Climate-neutral power supply of data centers – Hogan Lovells advises Rolls-Royce Power Systems on cooperation with cellcentric

Rolls-Royce Power Systems will develop CO2-free, climate-neutral and only water vapour emitting systems for the emergency power supply of data centers based on cellcentric's fuel cell modules. The systems will be launched on the market under the mtu product and solution brand. 

Following the commissioning of a demonstrator earlier this year, another demonstrator plant will go into operation in 2022. The first pilot plants will be installed in 2023, and the commercial market launch is planned for 2025. One module was already presented at the World Climate Conference in Glasgow. Rolls-Royce Power Systems, one of the top three suppliers of backup power systems for data centers, aim to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of security-critical and energy-intensive data centers by deploying zero-carbon power systems. 

"We are excited to have advised Rolls-Royce Power Systems on this pioneering framework agreement. Accompanying our client into a CO2-free future during these times of energy transition particularly in the hydrogen market, is a key focus of our legal services. The technical approach developed by Rolls-Royce Power Systems will make a significant difference on our journey towards carbon neutrality," said Dr. Tobias Faber, expert for infrastructure and energy projects.

Hogan Lovells provided comprehensive legal advice to Rolls-Royce Power Systems during the contract negotiations. The firm's international cross-practice group team is strongly involved in ESG activities and regularly advises companies on future-oriented projects, particularly hydrogen initiatives.

Hogan Lovells Team for Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH

Dr. Tobias Faber (Partner), Tina Schantz, Katharina Baunach, Camilla Froehlich, Kristina Laewen, Jan Hendrik Müller, Pascal Wagenführ (all Associates) (all Infrastructure, Energy, Resources and Projects, Frankfurt); 

Dr. Christian Knütel (Partner, Infrastructure, Energy, Resources and Projects, Hamburg);

Prof. Dr. Fabian Pfuhl (Counsel, Intellectual Property, Frankfurt);  

Dr. Susann Brackmann (Senior Associate, Restructuring, Hamburg);

Dr. Jan-Christoph Rudowicz (Senior Associate, Antitrust, Hamburg).

Rolls-Royce Power Systems (Inhouse): Dr. Thomas Karst (General Counsel), Marta Graute (Director Legal and Intellectual Property Rights); Mandy Werner, Legal Counsel/Lawyer (Syndic Lawyer)