Geberit to highlight piping systems at DCW 2026

Swiss manufacturer Geberit will present two supply systems for data centre environments - the Geberit Mapress Stainless Steel and Geberit FlowFit - at Data Centre World 2026 in London, 4–5 March 2026. Geberit Mapress Stainless Steel is designed for long-term operation in demanding conditions. The material’s molybdenum content provides corrosion resistance intended to support continuous operation in critical facilities where downtime must be avoided. Geberit FlowFit focuses on installation efficiency. Its lateral pressing method covers pipe dimensions from d16 to d75 using two pressing jaws, reducing tool changes during installation. Inspection windows and pressing indicators allow installers to verify connections, while fitting geometry maintains flow performance and enables smaller pipe diameters to be used. The company says the two systems are intended to support reliability and consistent performance across modern data centre infrastructure.

Power supply options for data centres

In this exclusive article for DCNN, Tania Arora and James Wyatt, Partners at Baker McKenzie (London), examine the evolving landscape of data centre power supply, highlighting why a tailored approach - blending grid connections, on-site generation, microgrids, and emerging technologies such as SMRs and battery energy storage - is increasingly essential for resilience, sustainability, and commercial optimisation: No universal solution Data centres presently require considerable energy resources, with projections indicating a marked increase in their consumption in the coming years. Securing a steady, sufficient, reliable, and scalable power supply is crucial for the financing, operational success, and long-term resilience of any data centre. A universal strategy does not exist for procuring power for data centres; each project requires a tailored approach. The market offers a wide range of power supply options and these are frequently combined to address the specific requirements of each project. The exact power procurement strategy for each project is determined by several factors, most notably the location of the data centre, local regulatory frameworks, its current and future operational needs, and the strategy of the developer (particularly considering other assets / other electricity supply arrangements they own). This article considers power procurement options available in the market and how these could be combined to achieve a successful power supply strategy. The key power supply options available at present include grid power, on-site or adjacent-site power generation, and microgrids (renewable or conventional), supported by backup generators, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and fuel cells. On-site or adjacent-site nuclear power is increasingly viewed as a panacea solution for data centre energy needs, although there are still considerable political, technological, and risk-allocation problems to solve. Data centres usually connect to public electricity grids, but most grids were not designed for their high load. Upgrades and expansions are often needed, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Sometimes, users must pay for these improvements, and further upgrades may be required if the data centre expands. Furthermore, securing a grid connection is rarely guaranteed; capacity reservations may be needed and are often subject to legal conditions. In some cases, installing on-site generation and microgrids can help address grid challenges. This could involve constructing solar and wind power plants (supported by BESS), gas-fired power stations, and/or combined heat and power (CHP) units adjacent to the data centre and supplying electricity directly without relying on the public grid. Furthermore, fuel cell and linear generator systems - as well as small modular reactors (SMRs) - are emerging as low-carbon, scalable power solutions for data centres. While the ongoing costs for self-generated energy are generally much lower, building such a dedicated energy infrastructure typically entails significantly higher upfront costs compared to connecting to the public grid. Furthermore, on-site projects are often constrained by space and planning restrictions, particularly in urban or suburban markets where demand is highest. Sustainable options Sustainability is a key consideration for a number of data centre market participants. Even if on-site wind or solar energy is economically viable for a project, these renewables alone cannot provide a stable base load due to their intermittency. To ensure base-load coverage, additional infrastructure such as energy storage systems, fuel cells, and conventional backup generators are required. SMRs and advanced nuclear technologies are emerging as promising solutions for the rising power needs of data centres. They offer reliable, consistent base-load power, load-following capability, scalable output, low carbon emissions, and a small physical footprint. They can operate independently of the grid or alongside renewables and are designed to be more cost-effective and quicker to deploy than traditional large-scale nuclear plants due to modular construction and established supply chains. SMRs are becoming a tangible reality for data centres. For example, the UK Government recently provided a considerable amount of support for SMRs for data centres through planning reforms, regulatory acceleration, funding, and explicit policy direction encouraging SMR–data‑centre colocation. However, SMRs face challenges: they are largely unproven and most jurisdictions still lack regulatory frameworks tailored to their unique characteristics. Key considerations for deploying SMRs include understanding local nuclear regulations, licensing and approval processes, decommissioning requirements, nuclear waste management, fuel supply security, and site suitability. Addressing these legal and regulatory issues is essential before SMRs can be widely adopted for data centres. BESS has become a key part of data centre power strategies, serving not only as resilience infrastructure but also helping to unlock commercial opportunities. It provides load shifting and peak shaving, thus reducing exposure to volatile wholesale prices and network charges by charging during low-cost or high-renewable periods and discharging power at peak demand. BESS also delivers instant backup power during outages and enables participation in grid services for additional revenue. Key issues include permitting and safety (especially for large-scale systems near nuclear or high-voltage facilities), complex grid connection agreements, and risk allocation where BESS is delivered via third-party energy-as-a-service contracts. Final considerations The near to mid-term future of data centre power lies in combined strategies. Every option in the combination presents its own distinct legal and commercial considerations. Consequently, as strategies become more complex, market participants should anticipate navigating a greater number of legal issues within the context of rapidly evolving regulatory frameworks.

