Legrand cooling selected for 'Europe’s largest AI campus'

Legrand, a French multinational infrastructure products manufacturer, has been selected by Start Campus, a designer, builder, and operator of sustainable data centres, to supply cooling technology for a large-scale data centre development in Sines, Portugal. The project forms part of a planned 1.2GW campus designed to support AI, cloud computing, and high-performance workloads. Legrand will deploy its rear-door heat exchanger technology, developed by its USystems brand, to provide rack-level cooling across the site. The Sines campus is powered by renewable energy and is targeting a power usage effectiveness (PUE) of 1.1 and a water usage effectiveness (WUE) of 0, using seawater cooling to support high-density environments. Robert Dunn, CEO of Start Campus, says, "These are very technically challenging projects, so we need to work with the best in the business to meet those complex challenges." Cooling technology for high-density workloads The cooling system operates at rack level, removing heat directly at source by cooling exhaust air before it enters the wider data hall. This approach reduces reliance on traditional air-cooling methods and supports higher rack densities. Legrand states that the system can reduce cooling-related power consumption compared with conventional approaches, whilst also maintaining stable thermal conditions. The technology additionally adjusts cooling capacity in real time to match operational requirements, supporting efficiency and performance across the facility. Rita Lourenço, Key Account Manager - Critical Power at Legrand, notes, "The full lifecycle partnership [...] includes knowledge sharing, maintenance support, proactive problem detection, and long-term collaboration beyond commissioning." The two companies state their partnership includes ongoing support and maintenance, alongside the initial deployment of the cooling systems. For more from Legrand, click here.

A-Gas participating as a Gold Sponsor at DCN

With the growing global demand for data, the need for efficient cooling solutions and environmentally friendly refrigerants is becoming increasingly critical. Meeting this rising demand sustainably is essential, which is where A-Gas, a company specialising in lifecycle refrigerant management (LRM), says it can play an important role, supporting the industry’s transition to lower-GWP alternatives. The company has announced that, for this reason, it will attend Data Center Nation (DCN) in Milan as a Gold Sponsor on 27 May, demonstrating how it can actively support industry players. Data Center Nation is an event dedicated to the data centre industry. The organisers say it serves as a hub where hyperscalers (such as AWS and Microsoft), investors, enterprise end users, and infrastructure suppliers can come together to discuss the future of digital infrastructure. At the event, A-Gas says it will feature a dedicated booth and contribute to the Tech Stage panel with a presentation titled 'Cooling in Transition: HFCs, Low-GWP Refrigerants & the Data Centre Challenge'. On 27 May, attendees can visit the company's stand to learn more about its offerings to support the transition to low-GWP alternatives and to discover its recovery, reclamation, and repurposing technologies. For more from A-Gas, click here.

Australia data centre forecast report launched

Data Centres Australia, an Australian industry body representing data centre developers, operators, and the broader digital infrastructure ecosystem, and DC Byte, a London-based market intelligence firm, have formed a partnership to provide independent market insight and forecasting for the country’s data centre sector. As part of the collaboration, the organisations have published the first Australian Data Centre Forecast Report, offering analysis of current capacity and future development trends. The report estimates that Australia’s operational data centre capacity currently stands at 1.5GW and could reach 3.2GW by 2030. The initiative aims to support policymakers, utilities, and industry stakeholders with more accurate data, as demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow across the Asia Pacific region. The partnership combines Data Centres Australia’s industry network with DC Byte’s global market intelligence, with a focus on improving understanding of development pipelines and long-term capacity planning. Addressing forecasting challenges in Australia The report highlights the challenges of tracking data centre growth, particularly in relation to early-stage developments that do not always progress to completion. This can lead to overstated projections and so-called ‘phantom demand’ within the market. By providing forward-looking forecasts based on industry data and development trends, the partners say they aim to support more informed decision-making across the sector. Data Centres Australia will use DC Byte’s analysis to inform engagement with members and policymakers, while DC Byte will provide briefings and insight sessions as part of the agreement. Belinda Dennett, Chief Executive Officer at Data Centres Australia, comments, "Australia has a significant opportunity to position [itself] as a global hub for AI infrastructure investment and sustainable data centre development." James Murphy, Managing Director APAC at DC Byte, adds, "As data centres become more important to Australia’s digital future, having clear visibility into the market matters." The partnership is intended to support collaboration between industry, government, and investors, while providing broader international context for Australia’s digital infrastructure development.

