2.7% to 5% in the same period.

Other major research organisations corroborate these findings, though with some variations in their projections. Goldman Sachs, for example, anticipates a 165% rise in global data centre power demand by 2030 relative to 2023 levels, a figure notably higher than Gartner’s forecast, underscoring the intense energy appetite of AI developments. Similarly, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that data centre electricity usage could more than double by 2030, reaching approximately 945 TWh, with the US and China responsible for nearly 80% of this growth. Additionally, McKinsey reports that power demand for US data centres alone is expected to soar to 606 TWh by 2030, representing nearly 12% of the nation’s total electricity consumption.

This unprecedented growth in power demand raises significant concerns regarding sustainability. Currently, fossil fuels dominate on-site power generation for data centres, a situation deemed unsustainable in the long term. Industry experts highlight emerging clean energy alternatives, such as green hydrogen, geothermal energy, and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), as promising options for powering future data centre microgrids. However, these technologies face barriers including high initial costs and regulatory challenges. In the nearer term, natural gas is expected to remain the primary energy source, while rapid adoption of battery energy storage systems (BESS) is forecast within three to five years to help balance intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind.

The predicted increase in data centre consumption emphasizes how AI’s growing computational demands are reshaping global electricity landscapes. These trends underline the urgent need for energy-efficient AI hardware innovation and scalable renewable energy integration to prevent environmental and infrastructural strain as digital economies expand. While some projections differ in scale, the consensus is clear: data centres, especially those supporting AI, will be major drivers of electricity demand in the coming decade, prompting critical discussions about sustainable power solutions.

📌 Reference Map:

- ^[1] Communicationstoday - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- ^[2] Gartner - Paragraphs 1, 3
- ^[3] Goldman Sachs - Paragraph 2
- ^[5] McKinsey - Paragraph 3
- ^[7] IEA/Datacenterdynamics - Paragraph 3
- ^[1] Communicationstoday (Tony Harvey quote) - Paragraph 4

Source: Fuse Wire

GMR's private 5G network pioneers end-to-end network slicing for industrial applications

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:43:54 +0000

GMR, in collaboration with Niral Networks, has deployed a sophisticated private 5G network that leverages advanced network slicing and edge processing to support diverse industrial use cases with guaranteed QoS and ultra-low latency.

In the evolving landscape of industrial connectivity, the deployment of private 5G networks tailored to diverse use cases such as surveillance drones, mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT) communications, connected workers, and IoT sensors, requires meticulous management of Quality of Service (QoS) and network slicing. At GMR, in collaboration with Niral Networks, a nuanced approach was adopted to meet these multifaceted requirements, blending advanced slicing strategies with on-premise edge processing to deliver robust and real-time industrial applications.

The phased introduction of use cases allowed careful calibration of network resources. Initial capabilities in voice and video communication were expanded to include push-to-talk services, integrating voice and video streams with broadcast communication frameworks. This necessitated a dedicated network slice with guaranteed bitrate (GBR) to ensure consistent QoS, vital for mission-critical communications. Similarly, surveillance cameras and drones, reliant on high-volume uplink video data, were assigned an uplink-optimised slice to sustain continuous, stable real-time video transmission. In contrast, IoT sensors and drone control signals, requiring minimal bandwidth, utilised standard low-data-rate slices to efficiently allocate resources without over-provisioning.

This end-to-end slicing encompassed the radio access network, core network, and backhaul, ensuring dedicated resource pathways for each industrial traffic class. The NiralOS 5G platform’s native support for dynamic QoS policies, isolation, and prioritization enabled tailored tuning of latency, throughput, and reliability parameters to meet stringent operational needs. Crucially, all applications ran on-premise within a private 5G cloud, eliminating dependence on external data centres and delivering sub-10ms latency essential for mission-critical performance in energy management, safety analytics, and industrial automation.