Carrier to showcase AI cooling at DCW London 2026

Carrier, a manufacturer of HVAC, refrigeration, and fire and security equipment, will present its QuantumLeap portfolio at Data Centre World London 2026, taking place on 4–5 March. As a Platinum Sponsor, the company will host a panel discussion, a keynote session, and a solo presentation focused on cooling, building management, and lifecycle services for AI-driven data centres. Carrier, part of Carrier Global Corporation, will outline how increasing AI workloads are affecting thermal density and energy consumption across data centre environments. The company says the rapid growth of AI is creating pressure to manage higher heat loads while reducing overall energy use. Its QuantumLeap portfolio includes liquid cooling systems and high-efficiency chillers designed to support next-generation processors and higher rack densities. Integrated management and lifecycle focus Carrier will also highlight its building automation and data centre infrastructure management capabilities. By linking cooling, power, and IT systems through building automation systems and DCIM platforms, the company aims to give operators clearer operational oversight and improved energy control. In addition, Carrier will address lifecycle management, including waste heat reuse and grid participation, as part of broader sustainability strategies within AI data centres. Bertrand Rotagnon, Executive Director Commercial Business Line & Data Centres Europe, says, “Data centres can’t choose between growth, resilience, and energy performance; they need all three. "At DCW London 2026, we’re showcasing Carrier QuantumLeap solutions to help operators simplify decisions, improve efficiency, and move towards measurable energy contribution.” Carrier will be located at Stand D70. The company’s panel discussion takes place at 12:20 on Wednesday, 4 March, with a solo presentation at 15:55 on the same day and a keynote at 14:50 on Thursday, 5 March. For more from Carrier, click here.

Data Centre Alliance appoints new advisory board

The Data Centre Alliance (DCA), the UK trade association for the data centre sector, has appointed a new Advisory Board to lead its expanded Advisory Council. Liam Round has been named Chair, alongside board members Jonathon Freegard, Scott Cunningham, Astrid Wynne, Phil Beale, and John Booth. The appointments reflect experience across different areas of the data centre industry. The board will oversee the Advisory Council’s work in identifying key industry priorities and developing initiatives aimed at informing end users, policymakers, media, and the wider public. Focus on policy, energy, and standards Previous DCA initiatives include: • The DCA UK Data Centre Legislation Horizon Scan report• The Drowning in Data report on data centre water usage• The Data Centre Anti Contamination, Filtration, and Cleaning guide• The Data Centre Planning Policy, Sustainability, and Resilience Initiative guide• EU Code of Conduct for data centres energy efficiency updates• DCA data centre standards whitepapers Liam Round, Managing Director of Teksan UK and now Chair of the Advisory Council at the DCA, comments, “It is an honour to take on the role of Chair of the Advisory Board and Council at The Data Centre Alliance at such an important time for our sector. "Digital infrastructure underpins economic growth, national resilience, and AI development. I look forward to working with the DCA’s leadership and Partners to provide clear guidance, strong governance, and strategic focus as the industry navigates rapid change.” Over the next year, the Advisory Board and Council says it will focus on planning reform, energy market integration, grid access, sustainability, water resilience, AI infrastructure readiness, and industry standards development.

