Data centres' reliance on lead batteries 'highlights Pb industry's role in combating climate change'

by John Shepherd
Lead batteries provide critical back-up power for applications such as data centres. Inset (top) Dr Andy Bush and Nicola Corradin.
The increasing role of lead battery technology in supporting efforts to combat climate change has been brought into sharp focus with the release of latest UN scientific data on global warming, the International Lead Association (ILA) has told World Battery News.

A report released yesterday by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that unless there are "immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions”, limiting warming to close to 1.5°C or even 2°C "will be beyond reach”.

The IPCC’s assessment coincided with the release of a report by the ILA on how "energy hungry” data centres – vital to the operations of a myriad of businesses and their services worldwide – are just one example of a sector that is becoming increasingly reliant on advanced lead batteries, coupled with renewable energy.

'Timely example'

ILA managing director, Dr Andy Bush, told World Battery News: "The increasing reliance of data centres on near-100% recyclable lead batteries, combined with the use of renewable energy, is a timely example of what the lead battery industry is already doing in support of global efforts to reduce emissions and combat climate change – as called for in the IPCC’s report.”

The data centres report published by the ILA was written by Nicola Corradin*, the product and strategic marketing manager in the Reserve Power Solutions division of Italy-based lead battery manufacturer Fiamm Energy Technology.

Corradin said: "Data centres are energy-hungry and, without power, they fail. The quality of their service is critical.”

'Impressive record'

"Every data centre power requirement is unique. Our experience indicates that valve regulated, maintenance free lead batteries will continue to be the major choice for years to come,” Corradin said.

"A major driver in the data centre industry is finding carbon neutral ‘greener’ power sources. Our industry is setting an impressive record and some of the major centres already operate on 100% renewable energy.”

"Lead batteries are the most widely used of all the battery chemistry families today… They are used extensively from engine starting in cars and trucks, powering industrial equipment, and for providing critical back-up power in many applications – including data centres.”

Corradin said demand for lead battery technology is predicted to grow by 5 GWh by 2030, amid a "major push towards products that fit a circular economy”, such as lead batteries, which have a recycling rate of almost 100%.

*Click on the ILA link below to read Corradin’s article in full.