Siemens develops AI data centre reference architecture

German multinational technology company Siemens has worked with NVIDIA and Fluence to develop a reference architecture aligned with NVIDIA DSX Vera Rubin, providing an electrical, power, and controls framework for hyperscalers, colocation providers, and cloud infrastructure operators deploying AI data centres. As AI workloads continue to drive demand for larger-scale infrastructure, platforms such as NVIDIA Vera Rubin NVL72 are increasing requirements for power and cooling. Data centre operators must also address challenges including site selection, grid connectivity, capital expenditure, and deployment times while integrating emerging technologies. The reference design, as a response to this, is based on a 136MW facility with a 100MW IT load. It covers the electrical infrastructure from the utility connection at 34.5kV through medium-voltage distribution, modular low-voltage power blocks, and rack-level interfaces. The architecture is designed to meet Tier III concurrent maintainability requirements, allowing individual components to be taken out of service without affecting IT operations. The modular design also allows capacity to be added in phases, supporting deployments ranging from 10s of megawatts to 100s of megawatts without requiring a complete redesign. The reference architecture incorporates electrical design parameters aligned with nVent and NVIDIA requirements, and a future update is expected to add advanced thermal management guidance. Sara Zawoyski, President of nVent Systems Protection, says, "nVent has deployed more than two gigawatts of liquid cooling capacity globally. That operational experience is what allows us to help partners like Siemens translate reference architectures into deployable thermal solutions that perform reliably from day one at this scale. "Platforms like NVIDIA Vera Rubin NVL72 are pushing rack densities well beyond what traditional air-cooled infrastructure can support." Supporting large-scale AI infrastructure According to Siemens, the architecture is designed to support high-density AI deployments while maintaining compatibility with future IT platforms and changing energy requirements. It also supports NVIDIA DSX MaxLPS and is intended to help operators maximise computing output within fixed power limits. Ruth Gratzke, President of Siemens Smart Infrastructure USA, states, "Siemens’ deep expertise in power systems and controls engineering, modular infrastructure, protection, and industrialised delivery is really evident in this latest joint reference architecture design. "Our pre-engineered, prefabricated, and factory-tested medium- and low-voltage skids help minimise on-site construction complexity, shorten commissioning cycles, and improve quality, safety, and repeatability across deployments. "Further, our automation and digital twin strategies deployed in this reference help ensure that facilities are brought online faster and with greater potential to produce tokens at scale." The design also incorporates battery energy storage technology from Fluence to provide additional operational flexibility and resilience. Jeff Monday, Chief Growth Officer at Fluence, suggests, "Our Smartstack platform is central to this new architecture, transforming the grid into an accelerator for compute. "By providing essential capabilities like voltage and frequency ride through, black start, grid demand response, and AI load smoothing, we are enabling our customers to build the AI factories of the future faster and more reliably." The architecture also includes integration with a centralised data centre management platform, providing visibility across power, cooling, and compute infrastructure through a single management interface. For more from Siemens, click here.

