Amel Chadli, President of the Gulf Cluster at Schneider Electric, recently highlighted the critical need for energy planning in the development of data centres across the Gulf region. As demand for digital infrastructure surges, Chadli emphasized that energy availability is now a primary consideration for developers, shifting the focus from merely securing land to ensuring reliable power sources.
In a discussion about the evolving landscape of energy management, Chadli pointed out that the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects a doubling of electricity consumption from data centres within the next five years. This trend necessitates that developers confirm power availability and connection timelines before committing to sites, as the infrastructure upgrades required to support new data centres often lag behind construction timelines. Schneider Electric’s local manufacturing capabilities, particularly in Sharjah, are designed to address these challenges by producing AI-ready prefabricated modular data centres that can be deployed close to customer needs.
Design Considerations for Energy-Intensive Data Centres
As data centres become increasingly power-intensive, Chadli stressed the importance of integrating cooling and power systems from the outset. He noted that cooling often represents the largest electrical load after servers, necessitating a design approach that considers actual workloads rather than generic assumptions. The Uptime Institute’s recent analysis revealed that a significant percentage of major outages result in substantial financial losses, underscoring the need for maintainable redundancy as facilities expand.
Chadli also highlighted the importance of water management in cooling systems, particularly in regions facing water stress. For instance, Schneider Electric’s work on the PureDC hyperscale campus in Abu Dhabi exemplifies how a closed-loop cooling system can enhance water use efficiency while maintaining a power usage effectiveness of 1.38. This project was completed on schedule, demonstrating the benefits of prioritizing sustainability and resilience during the design phase.
Integrating Digitalisation and Energy Management
With urban development accelerating in the Middle East, Chadli discussed how digitalisation and intelligent energy management can enhance grid integration and operational performance. He emphasized that buildings should not only consume energy but also contribute to grid stability. The IEA’s findings indicate that flexible grid connections could unlock significant hosting capacity globally, a principle that applies equally to building-level energy management.
In collaboration with Msheireb Properties in Qatar, Schneider Electric is implementing smart-city solutions that focus on energy management and predictive maintenance. This initiative aims to create a more integrated approach to energy use, allowing buildings to respond dynamically to grid demands.
Future-Ready Infrastructure and Operational Resilience
Looking ahead, Chadli underscored the necessity for resilience in infrastructure planning, particularly given the region’s extreme temperatures and growing electricity demand. He advised that resilience should be built into the design of utilities and critical infrastructure, with a focus on operational continuity under challenging conditions. The IEA’s reports indicate that many data centres are vulnerable to climate-related stresses, making it essential for developers to consider these factors during the planning stages.
Chadli concluded by emphasizing the importance of integrating operational capabilities with technological advancements. As the Gulf region’s energy producers increasingly engage in building digital infrastructure, local partnerships and talent development will be crucial for achieving sustainable and efficient energy systems. For more insights on energy management and infrastructure development, visit ME Construction News.
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