Hudson IX expands 60 Hudson Street capacity

Hudson InterXchange (Hudson IX), a New York-based carrier-neutral colocation and interconnection data centre provider, has added a new 1MW data hall at 60 Hudson Street in New York, USA, increasing available capacity at one of the city’s most connected carrier hotels. The facility is now operational and available for high-density colocation deployments. A second 1MW data hall is scheduled to come online in the second quarter of 2026, with longer-term plans to expand total capacity at the site beyond 10MW. The expansion comes as data centre space and power availability remain limited across the New York City market, particularly in locations with established network connectivity. 60 Hudson Street continues to act as a key interconnection hub, hosting more than 300 carriers and service providers. The latest development introduces additional capacity within this environment, enabling organisations to deploy infrastructure close to network providers and end users. Additional capacity in a constrained market Hudson IX is among a small number of operators currently adding new capacity within the building, supported by available power for future deployments. The new data hall is designed to support a range of requirements, including network providers, content delivery networks, cloud platforms, enterprises, and financial services organisations. The company notes it can accommodate both standard and high-density installations, including workloads linked to AI and other compute-intensive applications. Atul Roy of Hudson InterXchange says, "This expansion is the result of our remarkable team and its commitment to delivering a large, world-class, high-performance data centre platform with scalable solutions ranging from single cabinets to bespoke cages." Further expansion is planned as part of a wider roadmap to increase total capacity at the site beyond 10MW, supporting continued demand for colocation and interconnection in the New York metro area. For more from Hudson IX, click here.

AVK launches modular PowerPods for data centres

AVK, a provider of power systems and electrical infrastructure for data centres, has introduced a new modular power system, PowerPods, designed to support energy infrastructure for hyperscale data centres and AI deployments. The units integrate key electrical components - including uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), engines, switchgear, controls, enclosures, and transformers - into a single, pre-engineered system. Each unit is delivered ready for connection and deployment on site. The launch reflects growing demand for scalable power infrastructure, as data centre operators seek to deploy capacity more quickly while maintaining resilience and operational continuity. PowerPods have been developed using AVK’s experience in critical power systems, including standby and prime power, as well as control and service capabilities. Modular approach to data centre power deployment The company highlights that the systems are designed to simplify installation by combining multiple elements of the power chain into a single unit. This approach aims to reduce complexity during deployment and support more flexible expansion as demand increases. PowerPods can be configured to meet specific project requirements and are designed to support a range of technologies, allowing operators to adapt systems over time. The modular design also enables use across both new developments and existing sites requiring additional capacity. The units are available for immediate deployment, with a focus on reducing lead times for projects where rapid delivery is required. Ben Pritchard, CEO at AVK, says, “The launch of the AVK PowerPods reinforces our position as one of the few businesses capable of designing, delivering, and supporting the entire data centre power ecosystem - at scale, with true flexibility, and with the engineering depth that critical infrastructure demands. "Large data centres need partners who genuinely understand the full energy picture and we now own the full power train. “PowerPods complete our proposition to the market. They bring together our extensive critical power expertise with our technology-agnostic model to deliver a complete power train solution that makes us a reliable, long-term energy partner for data centre operators. "With our ready-to-deploy PowerPods model, we are perfectly positioned to support the next wave of hyperscale data centres and AI infrastructure.” For more from AVK, click here.

Ellis unveils heavy-duty cable hanger, Hercules

Ellis Patents, a UK manufacturer of cable cleats and cable management systems, has introduced a new heavy-duty cable hanger, Hercules, at Data Centre World Frankfurt, expanding its cable support range for high-capacity data centre infrastructure. The product has been developed to support heavier cable installations as facilities increase power density and cabling volumes. It is designed for use in environments where mechanical strength and cable integrity are critical. Hercules is available in sizes ranging from 6 inches to 25 inches, providing flexibility across different cable diameters and installation requirements. The hanger is also UV-resistant, making it suitable for installations where cable containment may be exposed to external conditions, such as perimeter runs or transition zones. Designed for high-capacity cable installations As data centre projects scale, contractors are required to manage larger power cables and higher electrical loads, often within tighter deployment schedules. Cable support systems play a key role in maintaining safety and reliability in these environments. Ellis says the Hercules cable hanger has been developed in consultation with industry stakeholders to address these installation challenges, supporting heavier cable runs while maintaining ease of installation. Kelly Brown, Sales Director at Ellis, explains, "As data centre infrastructure grows in scale and complexity, the need for dependable, heavy-duty cable support becomes increasingly important. "Hercules has been developed in partnership with industry experts to provide installers with a strong, practical solution that supports heavier cable runs while offering the flexibility, durability, and UV resistance along with the reliability customers need and have come to expect from Ellis." The product was presented to contractors, consultants, and specifiers at Data Centre World Frankfurt, where it is aimed at those involved in hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data centre projects. Ellis states that the addition of Hercules also strengthens its wider cable management offering for data centre applications.