AFL: Why data centre leaders are heading to Stand C110

AFL, a manufacturer of fibre optic cables and connectivity equipment, will be attending this year's Data Centre World in London, 4–5 March 2026, exhibiting on Stand C110. In this article, the company tells you about what you can expect: Your AI clusters are hungry for bandwidth. GPU-to-GPU latency is make or break, and you’re being asked to scale yesterday, all while maintaining uptime, managing density, and staying within budget. AFL understands. It has engineered solutions specifically for these problems. What you’ll experience at Stand C110: • Hands-on demos• Industry-first technology• Solutions for your biggest bottlenecks• Modular white space infrastructure you can deploy rapidly• AI-GPU connectivity optimised for ultra-low latency compute fabrics• High-density DCI solutions that maximise available space in cable ducts• Pre-terminated, plug-and-play modules with full traceability to help you deploy faster• Fujikura’s Multi-Core, Hollow-Core, and Mass-Fusion splicers in action – the precision tools that research labs and hyperscalers trust for next-generation fibre deployment• Small-form-factor assemblies – reduce diameter, increase density, maximise airflow and cable pathways• Test with confidence – advanced inspection tools that validate performance before the first packet flows Why AFL for hyperscale data centres? • Globally available — consistent supply chain, wherever you build• Proven reliability — supporting the world’s largest hyperscale networks• Modular and scalable — grow your infrastructure without forklift upgrades• Built for AI workloads — engineered for the bandwidth and latency demands of dense GPU clusters Who should visit the stand? • Network engineers deploying or upgrading DCI links• Data centre architects planning next-generation AI infrastructure• Infrastructure leaders evaluating fibre solutions for hyperscale growth• Operations teams seeking faster commissioning and maintenance workflows Ready to enhance hyperscale efficiency? Bring your toughest connectivity challenges to Stand C110 and see how AFL’s team is already solving the real-world problems you face with innovative solutions ready for immediate global deployment. Find out how its optical fibre experts can help you scale seamlessly across growing hyperscale deployments for AI and cloud. For more from AFL, click here.

'UK cannot delay action on power and infrastructure'

The UK must take urgent action to fix systemic issues in energy and infrastructure to sustain its ambition to lead the global digital economy and become an AI superpower, according to a new report published by trade association techUK. The report, Powering Digital Infrastructure, warns that while demand for data centres and compute infrastructure is accelerating rapidly - driven by AI, cloud, and edge computing - the UK’s energy system is struggling to keep pace. Without reform, rising electricity costs, grid connection delays, and fragmented policy could force investment overseas, undermining economic growth, innovation, and national resilience. The current problems Data centres are now critical national infrastructure (CNI), underpinning everything from financial services and healthcare to research, manufacturing, and public services, all while supporting the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and decarbonised heat. techUK's 2024 report highlights that the UK data centre sector already contributes billions to the economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs, with the potential to add an additional £44 billion in Gross Value Added between 2025 and 2035, if growth accelerates. The UK aims to triple compute capacity to around 6GW by 2030; however, this is colliding with structural constraints. Electricity prices for UK data centres are among the highest in the developed world - roughly four times those in the United States and about 46% above the median of 31 International Energy Agency (IEA) countries - while grid connection delays of up to eight years are becoming commonplace. As a result, techUK’s report identifies several interconnected risks for the UK if the situation remains unchanged, including loss of global competitiveness, grid bottlenecks and delays, and risks to the country's energy security and resilience, which could be compounded by growing geopolitical shocks and tensions. If left unaddressed, the report warns that the UK will struggle to meet its ambition of being an “AI maker”, weakening sovereignty and long-term economic control. The proposed solutions The report sets out a clear programme of solutions to minimise these risks: • Reform the grid connections process to prioritise committed, non-speculative projects; provide greater transparency over the queue; and offer phased connection agreements that reflect how data centres are actually built. • Reduce electricity costs for digital infrastructure through levy reform, targeted exemptions, and improved access to long-term power contracts, restoring international competitiveness. • Accelerate planning and delivery by enabling nationally significant data centre projects to move faster through the planning system and clarifying eligibility for prioritisation schemes. • Unlock private investment in networks by allowing the private sector to help build and finance grid infrastructure where it can reduce delays and costs. • Align digital growth with clean power by supporting renewable PPAs, co-location with generation, energy storage, and, where appropriate, nuclear and small modular reactors (SMRs). • Maximise local benefits by embedding data centres into regional growth strategies, supporting skills development, waste-heat reuse, and supply-chain expansion. Data centres can be part of the solution, acting as anchor customers for new renewable generation, supporting grid investment, and helping spread fixed system costs across a larger base of electricity demand. Matthew Evans, COO and Director of Markets for techUK, says, “Economic growth is directly linked to power and our country’s ability to digitise. If the UK is serious about unlocking economic growth, it needs to move decisively to fix energy costs, grid access, and regulatory fragmentation. "The results will unlock new cycles of investment and support the country’s decarbonisation efforts, as well as both national and regional growth. If we don’t, the UK risks falling behind at the very moment global competition is accelerating.”