Pure DC launches carbon removal platform

A Healthier Earth (AHE), the climate technology research and development subsidiary of Pure Data Centres Group (Pure DC), has launched a carbon removal platform designed to increase the availability of biochar-based carbon removal credits for hyperscale operators, enterprises, and institutional buyers. According to AHE, the platform combines carbon removal project development, financing, governance, and verification within a single framework. The company says the initiative is intended to address challenges associated with the fragmented nature of the current carbon removal market. The launch comes as demand for carbon removal projects increases alongside broader corporate decarbonisation targets and continued investment in AI infrastructure. Gary Wojtaszek, Executive Chairman and interim CEO of Pure DC, comments, “What we’re doing at Pure DC is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. "In Dublin, we’ve demonstrated that net zero carbon, self-powered data centres are deliverable. Now, with our Biochar Integrated Carbon Removal from AHE, we’re making them scalable. “This isn’t incremental improvement; it’s a complete reset of how this sector will be built going forwards.” AHE says it is expanding its commercial, scientific, and operational capabilities to support the development of the platform as it moves from individual projects towards a longer-term operating model. Platform combines carbon removal projects and verification According to AHE, the platform combines company-owned production facilities with partner-developed projects, operating under a common governance structure and technical standards. All carbon removal credits generated through the platform will be certified under the Isometric Standard and supported by digital monitoring, reporting, and verification technology from Mangrove Systems. The company says this approach is intended to provide buyers with greater consistency, transparency, and traceability across carbon removal projects. Lukas May, Chief Commercial Officer at Isometric, states, “The data centre sector needs scalable, high-quality carbon removal and the confidence that every credit represents genuine climate impact. We’re looking forward to working with A Healthier Earth to deliver on that mission.” Brandon Vlaar, CEO of Mangrove Systems, adds, “We’re proud to be chosen as AHE’s digital data infrastructure partner, combining automation and AI-enabled tools to ensure every tonne of carbon removed through the platform is measured, accurate, and verified.” Carbon removal linked to data centre decarbonisation plans Pure DC says the platform forms part of its wider decarbonisation strategy and will support discussions with hyperscale customers and other organisations seeking to address residual emissions alongside energy efficiency measures. According to the company, the platform is designed to complement carbon reduction initiatives across its data centre campuses while providing customers with access to independently verified carbon removal projects. AHE says the framework has been developed to provide long-term access to carbon removal credits while maintaining oversight through centralised governance, verification processes, and project monitoring. For more from Pure DC, click here.

VIRTUS installs super-grid transformers at Berlin campus

VIRTUS Data Centres, a UK data centre owner-operator and part of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), has completed the installation of two 185MVA super-grid transformers at its Wustermark campus in Berlin/Brandenburg, Germany. According to the company, the transformers are among the largest deployed at a European data centre and represent a key milestone in the development of the site. The Wustermark campus is expected to become the first data centre campus in the Berlin/Brandenburg region to connect directly to a 380kV transmission network. VIRTUS says this will give customers the option of operating without diesel generators while maintaining access to conventional backup generation where required. The transformers form part of the campus's initial 300MW capacity, with power supplied through a dedicated 500MW substation and dual direct connections to the 50Hertz 380kV network. VIRTUS says the integration with the 50Hertz Wustermark substation and the high-voltage transmission connections are designed to provide a resilient and stable power architecture for large-scale data centre operations. High-voltage design targets efficiency and resilience The company says the site has been designed to support both traditional generator-backed operations and a generator-free operating model. As with other VIRTUS facilities, the campus will operate using 100% certified renewable electricity. The site is also located close to regional renewable energy resources, including onshore wind generation. According to VIRTUS, the higher-voltage transformer design provides several operational benefits, including improved electrical efficiency, reduced transmission losses, increased system stability, and enhanced resilience for high-density computing environments. The company adds that the approach may also help reduce system usage charges and long-term energy costs. Mike Golding, SVP of Construction at VIRTUS Data Centres, says, “Delivering the Wustermark Campus has been one of the most ambitious engineering programmes VIRTUS has undertaken to date. “From the 380kV connections to the deployment of these super-grid transformers, every element has been designed to deliver levels of resilience and scalability that have not previously been available in this region. “This campus represents a new generation of infrastructure - one that supports AI-scale growth, reduces reliance on generators, and aligns with the future of renewable energy.” For more from VIRTUS, click here.

