Exclusive Interview: Data Centre Power Resilience, an Era of Grid Instability

Executive Summary

• The data centre industry is entering a period where we need to ensure data centre power resilience, as power reliability isn’t a given; instability is becoming the new normal in a time of unprecedented power demand.
• Lauren Raybould, editor of Data Centre Insight, sat down to chat with Andy Wilmott, Managing Director of the Wilmott Group, WB Power Services, and Wiltech Acoustics, to talk all things changing landscape of power resilience, the challenges it brings and the acquisition of The Wilmott Group by Rehlko.

The data centre industry is entering a period where power reliability is no longer a given. Andy Wilmott, Managing Director of the Wilmot Group, WB Power Services, and Wiltech Acoustics, shared his perspective on the evolving landscape of power resilience and the critical role of tailored generator solutions in supporting mission-critical environments. Check out the interview below to find out more, or read on as we discuss the interview.

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“Grid instability is becoming the new normal,” Wilmott explains. He attributes the decline in global power reliability to a combination of ageing infrastructure, underinvestment over the years, and unpredictable weather events in the UK. From high winds to torrential rain and freezing ground conditions, the UK’s weather is incredibly unpredictable. For data centres, where uptime is paramount, even a few minutes of power loss can have significant operational and financial consequences.

“Power drives everything in a data centre,” Wilmott emphasises. “Uptime is everything, and if it goes down, you need the right backup system, properly sized and designed, with a provider you can trust.”

Tailored Solutions for Critical Needs

Data centres require more than off-the-shelf solutions or outsourcing to several companies that they then have to keep track of. Effective power resilience involves a combination of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and generators, ensuring there aren’t any breaks in power when the grid falters.

“Power is complex,” he says. “It’s not just about matching kilowatts. You have to consider inrush currents, harmonics, and redundancy. If one generator fails, another must immediately take over so the client experiences zero downtime.”

Wilmott highlights Rehlko’s recent acquisition and partnership of Wilmott Group, a collaboration spanning over two decades. By integrating design, manufacturing, installation, and ongoing maintenance, they provide a full lifecycle solution. “We take the whole problem away from the client,” he says. “From acoustic treatments and fuel storage to commissioning and maintenance, we offer complete accountability.”

Sustainability and Low-Carbon Power

Sustainability is no longer an optional consideration; it is a core component of modern resilience planning. Wilmott states HVO-fuelled generators paired with SCR exhaust systems deliver a highly reliable, low-carbon power solution. While renewable sources contribute to decarbonisation, their intermittency limits their ability to provide stable power in the UK and Europe.

“A generator and a UPS system running on HVO, maintained properly, is currently the best solution for low CO2, stable power,” Wilmott asserts.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Market Dynamics

Looking ahead, their focus for 2026 will be growth, innovation, and reinforcing stability. Wilmott anticipates challenges related to capacity and supply, noting that high demand could create bottlenecks in generator production, steel supply, and electrical infrastructure.

“The demand from data centres is growing faster than anything we’ve seen before,” Wilmott notes. “Companies need to place orders early and work closely with suppliers to meet deadlines. Our role is to take the pressure off them so they can focus on their core operations.”