THE BLUE BEACH 2025 in Hamburg: Green energy for the digital infrastructure of the future

On 26 June, leading minds from the energy and digital sectors gathered at THE BLUE BEACH in Hamburg. The event not only offered inspiring ideas on sustainable energy and digital infrastructure, but above all one thing: genuine dialogue. We at ENGIE are proud to have been there as one of the two main sponsors and to have contributed our perspectives on the climate-friendly transformation of the data centre industry.

Our central topic on the panel: "Sustainable power for the digital future - green solutions for data centres". Because while artificial intelligence, cloud services and big data are setting the pace of digitalisation, fundamental questions arise: How sustainable is digital intelligence really? And what does it take to make data centres fit for the energy transition?

Data centres as the heartbeat of digitalisation

We all use them every day (often without realising it): Data centres. They operate AI models, store our data, deliver streaming content or enable automated processes in industry. However, energy consumption is also increasing rapidly as a result. According to forecasts, global data centre capacity could almost triple by 2030. Germany is Europe's largest data centre market.

Our approach: green electricity, flexibility, efficiency

For ENGIE, the sustainable supply of power to data centres is a key issue for the future. We know that: A medium-sized data centre consumes as much electricity as a small town. This presents us with enormous challenges, but also harbours opportunities.

Renewable energy and battery storage go hand in hand

What we particularly liked about THE BLUE BEACH in Hamburg was the tremendous commitment of everyone involved in shaping the energy transition. Martin Degen from Digital Realty explained that the company set climate targets (Science Based Targets) years ago and aims to cover 100% of its grid electricity consumption in Europe with renewables. As a co-location provider, Digital Realty also keeps an eye on its customers' climate targets. One instrument for green electricity is the PPA with ENGIE for the purchase of 116 MW from a photovoltaic plant in Brandenburg with guarantees of origin.

Alexander Schönfeldt from LiBrick added to the perspective with a look at battery storage. These are no longer just backup systems. Today, they perform several functions at once: They cover sudden load peaks that exceed planned electricity requirements and bridge phases of several hours when renewables are not available. This “renewable base load” is the ultimate goal not only for data centers, but for the entire power supply, so that conventional power plants no longer need to be maintained and paid for during periods of low wind and low sunlight.

Beyond THE BLUE BEACH in Hamburg: Data centres as system-relevant infrastructure

Data centres are more than just energy consumers. They are part of the solution if they are planned, built and operated sustainably. This requires an intelligent interplay of renewables, flexibility technologies, digital controls and political will. THE BLUE BEACH in Hamburg has shown that we are on the right track here and that ENGIE can make a decisive contribution as the partner of choice for sustainable, future-proof energy supply.

THE BLUE BEACH Hamburg has shown it: Together we make climate neutrality possible

As ENGIE, we are pursuing the goal of being climate neutral by 2045. And not just in our own business areas, but also as a partner to our customers. Data centres are one of the key sectors here. With specific projects, technical expertise and innovative partnerships, we are already implementing today what will be standard tomorrow.

Thanks to all partners, speakers and guests for an all-round successful day in Hamburg. THE BLUE BEACH has shown: The future is digital, but with green energy, please.