BAC releases upgraded immersion cooling tanks

Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC), a provider of data centre cooling equipment, has introduced an updated immersion cooling tank for high-performance data centres, incorporating its CorTex technology to improve reliability, efficiency, and support for high-density computing environments. The company says the latest tank has been engineered to provide consistent performance with minimal maintenance, noting its sealed design has no penetrations below the fluid level, helping maintain fluid integrity and reduce leakage risks. Dual pumps are included for redundancy and the filter-free configuration removes the need for routine filter replacement. Design improvements for reliability and ease of operation The tanks are available in four sizes - 16RU, 32RU, 38RU, and 48RU - allowing operators to accommodate a range of immersion-ready servers. Air-cooled servers can also be adapted for immersion use. Each unit supports server widths of 19 and 21 inches (~48 cm and ~53 cm) and depths up to 1,200 mm, enabling higher rack densities within a smaller footprint than traditional air-cooled systems. BAC states that the design can support power usage effectiveness levels of up to 1.05, depending on the wider installation. The system uses dielectric fluid to transfer heat from servers to the internal heat exchanger, while external circuits can run on water or water-glycol mixtures. Cable entry points, the lid, and heat-exchanger connections are fluid-tight to help prevent contamination. The immersion tank forms the indoor component of BAC’s Cobalt system, which combines indoor and outdoor cooling technologies for high-density computing. The system can be paired with BAC’s evaporative, hybrid, adiabatic, or dry outdoor equipment to create a complete cooling configuration for data centres managing higher-powered servers and AI-driven workloads. For more from BAC, click here.

ZutaCore unveils waterless end-of-row CDUs

ZutaCore, a developer of liquid cooling technology, has introduced a new family of waterless end-of-row (EOR) coolant distribution units (CDUs) designed for high-density artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) environments. The units are available in 1.2 MW and 2 MW configurations and form part of the company’s direct-to-chip, two-phase liquid cooling portfolio. According to ZutaCore, the EOR CDU range is intended to support multiple server racks from a single unit while maintaining rack-level monitoring and control. The company states that this centralised design reduces duplicated infrastructure and enables waterless operation inside the white space, addressing energy-efficiency and sustainability requirements in modern data centres. The cooling approach uses ZutaCore’s two-phase, direct-to-chip technology and a low-global warming potential dielectric fluid. Heat is rejected into the facility without water inside the server hall, aiming to reduce condensation and leak risk while improving thermal efficiency. My Truong, Chief Technology Officer at ZutaCore, says, “AI data centres demand reliable, scalable thermal management that provides rapid insights to operate at full potential. Our new end-of-row CDU family gives operators the control, intelligence, and reliability required to scale sustainably. "By integrating advanced cooling physics with modern RESTful APIs for remote monitoring and management, we’re enabling data centres to unlock new performance levels without compromising uptime or efficiency.” Centralised cooling and deployment models ZutaCore states that the systems are designed to support varying availability requirements, with hot-swappable components for continuous operation. Deployment options include a single-unit configuration for cost-effective scaling or an active-standby arrangement for enterprise environments that require higher redundancy levels. The company adds that the units offer encrypted connectivity and real-time monitoring through RESTful APIs, aimed at supporting operational visibility across multiple cooling units. The EOR CDU platform is set to be used in EGIL Wings’ 15 MW AI Vault facility, as part of a combined approach to sustainable, high-density compute infrastructure. Leland Sparks, President of EGIL Wings, claims, “ZutaCore’s end-of-row CDUs are exactly the kind of innovation needed to meet the energy and thermal challenges of AI-scale compute. "By pairing ZutaCore’s waterless cooling with our sustainable power systems, we can deliver data centres that are faster to deploy, more energy-efficient, and ready for the global scale of AI.” ZutaCore notes that its cooling technology has been deployed across more than forty global sites over the past four years, with users including Equinix, SoftBank, and the University of Münster. The company says it continues to expand through partnerships with organisations such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Carrier, and ASRock Rack, including work on systems designed for next-generation AI servers.

