ABINEE: power and telecoms at the same time for data centres

ABINEE published the third bulletin in its Integrated Solutions series, reported by Canal Solar, on data centres, AI, mobile networks and automation. The argument: energy and telecommunications must be available at the same time, at the location and within the timeframe of the project. The obstacles cited include grid access and overlapping rules.

Equipment lead time weighs on this calculation. The IEA's 2025 report Building the Future Transmission Grid records that cables take two to three years to procure and large transformers up to four. Lead times have almost doubled since 2021, and transformer prices have risen by around 75%.

For a data centre, first revenue depends on the energisation date, not only on construction. A transformer ordered late pushes back revenue and lengthens the time capital sits idle. The bulletin sees in this demand room for domestic manufacturers of transformers, cables and batteries.

Planning energy and telecommunications together shortens this interval. So does ordering long-lead equipment early. Both measures are within reach of those deciding today.