Lenovo to supply HPC for research at Southampton Uni

Lenovo, a Chinese multinational technology company making servers and AI infrastructure systems, has signed a four-year agreement with the University of Southampton in the UK to supply high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure, supporting the university's research programmes. Through and in addition to this, the company says it also plans to return to the 'Top500' ranking of the world's most powerful supercomputers. Under the agreement, Lenovo will become the university's preferred supplier of HPC infrastructure following a competitive tender process. The partnership builds on a relationship between the two organisations spanning more than a decade. The first order, valued at approximately £7 million, is scheduled for delivery during summer 2026. New systems to support AI and scientific research The initial deployment will include Lenovo ThinkSystem SR675 V3 servers equipped with NVIDIA H200 GPUs and NVLink technology, designed for artificial intelligence, simulation, and other compute-intensive workloads. A second phase is expected to introduce a cluster based on NVIDIA Grace Blackwell architecture using Lenovo ThinkSystem SC777 V4 Neptune servers, further increasing the university's computing capacity. According to Lenovo, the systems will support research across a range of scientific disciplines and help expand the university's computational capabilities. Andy Rhodes, Managing Director of Lenovo UK & Ireland, says, "As research demands continue to grow in scale and complexity, access to powerful, scalable computing is critical. "Lenovo's latest HPC solutions, including next-generation GPU-accelerated systems, will enable the University of Southampton to tackle data-intensive workloads and accelerate breakthrough research. We are proud to support their ambition to further elevate their global research standing." Partnership extends beyond infrastructure Alongside the deployment of HPC systems, the agreement includes opportunities for collaboration on end-user computing, researcher engagement, and the adoption of new technologies across the university. Professor Mark Spearing, Vice President Research and Enterprise at the University of Southampton, comments, "This partnership represents a major step forward in strengthening our research infrastructure. "These new HPC capabilities will play a vital role in enabling cutting-edge research and innovation, helping to raise the global profile of Southampton's research community and compete at the highest international level." The organisations also expect to work together on activities linked to the British Science Festival, which will be hosted by the University of Southampton in September 2026. For more from Lenovo, click here.

EdgeMode signs MOU for 300MW Toledo data centre

EdgeMode, a digital infrastructure company specialising in developing high-performance computing (HPC) data centres, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the City Council of Mora to support the development of the planned 300MW DC Malpica data centre campus in Toledo, Spain. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two during the development of the site, which is intended to support artificial intelligence (AI), HPC, and cloud workloads. The MOU was signed by Mora Mayor Emilio Bravo Peña and EdgeMode CEO Charlie Faulkner during a ceremony at the municipality's plenary hall. EdgeMode says DC Malpica forms part of its eight-site portfolio in Spain, representing more than 4.35GW of planned capacity. The site is also located near Madrid, a major European hub for AI and digital infrastructure. In addition to this, earlier this year, the company announced plans to deploy solid oxide fuel cell microgrid technology to supply power to the campus. Agreement sets out development priorities Under the agreement, the City Council of Mora will provide institutional support for the project, coordinate with administrative departments, and support efforts to secure Project of Strategic Interest status for the development. EdgeMode says it will work to integrate the campus into the local economy, with priorities including employment, collaboration with regional businesses, and skills development initiatives. According to the company, the project could create up to 5,000 jobs during the construction phase. The planned campus will also incorporate energy-efficient and low-emission technologies as part of its sustainability strategy. Emilio Bravo Peña comments, "With this data centre project, we will be a leading town not just in Spain, but in Europe. Furthermore, I am sure that the magnet effect will work, and companies from other sectors - some of which are necessary for this project - will also come to Mora." Charlie Faulkner, CEO of EdgeMode, adds, "This agreement marks a critical milestone in the development of one of Europe's prime locations for data centre capacity and our collaboration with the City of Mora. "By establishing this institutional framework, we can navigate the development process efficiently while ensuring that DC Malpica delivers lasting economic value, high-quality employment, and technological advancement to the local community without compromising on environmental standards." The memorandum has an initial term of 24 months and outlines commitments to regulatory compliance, transparent communication, and cooperation throughout the development process.

