Data centres, as major energy consumers supporting the digital economy, present a key opportunity for decarbonisation. Traditionally reliant on grid electricity from natural gas, data centres can evolve into strategic anchors for deploying advanced technologies such as Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) and green ammonia—setting the foundation for a resilient, low-carbon energy ecosystem. 

Energy intensity and decarbonisation imperative

Data centres demand continuous, reliable, and high-capacity power, making their energy intensity a focal challenge in achieving sustainability goals. The expanding digital landscape drives increased power needs, necessitating clean, efficient, and resilient on-site solutions. 

SOFC advantages 

A Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) is an electrochemical conversion device that produces electricity directly from oxidising a fuel, using a solid oxide or ceramic electrolyte that conducts oxygen ions from the cathode to the anode at high operating temperatures, typically between 600°C and 1,000°C. This technology offers high efficiency, fuel flexibility, low emissions, and long-term stability without the need for combustion. 

Figure 1: Schematic of solid oxide fuel cell
Source: Solid oxide fuel cell – Wikipedia

SOFC technology offers significant benefits for data centres. It delivers high electrical efficiency, typically reaching up to 65% and potentially enhanced to 90% through heat integration. This efficiency far surpasses conventional power plants, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.  

The fuel flexibility of SOFCs is another crucial advantage; they can operate on a variety of fuels including natural gas, biogas, and green hydrogen, thereby supporting a flexible transition towards cleaner energy sources. In addition, SOFCs provide enhanced resilience by enabling on-site power generation, which reduces dependence on grid stability and mitigates costly power outages. Their modular and scalable design allows data centres to customise their power generation capacities to their specific needs. 

Synergy with green ammonia

Green ammonia complements SOFCs as a sustainable energy carrier. Produced through the synthesis of ammonia using hydrogen derived exclusively from renewable energy sources, it presents a carbon-neutral and efficient method for hydrogen transport and storage. Ammonia’s liquefied state offers a higher volumetric energy density than compressed hydrogen gas, facilitating easier long-distance renewable energy distribution. Upon receipt, the liquid ammonia is regasified and undergoes catalytic cracking to release hydrogen, which fuels the SOFCs for efficient and near-zero-emission power generation. This integrated approach maximises energy efficiency, cuts emissions, and strengthens energy security for data centres. 

Implementation challenges and collaborative solutions

Despite their promise, SOFC and green ammonia deployment face several challenges. Safety and regulatory issues are paramount due to ammonia’s toxicity, requiring stringent protocols, comprehensive training, and the establishment of clear ammonia-specific regulatory frameworks tailored for power generation applications.  

Infrastructure and supply chain development demand significant investment to establish specialised ammonia storage, cracking units, and reliable green ammonia sources. Space constraints may also impact infrastructure integration.  

Economically, the high upfront capital costs necessitate financial incentives, subsidies, and carbon pricing mechanisms to make these technologies competitive with conventional fuel options.  

Figure 2: SOFC 100 MW Conceptual Rendering

Technological improvements are essential to bolster SOFC durability, reduce maintenance requirements, and enhance ammonia cracking efficiencies. Additionally, public acceptance hinges on transparent education and communication about the benefits and safety aspects of these technologies.  

Overcoming these multifaceted barriers calls for strategic collaboration among governments, industry players, and research institutions through targeted policies, innovation funding, and community engagement.