Signings for European AI DC capacity treble in 2025

Demand for data centre capacity dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) has surged across Europe this year, as emerging AI infrastructure providers - often referred to as neoclouds - accelerate their expansion efforts amid slowing hyperscaler activity. According to new research from commercial real estate and investment firm CBRE, signings for AI-focused colocation capacity reached 414MW in the first nine months of 2025, up from 133MW compared to the same period in 2024. More than half of this capacity (57%) was signed in the Nordics. The increase reflects a market shift as hyperscaler demand has moderated temporarily and neocloud providers are securing large-scale capacity to meet the growing requirements of AI-driven applications. Neoclouds taking the lead Data centre operators are implementing measures to manage the additional risk associated with leasing to neocloud firms, including higher rental rates to offset build costs and ensure returns on AI-ready facilities. Andrew Jay, Head of Data Centre Solutions, Europe at CBRE, notes, “Neoclouds have expanded their footprint in Europe this year by absorbing vacant space that was originally intended for hyperscalers. "It is a sign that many data centre providers are growing more comfortable with the ambitions of neocloud providers and the covenants that come with it.” Kevin Restivo, Director, European Data Centre Research at CBRE, adds, “Neocloud providers are taking AI-specific capacity at scale in Europe. "We see tremendous growth of this segment especially in the Nordics, where lower-cost renewable power is often available in greater abundance than in many other European markets.” For more from CBRE, click here.

National Grid upgrading Oxfordshire substation to connect DCs

National Grid, the UK’s largest electricity distribution network, has started work to upgrade its Didcot substation in Oxfordshire, a key infrastructure development that will connect data centres and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to the electricity transmission network. Situated next to the former Didcot A coal power station and just two miles from the UK’s first AI Growth Zone at Culham, the upgraded substation is aimed at supporting Britain’s digital ambitions while boosting grid capacity for future projects to plug in. Alongside new data centres, 650MW of battery schemes will connect through the extended facility, completing a transition from ‘coal to clean’ at the site and helping to meet growing demand for flexible, zero carbon power in the region. Details of the upgrades The upgrade will see the existing 400kV outdoor air-insulated substation extended with three bays and three supergrid transformers, while a new 132kV indoor gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) facility will be built next door, minimising the footprint of the development and its impact on the environment. The new GIS facility will feature Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ switchgear technology, a sustainable alternative to sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) - a greenhouse gas commonly used as an electrical insulator - marking another step in National Grid’s commitment to reduce SF6 emissions from its network by 50% by 2030. Linxon has been appointed as principal contractor to deliver the substation upgrades, building on its collaboration with National Grid on projects such as London Power Tunnels, which will see the UK’s first SF6-free GIS substation at Bengeworth Road. Work at Didcot comes just months after construction commenced on National Grid’s new Uxbridge Moor substation in neighbouring Buckinghamshire, which is due to connect over a dozen new data centres and which will also use SF6-free switchgear. Peter Hancock, Project Director at National Grid Electricity Transmission, says, “Our Didcot substation extension marks another step forward in powering the UK’s digital future. "By enabling new data centres and battery storage systems to connect to the grid, we’re supporting both the energy transition and the growth of the digital economy regionally and nationally. “With SF6-free technology at its heart, this project reflects our commitment to building a cleaner, greener electricity network for generations to come.” Angel Guijarro, Managing Director of Linxon Europe, adds, “Linxon’s appointment to this project is a testament to our strong partnership with National Grid and our shared vision for a sustainable energy future. "We are committed to delivering a turnkey solution that will enhance the reliability and efficiency of Didcot substation, benefitting both local and national communities.” Electricity demand in Britain is expected to double by 2050, with demand from data centres alone set to triple from 3% of the country’s total in 2025 to 9% by 2035. For more from National Grid, click here.