Broadcom, Nationwide deepen cloud partnership

Nationwide Building Society, the world’s largest building society, has expanded its strategic partnership with Broadcom, a designer, developer, and supplier of semiconductor and infrastructure software, as it continues to develop its private cloud infrastructure and integrate Virgin Money into the wider organisation. The agreement will see Nationwide adopt VMware Cloud Foundation as the platform for its private cloud, providing a standardised infrastructure for applications and digital services across the enlarged group. According to the organisations, the platform is intended to support greater resilience, scalability, and operational consistency while meeting the governance and compliance requirements of the UK financial services sector. Paul Walsh, Director of Infrastructure and Service Delivery at Nationwide, says, "Our extended partnership with Broadcom represents a significant step forward in our technology strategy. "As we continue to evolve as a business, including integrating Virgin Money into the group, it is vital that we have a resilient, scalable, and secure technology foundation. "A private cloud built on VMware Cloud Foundation enables us to simplify operations, accelerate innovation, and deliver seamless digital experiences for our members, while maintaining the trust and stability that define the Nationwide brand." A private cloud platform to support integration VMware Cloud Foundation combines compute, storage, networking, management, security, and automation within a single private cloud platform. Nationwide says the technology will provide a common infrastructure for traditional applications, cloud-native workloads, and future artificial intelligence deployments, whilst helping simplify infrastructure management across the organisation. The building society also expects the platform to support long-term operational efficiency and service continuity as it modernises its IT estate. Joe Baguley, EMEA Chief Technology Officer at Broadcom, says, "Nationwide is taking a deliberate and strategic approach to private cloud that balances agility with control and innovation with resilience. "By extending our partnership and adopting VMware Cloud Foundation as a consistent platform across the group, Nationwide will be able to integrate operations more efficiently, accelerate service delivery, and reduce operational complexity, while maintaining the security and governance expected of a leading UK financial services brand."

SUBCO activates Australian SMAP subsea cable

SUBCO, an Australian developer of undersea fibre optic cable networks, has announced that its 5,000km Sydney–Melbourne–Adelaide–Perth (SMAP) subsea cable system is now ready for service. The company says the system is the largest transcontinental capacity upgrade in Australia for almost 25 years, connecting the country's four largest cities through a single, fully armoured subsea cable. SMAP comprises 16 fibre pairs and uses space division multiplexing (SDM) technology to provide more than 400Tbps of capacity. According to SUBCO, it is Australia's first 'hypercable' and the first submarine cable system to land in both Melbourne and Adelaide, providing an additional route between Sydney and Perth. Bevan Slattery, founder and Co-CEO of SUBCO, comments, "SMAP going live is the culmination of more than three years of hard work, and a landmark moment for Australia's digital future. "For the first time, the nation's four major cities are connected by a single, fully armoured, high-capacity subsea system, delivering the resilience and scale that Australia's digital economy, and its role as a connectivity hub for the Indo-Pacific, demands." Foundation customers begin using new network The system's foundation customers include 5GN, Swoop, Aussie Broadband, Cloudflare, GSL, Host Universal, Kinetix, Leaptel, Megaport, Telair, and Virtutel. Brad Parker, CTO at Aussie Broadband, notes, "By coming on board early as a foundational customer of SMAP, we're locking in the capacity, performance, and resilience our customers will need for the next decade and beyond. "The hyperscale capacity and added redundancy allows us to move massive volumes of traffic between our capital city points of presence with lower latency, higher availability, and far more headroom for growth." Damian Matacz, Director, Network Strategy at Cloudflare, adds, "A better internet is built on resilient infrastructure. SMAP gives Cloudflare diverse new domestic paths across Australia, strengthening our network and elevating the experience for everyone our customers serve." Brendan Halley of Host Universal concludes, "SUBCO have always been forward thinking in how they design and operate their cable systems. SMAP is a standout example of that, delivering the resilient, sovereign infrastructure Australia needs. We're proud to continue our relationship as a foundation partner." For more from SUBCO, click here.

