Alberto Ravagni, renowned for his two decades of experience in the clean energy sector and his leadership roles in significant projects, has been named CEO of the Net Zero Innovation Hub for European Data Centers. The announcement was made on 17th April 2024 by the consortium, established by industry peers Google, Microsoft, Vertiv, Data4, Danfoss and Schneider Electric, which aims to decarbonise the European data centre industry via innovative solutions.
Ravagni's prior roles have showcased his expertise in clean energy, energy storage and fuel cell technologies with a notable stint as Co-founder and Managing Director of the consultancy firm InfraPrime. "I am very pleased that Alberto Ravagni has agreed to become the new CEO of the Innovation Hub. Alberto has vast experience and in-depth knowledge of our industry, as well as the energy sector," said Dietmar Baro, Chairman of the Board. Baro expressed Ravagni's leadership qualities, international experience and commendable track record as strengths for the organisation.
Ravagni will be tasked with the day-to-day management of the Innovation Hub, working in collaboration with the founding members and project partners. His primary mission is to aid the technology sector's role in cutting down the data centre industry's carbon footprint in Europe, contributing to pave the way for a sustainable growth and net-zero emissions.
"The data centre industry has a unique impact on our lives, extending far beyond its energy consumption and environmental footprint. It can lead and accelerate the journey towards achieving net-zero emissions and simultaneously enable circular, sustainable growth," Ravagni stated. He also mentioned his anticipation for connecting various ecosystems such as industry, research, innovation, finance, and public institutions to work together on projects generating quantifiable outcomes. Ravagni urged for a collective contribution to shaping a sustainable future.
In the past, Ravagni assisted in the creation and served as a board member of the Joint Technology Initiative for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells of the European Commission. This public-private partnership managed a 1 billion innovation program that propelled the transition to zero carbon energy systems. Notably, he also founded and served as the CEO of SOLIDPower, a leading fuel cells company, commercialising megawatt-scale fuel cell generators for residential, SME and data center clients.
Ravagni's tenure as the CEO of the Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers will commence on 1 May 2024. The consortium is to provide a platform for key industry players to collaborate and develop new innovative solutions which can be implemented for the benefit of the green transition.