The UK’s grid connection queue now stands at more than 700 GW, against just 81 GW of capacity currently available on the grid. At the same time, AI isn’t simply increasing how much electricity data centres consume – it’s changing the shape of that demand, as huge GPU clusters ramp up and down at speed. All of which raises a question: can batteries really remain just a back-up plan?

That’s what we explore in our latest Trend Report, where we examine why batteries are becoming a much more strategic part of data centre power infrastructure – tied not only to uptime, but to flexibility, sustainability, operational efficiency and long-term growth.

In this report you’ll discover:

• Why AI is changing not just how much power data centres need, but the shape of that demand – and what rapid GPU load swings mean for UPS and battery infrastructure.
• How the UK grid connection queue is forcing operators to rethink where they build, how they secure power and the role on-site energy assets could play.
• Where VRLA and lithium-ion batteries fit today – and whether emerging options such as sodium-ion, flow batteries and second-life EV batteries could have a role to play.
• How batteries are evolving from passive back-up into active energy assets, supporting peak shaving, renewable consumption and, where the commercial model allows, grid-balancing and flexibility services.

Plus, we have exclusive insight from Paul Lowbridge, General Sales Manager – Reserve & Renewable Power at GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK Ltd, who explains why resilience in the AI era starts long before the power goes out. He outlines the importance of choosing the right battery chemistry, combining intelligent monitoring with proactive maintenance, and taking a whole-lifecycle approach. 

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