Schneider upgrades NHS Trust's critical infrastructure

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has completed a power infrastructure modernisation project using Schneider Electric technology to improve monitoring, visibility, and management of critical systems across its estate. The project was delivered with Schneider Electric, alongside EcoXpert partner RMD and technology provider XMA, and included the deployment of EcoStruxure monitoring software and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) equipment across multiple sites. The Trust provides healthcare services to more than 500,000 people across Northumberland and North Tyneside in the UK, with its IT infrastructure supporting electronic patient records, clinical systems, administration, access control, and CCTV. According to the Trust, a mix of legacy UPS systems from different manufacturers had created challenges around maintenance, monitoring, and service continuity. Mathew Burns, Operational Infrastructure Manager at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, says, "With the UPS and network infrastructure, our ultimate goal is to improve service as it underpins everything the hospital does. "It's not only about looking at new technologies and different ways of working, but extracting more value from what we already have. In terms of meeting Service Level Agreements (SLAs), the key challenge is achieving 100% uptime, ensuring systems are always available across multiple sites over a very large geographical area." Creating a unified view across multiple sites To address these challenges, the Trust implemented EcoStruxure to provide centralised monitoring of UPS infrastructure across its facilities. The deployment includes Smart-UPS systems, network management cards, NetBotz cameras and sensors, and EcoStruxure IT Expert software for monitoring and reporting across 175 nodes. Ross Higgins, Senior Technical Specialist at RMD, explains, "We discussed the Trust's key issues such as the runtime needed for its data centres. It was clear that a centralised monitoring system was needed for its infrastructure." Bob Beckwith, Infrastructure Innovation and Transformation Manager at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, notes, "Adoption of EcoStruxure is developing well. It provides reassurance that our UPS equipment on each site is reliable and 'fit for purpose'. "The Trust views its digital infrastructure as a pyramid, with power as the foundation and maintenance support at the top. We placed RMD, XMA, and Schneider Electric solutions at the base to create a really solid foundation." Supporting future infrastructure planning Following the deployment, the Trust reports complete visibility across its UPS infrastructure, alongside improved benchmarking of energy efficiency and equipment lifecycle status. The organisation says the data generated through EcoStruxure supports budgeting, maintenance forecasting, replacement planning, and future data centre consolidation projects. Mathew Burns continues, "Today, in terms of operations, our UPS estate state is healthy, with a reassuring healthy report from EcoStruxure. "This is a significant investment for the Trust, and we didn't want to put all the new equipment in without having the confidence to know that everything underpinning it was okay. EcoStruxure gives us that confidence." The project represents an investment of approximately £1 million. Under a five-year agreement, the Trust plans to continue upgrading UPS infrastructure, consolidate data centre operations, and maintain ongoing support services through RMD and Schneider Electric. Matthew Baynes, Vice President, Secure Power and Data Centre division at Schneider Electric UK & Ireland, concludes, "Projects like this demonstrate how resilient, connected power infrastructure underpins critical public services. "By modernising and standardising its UPS infrastructure, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has created a highly resilient digital foundation that supports operational continuity, enhances visibility across its estate, and ensures healthcare teams can continue delivering outstanding patient care with confidence." For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Why the UK’s AI ambitions demand a new power paradigm