Vertiv launches UK UPS trade-in programme

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure, has launched a UK-wide 'Power Swap' programme that allows organisations to replace older single-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems with newer models. The initiative includes collection, refurbishment, and recycling of legacy equipment to support compliance with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations and reduce electronic waste. The programme applies to single-phase UPS units up to 5kVA from any manufacturer. Participants receive a discount code for a replacement unit and can arrange free, on-site collection of the old system. Recycling and upgrade process Vertiv manages the process from registration to recycling. Businesses submit details of an existing UPS through a partner, receive approval, purchase a replacement unit, and schedule collection of the retired equipment. Eligible replacements include the Vertiv Edge, Vertiv Liebert GXT5, and Vertiv Liebert GXE UPS ranges. Stuart McDougall, Channel Marketing Specialist, Northern Europe at Vertiv, says, “While many UPS vendors offer recycling or limited trade-in options, the Vertiv Power Swap programme is designed specifically for the UK channel and single-phase UPS market, uniquely combining discount incentives and an efficient trade-in process. "The Vertiv Power Swap program helps our partners to reduce their carbon footprint. With the launch of this new initiative, we're supporting UK businesses to upgrade their power protection whilst decreasing their environmental impact." Martin Ryder, Channel Sales Director, Northern Europe at Vertiv, adds, “This program strengthens our commitment to the channel by providing partners with an opportunity for enhanced margins, and customers with reliable, innovative UPS technology. "The Power Swap Program makes it easier than ever to transition to high-efficiency solutions like the Vertiv Edge, Vertiv Liebert GXT5, and Vertiv Liebert GXE, enabling greater uptime and cost savings in today's demanding IT environments.” The programme is available to UK customers and partners until the end of 2026. For more from Vertiv, click here.

LINX to upgrade Lunar Digital data centre into fully resilient PoP

The London Internet Exchange (LINX), an internet exchange point (IXP) operator, is planning to upgrade its presence at the Lunar Digital data centre in Manchester, UK, transitioning the site from a single-homed transmission site to a dual-homed, fully resilient point of presence (PoP). LINX initially went live at Lunar Digital to gauge market demand for an additional PoP at the LINX Manchester interconnection hub. The reportedly strong uptake of services since the September 2024 deployment has now indicated to the company the need for a full, diverse, and resilient presence from the IXP at the facility. Jennifer Holmes, CEO of LINX, comments, “Manchester continues to establish itself as a powerhouse digital hub for the North, and the response and demand for LINX services from networks at Lunar Digital has exceeded our expectations.” Mike Hellers, Product Development Manager for LINX, adds, “Our Manchester LAN has tripled in size over the last couple of years to now enabling 130 networks to access low-latency services and [it] regularly carries more than 900Gbps of traffic at busy periods. “Upgrading Lunar to a resilient PoP ensures existing LINX members and future networks can benefit from enhanced reliability, additional capacity, and greater choice as the regional ecosystem continues to grow.” Manchester as a growing hub Lunar Digital operates three data centres in Manchester with LINX being accessible via a single cross connect from Lunar1 and Lunar2. The announced move underscores the rapid expansion of network operators, cloud platforms, content providers, and digital businesses choosing to colocate in Manchester. “We’re thrilled to deepen our collaboration with LINX,” says Rob Garbutt, CEO of Lunar Digital. “The upgrade to a full PoP reflects not only the growth of Lunar Digital, but the wider demand for robust, high‑performance, low-latency connectivity options across the North of England.” Networks at Lunar Digital will be able to access services at the LINX Manchester internet exchange via a single cross connect. This includes services like peering, private VLANs, Closed User Groups, and the exclusive Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS). The transition work is due to be completed in the coming weeks. For more from LINX, click here.