Digital infrastructure boosts rural development in Guizhou

The province of Guizhou has reached the top ranks in base station numbers and 5G coverage in China. Digital infrastructure like base stations forms a strong economic foundation and stimulates rural development. Under the guidance of national strategies like Digital China and Broadband China, Guizhou continues to enhance communications network construction. Robust 4G, 5G, and 5G-A networks have enabled mountainous villages and ancient towns in Guizhou to overcome geographical and communications barriers. These upgrades have made life more convenient for local residents, stimulated rural economic growth, and enabled local intangible cultural heritage to reach a wider audience, ensuring shared benefits from digitalisation for all. Guizhou is one of China's first national big data pilot regions. To date, China Mobile has built nearly 200,000 base stations in the province, including more than 70,000 5G base stations. Now all of Guizhou's administrative villages and high-speed rail lines are covered by 5G. Special coverage assurance is provided for key urban and rural areas, with gigabit broadband available in all townships. Connecting canyons with 5G-A to stimulate growth Economic and telecom development along the Huajiang Grand Canyon, which looks like a crack in the Earth, have long been constrained by the region's mountainous terrain. Now, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge has eliminated physical barriers, and the integrated communications networks built by Chinese multinational technology company Huawei and China Mobile provide a digital bridge for these villages. Working in the steep cliffs of the Huajiang Grand Canyon, Huawei and China Mobile innovatively used drones to deploy four 4G sites, four 5G sites, and 39 cells on the bridge and in its surrounding areas to provide 4G, 5G, and 5G–A connectivity for around 11,000 users. Field tests in hotspot areas like the Yundu Service Area have shown average 5G-A download speeds of up to 1500Mbps. Pan Cong, Network Engineer at China Mobile Guizhou, explains, "For Guizhou's complex mountainous terrain, we used drone-assisted lifting and installation to solve the challenge of building networks over cliffs and canyons where traditional construction methods cannot be applied." Improved transport and network infrastructure is stimulating and transforming the development of villages in the region. Residents of Xiaohuajiang Village now use high-speed networks for e-commerce and homestay businesses. In April 2026, the village had a total of 19 homestays, and its homestay revenue and tourist numbers increased three to fourfold year-on-year. Homestay owner Lin Guoquan says, "Now, more tourists can find out about our village through short videos and livestreaming. And many young people who used to work in other places have returned home to seek careers in the village." Digital technology helps conserve and promote the cultural heritage of ancient towns Digital enablement is happening in Guizhou's ancient towns as well. In Tianlong Tunpu Ancient Town, which has a history of more than 600 years, network construction was very difficult in the past due to the town's narrow streets and densely-packed stone buildings. Today, Huawei and China Mobile have used innovative solutions to build nine 4G base stations, eight 5G base stations, and one 5G-A base station to provide seamless network coverage in the town's core areas. With improved connectivity, residents in the town have started selling local products like chili peppers and batik items through livestreaming. This has resulted in a 15% increase in agricultural product sales and a 9% increase in resident income. Dixi Opera, a form of intangible cultural heritage, can now reach a wider audience through livestreaming. Relevant livestreams have already garnered more than 100,000 views. These developments have boosted local cultural tourism. From January to April 2026, the number of visitors to Tianlong Tunpu Ancient Town increased by two to three times year-on-year. Dixi Opera performer Zheng Ruhong comments, "Now, many people across the country know about Dixi Opera from livestreaming. Many young people who used to work in other places have returned home to learn this art. This ensures that this intangible cultural heritage can be preserved and passed down." Working together to promote digital inclusion and bridge the development divide On 29 May, China Mobile and Huawei jointly hosted the TECH Cares Digital and Intelligent Guizhou Roundtable Forum, which brought together representatives from carriers, enterprises, and international organisations. The attendees discussed how digital infrastructure enables rural development, intangible cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable development in the region, and explored new paths for inclusive digital development. Yang Mengmeng from China Mobile Guizhou stated that China Mobile Guizhou set up special teams to overcome the challenges of building networks in mountainous areas to serve local residents in Guizhou. The company has led the construction of a 'gigabit Guizhou', providing 5G coverage to all administrative villages and dual gigabit connections to all townships. Aleksei Savrasov from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) says, "For a remote enterprise, a signal bar is the difference between a local stall and a global market. Where the signal reaches, the economy follows." Huawei's Zhou Jianguo adds, "While physical bridges shorten distances, digital connections bridge digital gaps. Huawei will continue advancing technological innovation and open collaboration to provide remote areas with equal access to the digital world, so that they can share in the dividends of the digital era." By 2025, Huawei had worked with partners to provide digital connectivity for 170 million people in rural and remote areas in more than 80 countries and regions. Moving forwards, Huawei and China Mobile say they will continue to innovate in rural network technologies and provide digital skills training to help more regions bridge geographical and digital divides. This will allow more people to benefit from the digital and intelligent world. For more from Huawei, click here.