In this exclusive article for DCNN, Javier Cavada (pictured above), President & CEO EMEA at Mitsubishi Power, considers how private power networks and on-site generation could help data centre operators overcome grid constraints while supporting the UK's AI ambitions: Decoupling digital growth In the UK, expanding digital and AI infrastructure is a strategic priority. The Government has indicated that the country will need at least 6GW of AI-capable data centre capacity by 2030 to support this ambition. However, this digital growth is outpacing the capacity of the UK’s physical energy infrastructure, resulting in a growing mismatch between the country’s AI ambitions and the systems needed to support AI-powered data centres. Electricity demand from data centres is already significant, at a time when the wider economy - indeed, society as a whole - is rapidly electrifying. Currently, data centres account for around 6% of UK electricity consumption, and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) projects that this could increase to 8.8% by 2030 as AI adoption accelerates. At the same time, grid connection requests for demand-side projects have surged from around 41GW in late 2024 to 125GW by mid-2025, with approximately 50GW linked to data centre developments. This rapid build-up in the connection queue is creating significant congestion, with some large, high-capacity projects now facing delays of up to a decade. All of this has prompted regulatory intervention, with NESO moving away from the previous “first come, first served” approach towards a more selective “first ready, first served” model for prioritising connection requests. While this shift is welcome, it will take time to translate into tangible improvements on the ground. In the meantime, the key takeaway for developers is clear: securing a guaranteed power connection has become a far more significant constraint on new data centre development than access to land. More broadly, the structural limitations of the UK’s centralised and ageing grid are emerging as a major barrier to delivering on the country’s AI and digital infrastructure ambitions. The grid bottleneck and the competitiveness risk The reality is that to ensure operational uptime from day one, operators can no longer rely solely on the UK’s national grid. Instead, delivering the power required to build and operate this critical infrastructure will increasingly depend on on-site energy parks and dedicated private-wire networks. This challenge extends well beyond a single industry; it is fundamental to the UK’s ability to sustain a dynamic, modern economy. AI, cloud computing, and high-performance computing (HPC) have become core drivers of global competitiveness, and, in turn, access to reliable power is a decisive factor in where hyperscalers and technology firms choose to deploy capital. These decisions shape long-term job creation and regional economic growth. Without sufficient power availability, the UK risks losing major digital investments - as well as the high-skilled employment they bring - to leading European markets. Competitors in the Netherlands, Ireland, and the Nordics are gaining ground by offering faster access to power - a trend already evident in the Slough/M4 corridor, where connection moratoriums have pushed operators to look beyond traditional hubs simply to keep pace with demand. One response is the deployment of high-efficiency gas turbine systems to help bridge this capacity and infrastructure gap. Gas turbines provide a practical interim solution, delivering reliable, dispatchable power at scale today while offering a pathway to lower-carbon operation as hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels mature. Why private power models are becoming essential By connecting dedicated power assets directly to the data campus via private-wire networks, operators can bypass multi-year utility queues, significantly compress construction timelines, and secure a predictable envelope of capacity. Operating behind the meter also provides a critical commercial advantage, shielding multi-million-pound infrastructure investments from volatile wholesale market prices and localised grid congestion, as well as enabling greater long-term cost certainty. However, access to power alone does not fully resolve the challenge. AI workloads require continuous, 24/7 baseload stability - something intermittent renewables cannot deliver in isolation. As the UK continues to scale wind and solar generation, managing intermittency becomes an increasing constraint, reinforcing the role of on-site gas turbines in providing immediate, dispatchable power to stabilise private networks. Crucially, deploying on-site gas generation does not mean abandoning sustainability goals. Instead, it offers a pragmatic bridge to net zero. The industry is already shifting towards flexible thermal infrastructure that can meet current demand using natural gas, while remaining compatible with lower-carbon fuels. Modern high-efficiency gas turbines, for example, can already operate on a 30% hydrogen blend, with engineered pathways to 50% and ultimately 100% hydrogen capability from around 2030 onwards, as technology and fuel supplies mature. This ensures that assets deployed today remain viable in a decarbonised future. Embracing a new model of infrastructure self reliance The UK cannot become a global AI leader if its data centres remain dependent on an increasingly constrained public grid. Colocated energy parks represent a shift from grid dependency to infrastructure self-reliance. By deploying on-site generation, operators can decouple build timelines from grid constraints while laying the foundations for a more resilient, future-ready, low-carbon digital economy. In this context, digital sovereignty cannot wait for grid reinforcement. The sector is moving towards a model in which operators take greater control of their energy supply, ensuring both immediate resilience and long-term strategic flexibility. For more from Mitsubishi, click here.

