From Veggie Oil to Microgrids: How Data Centres Are Powering the Future Sustainably

As AI eats up more and more energy, one big question keeps popping up: how do we actually power this digital beast without burning the planet?

According to AVK CEO Ben Pritchard, the answer lies not in chasing big, bold nuclear headlines—but in looking closer at what’s already working: microgrids and under-the-radar alternative fuels that are already being tested (and trusted) by forward-thinking operators.

Let’s talk microgrids. These aren’t just a buzzword—they’re a real, modular way to power data centres independently from traditional grids, especially in areas where reliability is shaky or capacity is limited. AVK has been busy building microgrids that pull from renewables like wind and solar while using HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil)-powered generators for backup. Yes, vegetable oil. But make it clean, renewable, and 90% less CO₂ than your average fossil fuel.

So why not just go nuclear? Well, it sounds shiny—and hyperscalers are curious—but we’re still far from making nuclear-powered data centres a mainstream, regulatory-approved reality. Microgrids, on the other hand, are here now, easy to deploy, and scale with real-world flexibility.

There’s more. Pritchard points to other fuels that haven’t hit the mainstream but probably should. Hydrogen, for instance, is gaining momentum thanks to its clean, water-only emissions (when it’s green hydrogen, anyway). Biogas, made from organic waste, is another underused gem—especially in regions rich in agriculture or industry. It’s like circular economy magic: waste in, energy out.

Looking ahead, the pressure from AI means energy demand will only grow—and so will the need to rethink how we power data centres. Expect more localised, edge-based facilities. Think smarter grids powered by AI, optimised for every watt. Think microgrids that not only power data centres but serve surrounding communities. And yes, even carbon capture is on the table.

In this new era, data centres won’t just consume power. They’ll help generate it, manage it, and share it—cleanly.

And with companies like AVK putting real-world solutions on the ground, we’re not just dreaming about sustainable infrastructure. We’re building it.