euNetworks launches quantum-safe connectivity service

euNetworks, a European bandwidth infrastructure company, has launched a new quantum-safe private connectivity service developed in collaboration with Adtran, a US manufacturer of networking and communications equipment. Called Quantum Shield, the service is designed to provide encrypted data centre connectivity for organisations with high security and compliance requirements across Europe. According to euNetworks, the platform combines dedicated optical infrastructure, real-time fibre monitoring, and quantum-resistant encryption technologies to protect sensitive data in transit. The company says the launch comes as businesses prepare for evolving cybersecurity regulations and post-quantum security requirements, including the EU’s post-quantum cryptography roadmap, DORA, and NIS2. Quantum Shield will be offered as an additional security layer for euNetworks’ Private Connect MOFN service, which provides managed private network infrastructure for enterprise customers. The new platform uses FSP 3000 technology from Adtran, alongside post-quantum cryptography aligned with standards from NIST. According to the companies, all traffic is encrypted automatically at Layer 1 across dedicated fibre infrastructure. Optical monitoring and encryption combined for data protection The deployment also incorporates Adtran’s ALM fibre monitoring technology, which is designed to detect and locate fibre-tapping events in real time. euNetworks says the combined system is intended to provide low-latency, high-throughput connectivity while giving customers greater visibility into how data is secured across the optical layer. Marisa Trisolino, CEO of euNetworks, says, “We’re committed to providing customers with connectivity that meets increasingly stringent security requirements and chose to partner with Adtran because they bring deep expertise in optical networking and a practical understanding of how private infrastructure is built and operated at scale.” Christoph Glingener, CTO of Adtran, adds, “By combining quantum-resilient encryption with real-time fibre monitoring, we’re helping euNetworks safeguard critical traffic without compromising performance or scalability.” The companies say the deployment reflects increasing demand for secure optical networking infrastructure as enterprises prepare for future cybersecurity challenges linked to quantum computing. For more from euNetworks, click here.

ChemTreat joins Dow coolant network for data centres

ChemTreat, a US provider of industrial water treatment chemicals and cooling system services, has joined materials science company Dow’s Coolant Care Network as a strategic US service provider for AI and liquid-cooled data centre environments. Under the agreement, ChemTreat becomes Dow’s only preferred service provider in Virginia, USA, and will provide national support for the company’s coolant management programme. According to Dow, the Coolant Care Network combines coolant supply, fluid testing, data analysis, and field support within a single framework for data centre operators. ChemTreat will provide on-site services including fluid sampling, mitigation, and coolant optimisation, working alongside Dow-qualified laboratories and technical specialists. The companies say the collaboration is intended to support data centres deploying liquid cooling systems for AI and high-density compute workloads. Ashour Khamis, President of ChemTreat, notes, “The data centre industry is under enormous pressure to scale liquid cooling environments to meet AI-driven workload demands. “Pairing ChemTreat’s proven service-focused approach with Dow’s decades of thermal fluid innovation and reliable global supply chain allows us to help customers quickly deploy mission-critical systems and maintain reliable cooling lifecycle performance.” Liquid cooling demand grows alongside AI workloads ChemTreat says its data centre offering includes water treatment technologies, monitoring systems, specialist chemistries, and support for direct-to-chip cooling loops and facility cooling infrastructure. Through the partnership, the company will also provide access to Dow’s DOWFROST LC and DOWFROST HD heat transfer fluids, alongside certified coolant testing services and technical support. Chuck Carn, Data Center Growth Platform Director at Dow, says, “This collaboration reflects Dow’s clear understanding of the operational complexity data centre operators face as cooling systems become more critical to performance and uptime. “Collaborating with experienced service providers like ChemTreat, who uphold rigorous technical and service standards, is key to helping customers run their operations smoothly and with confidence.” The companies say the partnership is designed to address increasing cooling requirements as AI infrastructure deployment continues to expand globally.

