In a significant move for sustainable infrastructure, UK power solutions specialist AVK has forged a strategic partnership with clean energy firm Landmark Power Holdings (LMPH) to deliver advanced behind-the-meter power solutions specifically designed for the data center market. This three-year agreement, with an option for extension, marks a pivotal step in addressing the growing energy demands and environmental responsibilities of digital infrastructure providers across the United Kingdom and potentially Europe.
Strategic Partnership and Technology Integration
The collaboration is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that focuses on integrating carbon capture systems with Rolls-Royce’s mtu gas reciprocating engines. This builds upon an existing partnership between Landmark, carbon capture technology firm Asco, and Rolls-Royce, which has been pioneering the combination of carbon capture with reciprocating engine technology. By leveraging Landmark’s proprietary Flexpower Plus technology, the partnership aims to transform conventional gas-fired power generation into low-carbon distributed energy systems that can operate independently from the main grid.
Implementation Framework and Operational Roles
Under the agreement, AVK will take the lead in design, planning, and delivery through front-end engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services. LMPH will contribute operational expertise to ensure the systems perform reliably. The integrated solution combines Rolls-Royce’s mtu gas engines with Asco’s carbon capture and storage technology, creating microgrid systems that provide resilient, low-carbon power directly to data center facilities. This behind-the-meter approach allows data centers to generate their own electricity on-site, reducing grid dependence and carbon emissions simultaneously.
Key Project Sites and Capacity Details
The technology will be deployed across four strategic locations in the UK, representing a substantial investment in sustainable data center infrastructure:
- A 30MW consented site in Mill Hill, County Durham
- A 20MW behind-the-meter development in Dagenham, East London
- Multiple Kennedy Wilson-owned sites at Heathrow, Greater London, and Iver, Buckinghamshire, with combined potential capacity reaching up to 300MW
These projects demonstrate the scalability of the solution and its applicability across different geographic and operational contexts within the UK data center landscape.
Leadership Perspectives and Strategic Vision
Ben Pritchard, CEO of AVK-SEG, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “This strategic agreement represents a major step in AVK’s commitment to delivering sustainable power solutions for the rapidly growing data center industry. By combining our engineering and delivery expertise with Landmark’s Flexpower Plus, Asco’s carbon capture, and Rolls-Royce’s proven mtu engine technology, we’re establishing a new pathway to reliable, low-carbon energy for critical digital infrastructure.”
Mick Avison, founder and CEO of LMPH, added: “Our Flexpower Plus technology has already proven its capability at scale, and this partnership with AVK allows us to extend that performance to the data center sector. Together, we’re advancing a practical route to decarbonization without compromising on resilience.”
European Expansion and Broader Industry Context
The companies are actively exploring expansion opportunities across Europe, with the EU, Norway, and Iceland identified as potential markets for future deployment. This international ambition builds on AVK’s existing microgrid expertise, including last year’s agreement with a data center provider in Ireland as part of a broader cooperation with European renewable energy developer Wärtsilä. That partnership involved AVK designing and installing on-site natural gas power generation with Wärtsilä providing engineered equipment and maintenance support.
The timing of this UK-focused initiative coincides with global energy developments, including ongoing government challenges that can impact energy policy and infrastructure investment. Meanwhile, technological advancements continue to drive energy demand, as seen with new computing hardware requiring robust power solutions. The economic implications of energy infrastructure decisions are significant, particularly considering broader economic impacts of policy decisions on critical sectors. This UK initiative aligns with global trends toward energy sustainability, similar to efforts documented in regions like Western Cape’s energy sustainability development.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
This partnership represents a substantial advancement in addressing the dual challenges of growing data center energy demands and environmental sustainability requirements. By providing a practical, scalable solution for behind-the-meter power generation with integrated carbon capture, AVK and LMPH are positioning themselves at the forefront of the low-carbon data center power market. The collaboration demonstrates how established technologies can be innovatively combined to create new value propositions for an industry under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining the reliability essential for critical digital infrastructure.