This deployment aligns with broader trends in private 5G solutions that emphasise scalability, zero-trust security, and operational efficiency. Platforms like BubbleRAN highlight the significance of cloud-native Open RAN architectures, zero-touch operations, and green technology integration across sectors from military to logistics, underlining the universality of QoS guarantees and network slicing for diverse industrial demands.

Ericsson’s research further underscores the critical role of network slicing programmability in 5G, enabling virtualized, dedicated networks for mission-critical applications across industries. The dynamic provisioning capabilities facilitated by software orchestration empower operators to meet specific QoS profiles necessary for varied use cases, reflecting the precision evidenced in GMR’s deployment.

Academic studies advance these ideas by investigating the optimization frameworks for slice-aware resource allocation and service orchestration in smart factories and enterprise environments. Techniques such as convex optimization for power and sub-channel distribution and middleware solutions like 5GLoR illustrate ongoing innovation in preserving QoS across heterogeneous network segments, reinforcing the viability of 5G as a backbone for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems.

Moreover, concepts like the Network Slice-as-a-Service Platform (NASP) demonstrate the growing sophistication in translating business-level slice requirements into orchestrated, multi-domain 5G deployments, encompassing both 3GPP and non-3GPP infrastructures. This evolution promises enhanced flexibility and efficiency, accommodating scenarios including massive Machine-Type Communications and Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications, which are foundational to industrial automation slices.

Industry insights into the implementation of Industrial Automation Slices reveal the necessity of integrating dedicated RAN and core resources with edge computing and dynamic spectrum allocation. These configurations support real-time control of robotic systems, boosting automation throughput and reliability , objectives mirrored in GMR’s tailored slicing and edge compute strategy.

In summary, GMR’s private 5G network, developed with Niral Networks, illustrates the sophisticated orchestration of network slicing, QoS assurance, and edge computing to meet the diverse and demanding needs of industrial environments. By leveraging end-to-end slice configuration, uplink-heavy design for video workloads, guaranteed bitrates for mission-critical voice, and low-bandwidth channels for IoT, combined with on-premise processing, the deployment achieves the reliability, security, and low latency essential for modern energy and industrial facilities. This approach resonates with ongoing global advancements in private 5G, reinforcing the technology’s pivotal role in the future of industrial connectivity.

📌 Reference Map:

- ^[1] (TeckNexus) - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 7
- ^[2] (BubbleRAN) - Paragraph 5
- ^[3] (Ericsson) - Paragraph 6
- ^[4] (arXiv: 5G-LAN and 5GLoR) - Paragraph 7
- ^[5] (arXiv: Slice-aware RRM) - Paragraph 7
- ^[6] (arXiv: NASP) - Paragraph 8
- ^[7] (LinkedIn Industry Analysis) - Paragraph 9

Source: Fuse Wire

Data center generator market set for rapid growth amid shift towards greener backup solutions and microgrids

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:53:10 +0000

The global data center generator market is projected to reach US$6.7 billion by 2028, driven by innovations in fuel technology, sustainability initiatives, and the expansion of microgrid infrastructure amid surging data demands.

The global market for data center generators is forecasted to experience substantial growth in the next decade, driven by the escalating demand for reliable and sustainable backup power solutions in data centers. According to a report by The Insight Partners, the market was valued at approximately US$4.7 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach nearly US$6.7 billion by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. This growth is underpinned by the critical role generators play in ensuring uninterrupted power supply, preventing costly outages that could lead to system downtime and data loss in increasingly digital economies.

Data centers, as foundational infrastructures for cloud computing, streaming services, healthcare, finance, and more, face intensifying pressure to maintain continuous operations amid rising data usage worldwide. Generators provide essential backup power during outages, securing operational stability. Technological innovations have transformed data center generators, prioritising fuel efficiency, faster startup, and emissions reduction. Integration of IoT sensors and AI-driven predictive maintenance systems are enabling operators to anticipate failures and optimise fuel use, enhancing reliability under fluctuating load conditions. Moreover, there is a notable shift toward hybrid power systems that combine traditional diesel generators with renewable energy and battery storage to bolster sustainability without compromising performance.