MPs warn grid failures could cost Britain the AI race

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Data Centres has published its Insights Paper, summarising findings from its inaugural 'Call for Evidence'. The group is a cross‑party group of UK MPs and Peers that fosters parliamentary understanding of data centre development, examines sector challenges (particularly planning, energy, resilience, and sustainability) and makes evidence‑based policy recommendations to support UK digital infrastructure and economic growth. Notably, respondents to its Call for Evidence signalled a substantial appetite to invest in UK data centre infrastructure. Operators including Ark Data Centres, Nebius, Pure DC, and VIRTUS collectively identified £11–12 billion in specific investment plans, while Microsoft's submission committed a further £22 billion to UK AI infrastructure. Despite this intent, respondents consistently described a set of interconnected structural barriers constraining the pace and location of development: • Grid access and energy supply ranked as the sector's top priority, with 52% of respondents placing it first. • Planning was placed in the top three by nearly four in five respondents (79%), while energy costs, sustainability, water use, and skills also featured prominently across submissions. • The APPG is particularly keen to hear further evidence from community representatives, local authorities, and organisations with experience of data centre development outside London and the South East. Parliamentary comments Chris Curtis MP, Chair of the Data Centres APPG, notes, "This Call for Evidence shows that while significant investment is ready to support the UK's expanding AI and digital economy, it remains constrained by grid access, energy costs, and planning inconsistencies. “The APPG will use this evidence over the coming year to work constructively with stakeholders and the Government to ensure that there is a well-informed view on how data centre infrastructure drives our national economic growth." Alison Griffiths MP, Vice-Chair of the Data Centres APPG, adds, “The submissions to this Call for Evidence make clear that the barriers to data centre development are not insurmountable. "They highlight gaps in the consistent application of planning policy by local authorities, as well as the need to ensure electricity cost competitiveness is felt across every part of the country. "It is clear there are practical steps the Government can take to strengthen the UK’s leadership in digital infrastructure [and] I look forward to exploring these issues further in our upcoming evidence sessions.” David Reed MP, Officer of the Data Centres APPG, highlights, "The submissions from academic institutions such as Exeter, Durham, and Oxford remind us that research computing infrastructure is increasingly cost-prohibitive for academia. This gap risks undermining the UK's long-term international scientific competitiveness. “As the APPG deepens its work, I look forward to hearing from a broad range of stakeholders in this vital debate and developing practical solutions that support a thriving data centre ecosystem.” The Rt Hon. the Lord (Philip) Hunt of King’s Heath OBE, Officer of the Data Centres APPG, concludes, "Sustainability is not a secondary consideration for this sector; it is central to its long-term viability and its licence to operate in communities across the UK. “The evidence on waste heat recovery is particularly striking: the UK is currently capturing just 3–5% of the heat generated by data centres, against a backdrop of a national housing and energy challenge that demands innovative solutions. The APPG will be pressing hard on what policy levers can unlock this opportunity."

Schneider to showcase AI infrastructure at Datacloud

Global energy technology company Schneider Electric has announced it will present its latest AI-ready data centre technologies during the Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes, France, from 1–4 June 2026. The company says it will showcase technologies designed to address increasing demands around power delivery, cooling, resiliency, and high-density compute as AI workloads continue to scale. According to Schneider Electric, the event will focus on infrastructure designed for AI deployments, including power architectures, liquid cooling systems, software platforms, and digital services for data centre environments. The company cites forecasts from Morgan Stanley and Gartner predicting significant growth in AI-related infrastructure investment and global AI spending over the coming years. Industry discussions to focus on AI growth challenges On 2 June, Frédéric Godemel, EVP of Energy Management Business at Schneider Electric, will join representatives from Oracle, DATA4, QTS Data Centers, and CBRE for a keynote panel examining AI infrastructure demand and the development of neocloud deployments. Later that same day, Thierry Chamayou, Vice President of Cloud and Service Providers in EMEA at Schneider Electric, will participate in a separate panel discussing energy investment strategies and utility collaboration for AI infrastructure projects. Participants include representatives from GreenScale, Trench Group, Kao Data, JSM Group, and Solar Turbines. Marc Garner, Global President of Schneider Electric’s Cloud and Service Provider Segment, says, “AI is fundamentally reshaping the future of digital infrastructure, creating new demands around power, cooling, and resiliency at unprecedented scale. “At Datacloud Global Congress, we will demonstrate how collaboration across the ecosystem is enabling the next generation of AI factories and helping organisations build scalable, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure built for the AI era.” Liquid cooling and AI data centre technologies on display Schneider Electric will also present technologies including its 800VDC architecture, liquid cooling systems from Motivair, high-density racks, and digital modelling platforms. The company says demonstrations will include NVIDIA Omniverse integrations, digital twin technologies, and NVIDIA reference designs for the GB300 NVL72 platform. Visitors to Stand 122 will also be able to view the company’s EcoStruxure IT DCIM and EcoStruxure Foresight software platforms, alongside its microgrid and data centre services portfolio. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Kao Data appoints new CEO