Infosys, ExxonMobil collaborate on immersion cooling

Infosys, an Indian multinational provider of IT services, has expanded its collaboration with ExxonMobil, a US multinational oil and gas company, to develop and deploy ExxonMobil data centre immersion fluids for AI and high-performance computing environments. The initiative focuses on improving energy efficiency and supporting higher-density compute infrastructure. It builds on the companies’ existing relationship and targets the growing power and cooling requirements associated with AI workloads. Infosys will combine ExxonMobil’s immersion cooling fluids with its Topaz AI portfolio and Cobalt cloud services framework. The aim is to support the design and deployment of cooling systems across cloud and data centre environments. AI-driven optimisation and cloud integration According to Infosys, Topaz will be used to optimise cooling operations through real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. Cobalt will provide cloud integration and deployment support for enterprise environments. The collaboration is expected to target hyperscalers, enterprises, and public sector organisations across sectors including financial services, telecoms, manufacturing, and energy. Ashiss Kumar Dash, EVP & Global Head - Services, Utilities, Resources, Energy and Enterprise Sustainability at Infosys, says, “Our expanded collaboration with ExxonMobil marks a pivotal step in scaling next-generation solutions. "By leveraging Infosys Topaz for real-time AI-driven optimisation and Infosys Cobalt for secure, scalable cloud deployment with ExxonMobil’s advanced energy expertise, we are addressing the urgent need for more efficient high-performance digital infrastructure. "This collaboration has the potential to deliver measurable outcomes by reducing data centre energy costs and carbon emissions while empowering enterprises to scale responsibly and meet the demands of an AI-powered future.” Alistair Westwood, Global Marketing Manager, ExxonMobil Product Solutions Company, adds, “This collaboration reflects our commitment to innovation by allowing us to apply our energy and thermal management expertise to the evolving landscape of digital infrastructure. "Infosys’ suite of AI and digital services is enabling us to pilot and adopt infrastructure that is smarter, efficient, and more resilient.”

nLighten's Stuttgart data centre to reuse heat

European data centre operator nLighten's data centre in Stuttgart, Germany, is set to feed excess heat into the local heating network, supporting the municipal it.schule training centre and DEKRA buildings in the Möhringen district. To deliver the project, nLighten is partnering with Wärmelösungen Synergiepark Stuttgart, a joint venture between Stadtwerke Stuttgart and e-con AG. The companies have signed a cooperation agreement, with the scheme expected to go live later in 2026. It has received funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The recovered heat will be sold to Synergiepark Stuttgart, which will process and distribute it through an expanded heating network. The infrastructure is designed to deliver up to 1.8MW of heat output. Closed-loop system for heat recovery A closed-loop water system will capture heat from the data centre’s servers and heat pumps will raise the temperature to the level required by end users before distribution. nLighten states that the Stuttgart project follows a similar initiative in Eschborn and forms part of its wider approach to reducing emissions by combining renewable electricity use with heat reuse. Andreas Herden, Managing Director Germany at nLighten, comments, “The heat reuse project in Stuttgart is another milestone for nLighten and demonstrates how data centres can become active shapers of the energy transition. "Following our successful project in Eschborn, we are once again proving that Europe’s digital infrastructure can be designed not only to be powerful and connected, but also sustainable.” Ulf Hummel, Managing Director of Wärmelösungen Synergiepark Stuttgart, adds, “The excess heat project with nLighten creates an added value for everyone involved: it delivers climate-friendly heat for our customers, strengthens the data centre’s sustainable business model, and represents an important step towards decarbonising Stuttgart’s heat supply. "As a young company, Wärmelösungen Synergiepark Stuttgart set out to provide climate-neutral heat to the entire industrial area in Vaihingen and Möhringen. Connecting the data centre is the reward for the many years of planning.” For more from nLighten, click here.