Power Electronics reaches 170GW installed capacity

Power Electronics, a global manufacturer of energy storage and solar inverters, has announced that it has reached 170GW of installed AC power worldwide, up from 150GW at the end of 2025. The company says the increase reflects growth across a number of international markets, particularly within the energy storage sector. Power Electronics reports continued expansion in markets including the United States, Australia, and the UK, alongside growth across the EU in countries such as Spain, Italy, Lithuania, and Poland. Its latest developments focus on energy storage, solar power, and data centre infrastructure, with an emphasis on grid stability, energy resilience, and operational efficiency. Energy storage and data centre infrastructure In the energy storage sector, Power Electronics is highlighting its PCSM and Multi PCSM battery inverters, designed for utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. The company says the products support direct connection to medium-voltage networks and can operate in both grid-following and grid-forming modes. Their modular design is intended to support scalability, availability, and maintenance requirements. Power Electronics is also showcasing its Freesun DC/DC converter, which is designed for DC-coupled solar and storage installations. According to the company, the technology enables direct connection between photovoltaic systems and battery storage while supporting grid-forming operation. The manufacturer says it has gained significant experience with grid-forming technologies in markets including Australia, where such systems are increasingly being deployed to support grid stability and renewable energy integration. It is also increasing its focus on data centres, driven by growing demand associated with artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. Power Electronics' portfolio includes the AIPCS-integrated medium-voltage to 800VDC power supply, designed for high-density data centre environments. The company says the system is intended to improve efficiency and reduce energy losses. The offering is supported by the PCSM and Multi PCSM battery inverters, alongside the XMV670 medium-voltage drive, which is designed to provide control of cooling systems and support energy efficiency. According to Power Electronics, the combined technologies are intended to support scalable data centre infrastructure capable of operating under varying load conditions. Solar technologies for utility-scale projects Within its solar portfolio, the company is highlighting the HEM solar inverter and the Freemaq DC/DC converter. It says the HEM integrates medium-voltage equipment within a single enclosure, simplifying installation and reducing connection requirements. The inverter is also designed to support hybrid solar and storage configurations. The Freemaq converter is intended for hybrid renewable energy projects and supports functions including energy shifting, frequency response, ramp-rate control, and clipping energy recovery. Power Electronics says the technology is compatible with multiple battery technologies and can be configured for a range of project requirements. At The smarter E Europe 2026, the company also highlighted its European manufacturing operations, supply chain capabilities, cyber security measures, and after-sales support services. Raúl Padierna, CSO at Power Electronics, comments, "Reaching 170 GW of installed AC power is the result of accelerated growth over the past months and reflects the trust our customers place in our technology globally. "This momentum, especially in markets such as Europe, the US, and Australia, positions us strongly to continue scaling our solutions and supporting the next generation of energy systems."

Data Centre Expo Europe to address infrastructure challenges

Data Centre Expo Europe will take place on 19–20 October 2026 at the RAI Amsterdam in the Netherlands as part of TechEx Europe 2026, bringing together data centre directors, infrastructure leaders, and cloud and colocation specialists from across Europe. The event forms part of a wider programme of enterprise technology conferences and exhibitions, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing digital infrastructure operators as demand for data centre capacity continues to grow. As organisations respond to the requirements of artificial intelligence, sustainability targets, and increasing energy demands, the event will examine the strategies shaping the next generation of data centre infrastructure. Infrastructure planning amid growing demand Data centre operators across Europe are facing increasing pressure to expand capacity while managing energy availability, efficiency requirements, and evolving regulatory obligations. Topics expected to be discussed during the event include scaling infrastructure for AI and high-density computing workloads, improving energy efficiency, strengthening operational resilience, and developing facilities capable of adapting to future demand. The first day of the conference will focus on the relationship between infrastructure investment, sustainability, and digital innovation. Sessions are expected to explore how organisations are balancing capacity growth with environmental objectives, alongside discussions on energy strategy, power availability, cooling requirements, and infrastructure planning. The programme will also examine the role of automation and intelligent operational practices in improving performance and reducing operational risk. In addition, speakers will consider how growing demand for AI and cloud services is influencing infrastructure planning, project delivery, and long-term investment decisions. The second day will shift its focus towards data centre services, commercial models, and ecosystem development. Discussions will explore how providers are responding to changing enterprise requirements through partnerships, integrated platforms, and service-based offerings. Topics include consumption-based commercial models, hybrid and edge infrastructure deployments, ecosystem development, recurring revenue strategies, and customer onboarding practices. The programme will also consider how AI-driven demand is affecting capacity planning, pricing structures, and service delivery across the sector. Operational insight from across the sector The event aims to provide infrastructure leaders with practical insight into challenges affecting the European market. Areas of focus include managing energy constraints, balancing cloud, colocation, and on-premise infrastructure, long-term capacity planning, and aligning infrastructure strategies with wider digital transformation initiatives. More than 250 speakers are expected to contribute to the programme, sharing experiences from large-scale infrastructure projects, AI deployment initiatives, and operational improvement programmes. Sessions will also examine approaches to resilience, uptime, risk management, and cost control, with an emphasis on lessons learned from real-world deployments. Data Centre Expo Europe is positioned as a forum for organisations assessing how infrastructure, investment, and operational strategies must evolve to support future growth across the European data centre sector. Registration is open via the event website.