Sustainability is rapidly becoming a central theme within data center power infrastructure. Regulatory pressures and corporate environmental commitments encourage the adoption of advanced emission control technologies and cleaner fuel options such as natural gas and biofuels. Additionally, the increased integration of renewable sources like solar and wind energy within power supply chains elevates the role of generators as vital fallback solutions during supply fluctuations. This dual focus on reliability and greener operation aligns with global efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of expanding data center networks.

Investment opportunities in this sector could exceed US$3 billion by 2028, with innovation in alternative fuels gaining traction. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, for example, is increasingly adopted by major players including AWS and Kohler in Europe, reflecting a move toward greener backup power solutions. While diesel generators remain predominant, there is accelerating interest in gas-powered, fuel cell, and eco-diesel generators that support zero-carbon emission goals. Large hyperscale data centers are also investing in higher-capacity generators, often within the 1.5-3 MW range or above, to meet their extensive power needs.

In the United States, the challenge of meeting surging electricity demand from data centers has prompted both private and public sectors to explore advanced energy solutions. Power requirements for data centers, especially those supporting artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, are forecasted to nearly triple in the next few years. Chevron, for instance, is progressing with plans to develop data centers alongside dedicated natural gas-powered electricity supply facilities, aiming for operational readiness by 2027-2028. These sites may also incorporate carbon capture technologies and renewables to address environmental objectives.

Microgrids are emerging as a complementary solution to traditional backup generators, expanding rapidly across the US to enhance power reliability for data centres. These localized energy systems can operate independently of the main grid, offering resilience and supporting sustainability goals. With projected capacity growth from 4.4 GW in 2022 to 10 GW by 2025, microgrids benefit from government funding and state incentives in regions like California, Texas, and Colorado. Major technology companies are investing in this infrastructure to circumvent limitations of existing grid connections and provide flexible, clean energy services.

However, integrating the surging power needs of data centers into national grids presents significant challenges. The US Department of Energy predicts that data centers could consume up to 12% of the country’s electricity by 2028, compared to over 4% currently, primarily driven by AI and GPU-accelerated servers. This demand strains existing grid infrastructure, particularly in power hubs such as Virginia and Texas, leading to delays in new data center projects and requiring utilities to adapt through rate adjustments and enhanced market mechanisms. Tech firms are also innovating with energy-efficient cooling, workload flexibility, and co-location strategies with power generation to optimise grid interaction.

Looking further ahead, nuclear power is poised for a renaissance as a key energy source for data centers, given its reliability and zero-carbon attributes. Analysts at Wood Mackenzie forecast a 27% increase in US nuclear generation between 2035 and 2060, supported by substantial government investments and participation from leading tech companies. While advanced nuclear technologies like small modular reactors hold promise for addressing future electricity demands, they face developmental and regulatory hurdles. Globally, data center electricity consumption is expected to surge from 700 TWh in 2025 to around 3,500 TWh by 2050, underscoring the scale of energy transition needed, with nuclear expected to play a critical role alongside renewables and other innovations.

In summary, the data center generator market is evolving rapidly, driven by the dual imperatives of meeting burgeoning power demand and minimising environmental impact. Innovations in fuel technology, hybrid power systems, and integration with emerging energy solutions like microgrids are reshaping backup power architectures. Meanwhile, broader energy strategy shifts, including advanced natural gas facilities and the potential future expansion of nuclear power, illustrate the complex landscape data centers navigate to ensure resilience and sustainability in a data-driven future.