AI rush deemed "incompatible" with Clean Power Plan

A forecast suggests that the UK data centre boom is at odds with the UK’s clean power commitments, with the sector already overwhelming the electricity system and forcing an unavoidable reliance on gas. This is the view put forward by Simon Gallagher, Managing Director at UK Networks Services, speaking at Montel's UK Energy Day event earlier today (13 November). Simon said that only firm capacity be counted on in the context of powering data centres, as adverse weather conditions would reduce the availability of wind and solar during periods of low wind and sunlight. When asked what could realistically power tens of gigawatts worth of near constant data centre load, Simon said his “controversial opinion” was that this demand “is going to have to be met by gas.” “It’s the only technology we have that can do this on a firm basis. We don’t have storage,” Simon added. This led him to conclude that the sector’s growth was simply not compatible with the UK government’s Clean Power 2030 plans, under which 95% of energy must come from low-carbon sources by the turn of the decade. Physical limitations This comes amid an explosion in grid connection requests, jumping from around 17 GW to 97 GW over the summer, pushing the total capacity waiting for connections to the UK grid up to 125 GW. Simon continued, “About 80% of that is hyperscale data centres. It’s all AI. The impact on our grid is very real – and it just happened.” The UK was “never, ever” going to build the required transmission capacity in time, Simon added, with a new connection taking “at least five years.” He also outlined how the infrastructure available is not where data centres want to be, adding that such facilities seek sizeable connections “at transmission voltage, in urban areas near fibre.” This would typically site them away from significant power generation zones, which could help to alleviate network constraints and reduce balancing costs. Earlier today, Dhara Vyas, CEO of trade group Energy UK, told the same event that the UK’s clean energy expansion was being slowed by planning rules and grid connection queues that were “actively deterring investors”. For more from Montel, click here.

365, Robot Network unveil AI-enabled private cloud platform

365 Data Centers (365), a provider of network-centric colocation, network, cloud, and other managed services, has announced a partnership with Robot Network, a US provider of edge AI platforms, to deliver a new AI-enabled private cloud platform for enterprise customers. Hosted within 365’s cloud infrastructure, the platform supports small-language models, analytics, business intelligence, and cost optimisation, marking a shift in how colocation facilities can function as active layers in AI optimisation. Integrating AI capabilities into colocation environments Building on 365’s experience in colocation, network, and cloud services, the collaboration seeks to enable data processing and intelligent operations closer to the edge. The model allows more than 90% of workloads to be handled within the data centre, using high-density AI only where necessary. This creates a hybrid AI architecture that turns colocation from passive hosting into an active optimisation environment, lowering operational costs while allowing AI to run securely within compact, high-density footprints. Derek Gillespie, CEO of 365 Data Centers, says, “Our objective is to meet AI where colocation, connectivity, and cloud converge. "This platform will provide seamless integration and economies of scale for our customers and partners, giving them access to AI that is purpose-built for their business initiatives.” Initial enterprise use cases will be supported by a proprietary AI platform that integrates both small and large language models. Supporting AI adoption across enterprise operations Jacob Guedalia, CEO of Robot Network, comments, “We’re pleased to partner with 365 Data Centers to bring this unique offering to market. 365 is a forward-thinking partner with strong colocation capabilities and operational experience. "By combining our proprietary stack - optimised for AMD EPYC processors and NVIDIA GPUs - with their infrastructure, we’re providing a trusted platform that makes advanced AI accessible and affordable for enterprises. "Our system leverages small AI models from organisations such as Meta, OpenAI, and Grok to extend AI capabilities to a broader business audience.” 365 says the new platform underlines its strategy to evolve as an infrastructure-as-a-service provider, helping enterprises adopt AI-driven tools and improve efficiency through secure, flexible, and data-informed operations. The company notes it continues to focus on enabling digital transformation across colocation and cloud environments while maintaining reliability and scalability. For more from 365 Data Centers, click here.