1.5GW Utah data centre receives planning approval

Pronghorn Development, a Utah-headquartered infrastructure firm, has secured a conditional use permit (CUP) to develop the 1.5GW Antelope Data Campus in Iron County, Utah. The approval allows the infrastructure developer to move forward with plans for the large-scale data centre campus, which the company says is intended to support future technology infrastructure requirements while contributing to local economic development. According to Pronghorn Development, the project has been shaped through consultation with residents, landowners, agricultural stakeholders, and community representatives over the past year. The company says feedback gathered during the engagement process has influenced elements of the project's operational plans and development approach. Project expected to deliver jobs and investment Pronghorn Development states that the multi-phase development is expected to generate significant economic activity within Iron County, including construction employment, permanent operational roles, and additional tax revenue. The company has worked in the region for two decades through the development of energy infrastructure projects and says its local experience has informed the planning of the Antelope Data Campus. Scott Cuthbertson, a spokesperson for Pronghorn Development, comments, "Securing this permit validates the trust we’ve built with our neighbors in Iron County. We are incredibly grateful for the open dialogue and collaborative spirit that has shaped the Antelope Data Campus. "Moving forward, we remain committed to listening to the community, acting as responsible environmental stewards, and driving economic prosperity here for decades to come." The company says the campus will incorporate water-efficient technologies and sustainable design measures intended to minimise environmental impact and align with local ecosystem preservation objectives. With the conditional use permit now secured, Pronghorn Development is expected to begin the next phase of the project and prepare the site for construction.

Global cities launch sustainable data centre pact

Cities from around the world have launched the Global Urban Data Centres Pact, a new initiative aimed at supporting sustainable data centre development in urban areas. Announced during London Climate Action Week, the pact brings together 38 cities across six continents, including London, Barcelona, Johannesburg, Miami, Melbourne, Phoenix, and Rio de Janeiro. The founding signatories represent a combined population of almost 90 million people. The agreement comes as demand for data centres continues to grow, driven in part by the expansion of artificial intelligence and digital services. City leaders say the pact is intended to help balance economic growth with concerns around energy use, water consumption, heat generation, and pressure on local infrastructure. The initiative sets out a framework for how cities, developers, investors, and operators can work together to support data centre growth whilst addressing environmental and community considerations. Cities seek sustainable approach to data centre growth Under the pact, signatories support data centres that are strategically integrated into cities, resource efficient, engaged with local communities, and capable of delivering wider economic benefits. The agreement also highlights examples of measures already being adopted in different regions, including heat reuse projects, water-conscious cooling systems, the use of renewable energy, and initiatives that direct investment towards local priorities. Kate Gallego, Mayor of Phoenix and Vice Chair of C40 Cities, says, "While data centres can power important advancements, rapid growth also brings important responsibilities. Residents expect local leaders to ensure development is planned carefully, infrastructure keeps pace, and surrounding communities share in the benefits." Nicholas Reece, Lord Mayor of Melbourne and Vice Chair of C40 Cities, adds, "Local communities should be involved in decisions that affect them, which means growth must be matched by responsible planning, sustainable resource use, and genuine community benefits." Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London and Co-Chair of C40 Cities, notes, "AI and digital infrastructure will play a major role in the future prosperity of cities around the world, but residents are right to expect growth to be managed responsibly." Additional support for the initiative has come from cities including Athens, Chicago, and Seattle, whose leaders highlighted the importance of managing the impacts of data centre development on energy systems, water resources, land use, and local communities. Framework developed ahead of continued sector growth According to the pact's organisers, global data centre capacity is expected to increase significantly over the coming decade, with much of that growth concentrated in urban areas. The agreement calls for greater collaboration between local authorities, national governments, and the private sector to ensure future data centre developments align with sustainability goals and community needs. Cristina Gamboa, CEO of the World Green Building Council, concludes, "Data centres are not just buildings; they are major, long-term consumers of critical urban resources, and the decisions being made today about these AI factories will shape local energy systems, water supplies, and communities for decades to come." Further city endorsements are expected ahead of COP31, as the initiative seeks to establish a shared approach to sustainable urban data centre development.