📌 Reference Map:

- ^[1] (OpenPR) - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- ^[4] (PR Newswire) - Paragraphs 4, 5
- ^[2] (Reuters) - Paragraph 6
- ^[3] (Reuters) - Paragraph 7
- ^[5] (Reuters) - Paragraph 8
- ^[6] (Reuters) - Paragraph 9
- ^[7] (Reuters) - Paragraph 10

Source: Noah Wire Services

EU agrees to ambitious 2040 emissions target with flexible compromises amid climate debates

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:53:06 +0000

European Union member states have formally adopted a 90% net greenhouse gas reduction target by 2040, balancing environmental ambitions with political and economic considerations through key modifications and flexibility mechanisms, amid ongoing debates and global climate commitments.

The European Union member states have officially adopted a legally binding target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. This ambitious goal, set forth by the European Commission, is aimed at accelerating decarbonization across the bloc, especially in sectors such as transport where emissions have been rising. However, the Council’s final agreement includes several significant modifications that somewhat dilute the original proposal.

Key among these adjustments is the allowance for member states to meet up to 5% of the target by purchasing international carbon credits. The European Commission retains the possibility to increase this limit by an additional 5% in the future, which could effectively lower the required domestic emission cuts to between 80% and 85% of 1990 levels. This represents an increase from the Commission’s initial proposal, which permitted only 3% international carbon credit use. Additionally, the implementation of the emissions trading system extension to transport and building emissions, known as ETS 2, has been postponed by one year to 2028.

This revised framework reflects a compromise shaped by the diverse economic circumstances and political priorities of EU member states. Notably, countries like Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland opposed the final deal, citing concerns over economic impacts and advocating for greater flexibility. Environmental groups have criticised the agreement for potentially enabling emissions outsourcing through international carbon credits, thereby undermining the EU’s actual commitment to domestic emissions reductions. The agreement was reached after intense negotiations, with Danish climate minister Lars Aagaard overseeing the process and stressing the need for a unified stance ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil.

The EU’s climate ambition does not stop at the 2040 target. Member states have also agreed to submit a nationally determined contribution (NDC) to the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 66.25% and 72.5% by 2035 from 1990 levels. While this commitment is not legally binding, it is expected to guide future policy and efforts to meet longer-term climate goals. The NDC was driven by consensus efforts amid internal disagreements, as countries pressured for greater flexibility given the economic costs of the transition.

Despite these political accommodations, the EU’s Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change has issued warnings against weakening the 2040 target. It cautions that reliance on international carbon credits could divert necessary investments from domestic industrial transformations and infrastructure upgrades. The advisory board argues that achieving a 90-95% emissions reduction is essential, feasible, and aligns with global climate objectives. They emphasise that such ambition would require a near emissions-free power sector and wide industrial electrification, promising benefits including improved public health and reduced reliance on fossil fuel imports.

The debate also highlights contrasting pressures within the EU. While some member states and political factions resist stringent ecological constraints, others like Finland, Germany, and France have pushed for stronger cuts and timely action. The European automotive industry presents its own division; over 150 executives from Europe’s electric vehicle sector have urged the EU not to delay 2035 zero-emission targets for cars and vans, warning that such delays would hinder market growth and cede competitive advantages globally. Conversely, traditional auto manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, express concerns at the feasibility of rapid emission reductions.

Ultimately, the European Parliament must now establish its position and enter negotiations with the Council to finalise the law. The European Commission’s willingness to include flexibility mechanisms in the legislation reflects the complex balancing act between ambition and political-economic realities. This approach has sparked debate over the credibility and effectiveness of the EU’s climate policy at a critical juncture marked by geopolitical uncertainty, rising climate impacts across Europe, and the global spotlight of the impending COP30 summit.

📌 Reference Map:

- ^[1] (Investing.com) - Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 4, Paragraph 7
- ^[2] (Reuters) - Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3
- ^[3] (AP News) - Paragraph 3, Paragraph 5
- ^[4] (Reuters) - Paragraph 6
- ^[5] (Le Monde) - Paragraph 5, Paragraph 6
- ^[6] (El Pais) - Paragraph 4, Paragraph 7
- ^[7] (Investing.com) - Paragraph 8

Source: Noah Wire Services