Kao Data, a data centre developer and operator, has appointed Spencer Lamb as Chief Executive Officer as the company continues expanding its AI-focused data centre platform across the UK. Spencer Lamb, who joined Kao Data in January 2020, previously served as Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer. He will now oversee day-to-day operations and growth strategy alongside founder and Executive Chairman David Bloom. According to the company, Spencer will focus on the development of Kao Data’s AI-ready data centre capacity and support the continued growth of its UK facilities. David Bloom will remain Executive Chairman, concentrating on long-term strategy, financing, partnerships, and engagement with government around AI infrastructure and energy development. During his time at Kao Data, Spencer has led the company’s commercial strategy and supported the expansion of its portfolio across Harlow, Slough, Northolt, Park Royal, Greater Manchester, and additional sites under development. The company says he has also played a key role in developing the Harlow campus as a location for high-performance computing, AI workloads, scientific research, and life sciences computing. A leadership change to support AI infrastructure growth Kao Data says the leadership structure is intended to support the company’s next phase of growth as demand for AI and high-density computing infrastructure increases. Spencer comments, “I have loved my time at Kao Data, and I am excited to step up and lead the company as its CEO. “I am looking forward to ensuring Kao Data continues to play a strong and defining role in the UK’s AI infrastructure story, and that we keep delivering for our customers, our people, and the communities we operate in.” David Bloom, Executive Chairman at Kao Data, adds, “Spencer’s appointment formalises what has been an increasingly natural evolution in how we lead this business. “As CEO, Spencer will drive Kao Data’s operations and day-to-day growth strategy, while I remain directly focused on the strategic priorities that will shape our next chapter: major financing, capital partnerships, M&A, and our ongoing engagement with government on the UK’s AI infrastructure agenda.” Spencer Lamb’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer is effective immediately. For more from Kao Data, click here.

Data centre cycling event returns to Cannes

The Data Center Cycling Club (DC.CC) will return to the French Riviera ahead of the Datacloud Global Congress 2026, bringing together riders from across the global data centre sector for a charity cycling challenge in Cannes. Now in its fourth year, the event will see 17 riders from nine companies complete a three-day route across the French Riviera between 29 May and 31 May 2026. Organisers say the event is intended to promote wellbeing, industry networking, and fundraising for charity. Founded by Tom Babbington, DC.CC has expanded each year since launching, with support from businesses across the data centre industry. This year’s routes begin in Cannes and include climbs and coastal roads across the region, including Col de la Madone, Gorges du Loup, the Mediterranean coastline, and Mont Vinaigre. Riders are expected to cover approximately 500km and 7,644m of elevation across the three days. The event will again be led by Marcus Cram, event manager and cyclist, alongside UK National Hill Climb Champion Rachel Galler, who will act as guide for the tour. Tom Babbington, Founder of DC.CC, says, “When I founded the Data Center Cycling Club, I believed our industry was full of people who love a challenge, love a cause, and love the opportunity to come together through cycling. “This event is about much more than the kilometres we ride; it’s about building connections across the industry and supporting a charity carrying out life-changing work for children and families.” DC.CC supports children’s medical research charity Funds raised through the 2026 event will go to Action Medical Research, a UK charity that funds medical research focused on children and babies. According to the charity, its research funding has contributed to developments including polio vaccines, meningitis treatment, and ultrasound scanning during pregnancy. Lucy Holloway, Corporate Partnerships & Events Management Executive at Action Medical Research, comments, “Support from initiatives like DC.CC helps us to continue funding the next generation of medical breakthroughs for babies, children, and families across the UK.” DC.CC first launched with the Tour of Europe ride from Amsterdam to Monaco, timed to coincide with the opening of Datacloud Global Congress. Organisers say participation has continued to grow since the inaugural event. This year’s event is supported by companies from across the data centre sector, including Adaptive MDC, Pentagon Technical Services, EAE Group, Ridge & Partners, Spa Communications, GagaMuller, Kolo DC, Zauner Group, and B + R Architects.