Introduction
This dataset shows the half-hourly load profiles of identified data centres within UK Power Networks' licence areas.
The loads have been determined using actual demand data from connected sites within UK Power Networks' licence areas, over calendar year 2024.
Loads are expressed proportionally, by comparing the half-hourly observed import power seen across the site's meter point(s), against the meter's maximum import capacity. Units for both measures are apparent power, in kilovolt amperes (kVA).
To protect the identity of the sites, data points have been anonymised and only the site's voltage level information has been provided.
Methodological Approach
Over 100 operational data centre sites (and at least 10 per voltage level) were identified through internal desktop exercises and corroboration with external sources.
After identifying these sites, their addresses and their MPAN(s) (Meter Point Administration Number) were identified using internal systems.
Meter information for each of these connected demand sites were retrieved through half-hourly smart meter data. This includes both half-hourly meter data, and static data (such as the MPAN's maximum import capacity and voltage, the latter through the MPAN's Line Loss Factor Class Description).
In cases where there are numerous meter points for a given data centre site, the observed import powers across all relevant meter points are summed, and compared against the sum total of maximum import capacity for the meters.
The percentage utilisation for each half-hour for each data centre was determined via the following equation:
% Utilisation_data centre site =
SUM( P_MPAN half-hourly observed import)
SUM( P_MPAN Maximum Import Capacity)
Where P = Active Power in kilowatts (kW)
To ensure the dataset includes only operational data centres, the dataset was then cleansed to exclude sites where utilisation was consistently at 0% across the year.
Based on the MPAN's address and corroboration with other open data sources, a data centre type was derived: either enterprise (i.e. company-owned and operated), or co-located (i.e. one company owns the data centre, but other customers operate IT load in the premises as tenants).
Each data centre site was then anonymised by removing any identifiers other than voltage level and UK Power Networks' view of the data centre type.
Quality Control Statement
The dataset is primarily built upon customer smart meter data for connected customer sites within the UK Power Networks' licence areas.
The smart meter data that is used is sourced from external providers. While UK Power Networks does not control the quality of this data directly, these data have been incorporated into our models with careful validation and alignment.
Any missing or bad data has been addressed though robust data cleaning methods, such as omission.
Assurance Statement
The dataset is generated through a manual process, conducted by the Distribution System Operator's Regional Development Team.
The dataset will be reviewed quarterly - both in terms of the operational data centre sites identified, their maximum observed demands and their maximum import capacities - to assess any changes and determine if updates of demand specific profiles are necessary.
Deriving the data centre type is a desktop-based process based on the MPAN's address and through corroboration with external, online sources.
This process ensures that the dataset remains relevant and reflective of real-world data centre usage over time.
There are sufficient data centre sites per voltage level to assure anonymity of data centre sites.
Other
Definitions of key terms related to this dataset can be found in the Open Data Portal Glossary: https://ukpowernetworks.opendatasoft.com/pages/glossary/
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