OPTEX introduces indoor LiDAR sensor for DC security

OPTEX, a manufacturer of intrusion detection sensors and security systems, has launched the REDSCAN Lite, a short-range indoor LiDAR sensor designed to provide precise and rapid detection for protecting critical infrastructure within data centres. Founded in Japan in 1979, OPTEX has developed a series of sensor innovations, including the use of LiDAR technology for security detection. The company says its REDSCAN range is recognised for improving the accuracy and reliability of intrusion detection in sensitive environments. Addressing physical security risks in critical environments As data centres across the UK and EU are now classified as critical infrastructure, operators face increasing pressure to meet strict security standards and mitigate both internal and external risks. Industry data indicates that nearly two thirds of data centres experienced a physical security breach in the past year. The REDSCAN Lite uses 2D LiDAR technology to detect intrusions within a 10 m x 10 m range, reportedly responding in as little as 100 milliseconds. The sensor can be positioned vertically to create invisible ‘laser walls’ around assets such as server racks, ventilation conduits, and access points, or horizontally to protect ceilings, skylights, and raised floors. Engineered for high-density environments, the REDSCAN Lite is capable of detecting small-scale activities such as the insertion of USB drives or LAN cables through server racks. It is designed to operate effectively despite temperature fluctuations, low light, or complete darkness, helping reduce false alarms common in traditional systems. Purpose-built for confined data centre spaces Mac Kokobo, Head of Global Security Business at OPTEX, says the product was developed in response to growing demand from data centre operators, noting, “In today’s modern environments, such as data centres, spaces are becoming tighter and tighter filling with racks and processors. "This latest REDSCAN Lite has been developed to meet the specific need for rapid detection in tight indoor spaces where high security is crucial. “Feedback from customers highlighted a clear need for enhanced protection in small, narrow areas and spaces, so the REDSCAN Lite sensor has been designed to fit into the narrow gaps and is engineered to provide highly accurate and fast detection in indoor spaces that other technologies simply cannot reach.” The REDSCAN Lite RS-1010L is now available for deployment.

Schneider, DataCentre UK deliver £1.4m modular DC

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology company, in partnership with its EcoXpert Partner DataCentre UK, has delivered a new modular data centre for South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT). The £1.4 million project seeks to strengthen the Trust’s digital infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, operational resilience, and capacity to support future healthcare demands. Supporting digital transformation and scalable healthcare infrastructure Facing growing pressure on legacy systems, Innovate Healthcare Services required a modern, scalable, and secure data centre. The new facility incorporates Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Data Centre technology, including APC NetShelter racks, modular cooling units, APC power distribution units (PDUs), and Easy UPS systems. Together, these components should provide greater resiliency and efficiency, while supporting the Trust’s sustainability goals. Paul Almond, MD at DataCentre UK, says, “As an EcoXpert Partner to Schneider Electric, we have integrated Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Data Centre solutions into the design. "These solutions are pre-engineered, configurable, and scalable, encompassing racks, power, cooling, and management systems, aimed at maximising resiliency, sustainability, and efficiency. “Innovate and SWFT trusted our design and our selection of products and approved us to proceed with the build-out.” Improving energy performance and sustainability The upgraded infrastructure has reportedly reduced the Trust’s data centre energy consumption by an estimated 60% compared with its previous setup. Enhanced monitoring and management capabilities allow continuous optimisation of performance and efficiency, in line with SWFT’s Green Plan. “It was all built around sustainability,” notes Mike Conlon, Associate Director of Technology Services at Innovate Healthcare Services. “Conservatively, we are now using 60% less electricity on the same amount of IT load, based on the previous server room implementation, and the system has been designed with an expected annualised PUE of 1.2.” Ongoing operation and maintenance will be provided through a year-round support agreement managed by DataCentre UK and Schneider Electric. Strengthening healthcare resilience through infrastructure partnerships Karlton Gray, Director of Channels, UK & Ireland, Schneider Electric, comments, “With data centres underpinning critical healthcare services, it’s essential that infrastructure delivers the highest levels of reliability, scalability, and sustainability. "Our solutions have helped Innovate significantly improve their environmental footprint, while maintaining exceptional operational performance, and delivered a healthcare environment built for the future.” The project demonstrates how modular and energy-efficient data centre designs can support digital transformation across the healthcare sector, helping organisations meet sustainability targets while maintaining continuity of care. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Capacity Europe 2025 notes record attendance

The 24th edition of Capacity Europe, an event for global digital infrastructure and connectivity, wrapped up last week after three packed days and record-breaking attendance, cementing its status as a major event for the global connectivity ecosystem. Hosted by provider of digital infrastructure events techoraco at the InterContinental London – The O2, the event brought together over 3,600 senior leaders from more than 100 countries, marking the largest turnout in its history. Discussions around a changing landscape This year’s event showcased the industry’s rapid transformation, fuelled by advances in AI and the expansion of data infrastructure, reshaping the telecommunications and digital infrastructure landscape. With a focus on innovation, investment, and next-generation network strategy, Capacity Europe 2025 placed a spotlight firmly on the evolving digital ecosystem. Opening the show was the keynote panel 'Disrupt to Lead: The New Telco Mindset'. The session explored how next-generation infrastructure is reshaping the telecom industry and driving operators toward new business models. Panellists examined the evolution from traditional carriers to "techcos", blending infrastructure with value-added services and platform-based offerings that deliver on-demand, flexible experiences for enterprise customers. Moderated by Silvia Peneva, Managing Director of GLF & ITW at techoraco, the panel featured industry figures including Annette Murphy (CCO, Colt Technology Services), Enrico Bagnasco (CEO, Sparkle), Dimitrios Rizoulis (SVP Global Connectivity, T Wholesale), Fánan Henriques (Director of Product & International Business, Vodafone Business), Valerie Cussac (CEO, Orange Wholesale International), and Mohammed Al-Abbadi (Group Chief Carrier & Wholesale Officer, STC). “Capacity Europe 2025 has been our most impactful year yet,” notes Liss Boot-Handford, Product Director at Capacity Media, techoraco. “The energy, collaboration, and level of deal-making we’ve seen this year demonstrates how vital this event is to the industry’s future.” Key milestones • More than 3,600 senior leaders from over 100 countries• Upwards of 80 keynote sessions and panels• Over 250 exhibitors and sponsors• Record number of partnership deals signed on site Across its keynote sessions and panel discussions, the event delivered insights from leaders across telecoms, cloud, edge, investment, and AI infrastructure. Highlights included explorations of the global dynamics redefining connectivity and the race to expand digital capacity to meet AI-driven demand. As Capacity Europe looks ahead to its milestone 25th anniversary in 2026, this year’s success sets the stage for another chapter in the evolution of global digital connectivity. The 2026 edition will return to the InterContinental London – The O2, from 13-16 October 2026. For more on Capacity Europe, click here.

VAST Data, CoreWeave agree $1.17 billion partnership

VAST Data, an AI operating system company, has announced a $1.17 billion (£889.8 million) commercial agreement with CoreWeave, a US provider of GPU-based cloud computing infrastructure for AI workloads, to extend their existing partnership in AI data infrastructure. The deal formalises CoreWeave’s use of the VAST Data Operating System (AI OS) as a key element of its data management platform. Expanding collaboration on large-scale data operations CoreWeave’s infrastructure, which uses the VAST AI OS, is designed to provide rapid access to large datasets and support intensive AI workloads. Its modular architecture allows deployment across multiple data centres, maintaining performance and reliability across distributed environments. As part of the agreement, VAST and CoreWeave will collaborate on new data services intended to improve efficiency in data pipelines and model development. The partnership aims to enhance operational consistency and reduce complexity for enterprise users developing or training AI models at scale. “At VAST, we are building the data foundation for the most ambitious AI initiatives in the world,” claims Renen Hallak, founder and CEO of VAST Data. “Our deep integration with CoreWeave is the result of a long-term commitment to working side by side at both the business and technical level. "By aligning our roadmaps, we are delivering an AI platform that organisations cannot find anywhere else in the market.” “The VAST AI Operating System underpins key aspects of how we design and deliver our AI cloud,” adds Brian Venturo, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of CoreWeave. “This partnership enables us to deliver AI infrastructure that is the most performant, scalable, and cost-efficient in the market, while reinforcing the trust and reliability of a data platform that our customers depend on for their most demanding workloads.” Supporting next-generation AI and compute systems Both companies say this agreement reflects their joint focus on developing infrastructure that can manage large-scale data processing and continuous AI training. By integrating VAST’s data management systems with CoreWeave’s GPU-based infrastructure, the partnership aims to support use cases such as real-time inference and industrial-scale model training. For more from VAST Data, click here.