Design strategies for efficient, high-performance data centres

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence workloads is placing unprecedented demands on data centre infrastructure. As computer densities increase and operational expectations tighten, the need to balance performance with energy efficiency and carbon reduction has become more urgent. This shift is driving a re-evaluation of how data centres are designed, particularly in relation to cooling strategies and overall resource use. Data centres are now a critical component of global infrastructure, supporting cloud services, digital platforms, and AI applications. With increasing digitalisation, energy consumption associated with these facilities continues to rise. In the UK and globally, regulatory and market pressures are also evolving, with greater emphasis on energy performance, carbon reporting, and long-term sustainability targets. Within this context, various industry reports are suggesting that: • Data centres are estimated to account for approximately 1–1.5% of global electricity consumption• High-density AI workloads can exceed 30–80 kW per rack, significantly increasing cooling demand• Leading facilities are targeting power usage effectiveness (PUE) values of 1.2 or lower Efficient cooling system strategies As computational loads increase, cooling systems are under growing pressure to maintain stable operating conditions without excessive energy use. Traditional approaches that rely heavily on mechanical cooling are becoming less viable due to their high energy intensity. This challenge affects operators, developers, and designers, particularly as expectations around efficiency and environmental performance continue to rise. BSE|3D, a UK building services engineering and consultancy practice, says it works with organisations navigating these challenges by applying a performance-led design approach from the earliest project stages. The company notes that it has observed that early integration of simulation tools allows for more effective alignment between building form, system design, and operational performance. Solutions that focus on reducing cooling demand at source while optimising system efficiency can significantly improve outcomes. This includes evaluating environmental conditions, refining building parameters, and developing strategies that prioritise low-energy operation. A key approach involves enabling a cooling profile where approximately 70% of annual demand can be met through low-energy systems such as economisation and adiabatic processes, with mechanical systems supporting peak conditions and operational resilience. This reduces reliance on continuous compressor use and supports improved overall performance. Kriti Gupta, Sustainability Consultant at BSE|3D, explains, “As data centre loads continue to increase, the industry needs to move beyond conventional cooling approaches. By prioritising low-energy strategies and validating them through simulation, it is possible to reduce energy demand while maintaining performance and resilience. Early-stage design decisions play a critical role in achieving this balance.” Data centres are expected to play an increasingly significant role in supporting digital infrastructure. As their impact grows, so too does the importance of designing them in a way that responds to both operational requirements and environmental considerations.

1547's Orangeburg data centre reaches full occupancy

Harrison Street Asset Management and fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (1547), a developer and operator of interconnected data centres and carrier hotels across North America, have completed the latest expansion phase of their Orangeburg data centre in New York, with the facility now fully leased and operating at near-full utilisation. The colocation site, located around 18 miles (28.9 kilometres) north of Manhattan, provides capacity for tenants requiring proximity to New York City and access to established connectivity routes. Originally supporting 3.7 MW of IT load when acquired in 2021, the joint venture has since added approximately 14 MW of capacity while increasing density across the existing 232,000ft² (21,553m²) facility. A further 12MW utility feed is currently under development, with additional long-term expansion plans in place. The site has outline approval for a new 230,000ft² (21,367m²) building, supported by a planned 60MW on-site substation. Expansion driven by connectivity demand The Greater New York data centre market remains one of the largest in the US, supported by multiple terrestrial fibre routes and subsea cable landings along Long Island and New Jersey, enabling international connectivity, particularly with Europe. The Orangeburg facility now supports around 18 MW of IT load and has reached near-full utilisation following recent leasing activity. Demand is primarily driven by financial services organisations, including banks, trading platforms, and hedge funds, which require low-latency connectivity to Manhattan. Michael Hochanadel, Head of Digital Assets at Harrison Street Asset Management, comments, "The Orangeburg data centre exemplifies our approach to digital infrastructure investing, pairing strategic locations with disciplined demand-driven expansion." J Todd Raymond, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of 1547, adds, "From day one, our focus has been on delivering capacity in direct response to customer demand while maintaining the performance and reliability our clients depend on." Since 2018, Harrison Street Asset Management’s digital investment platform has committed more than $6.5 billion (£4.8 billion) to data centre and connectivity infrastructure, including powered shells, carrier hotels, colocation facilities, and dark fibre networks. For more from 1547, click here.

Daikin expands UK HVAC rental fleet

Daikin Rental Solutions, the dedicated temporary HVAC hire division of Daikin Applied UK, has expanded its UK rental fleet with additional cooling, heating, and air handling equipment, responding to growing demand for temporary HVAC systems. The investment reflects pressure on organisations to maintain operations while managing ageing infrastructure, higher temperatures, regulatory requirements, and the shift towards lower-carbon energy. The company has increased its range of high-capacity cooling systems, process cooling equipment, and heat pumps, alongside introducing UK-manufactured air handling units. Broader HVAC capability for UK industries Demand for temporary HVAC continues to rise across sectors such as data centres, healthcare, and manufacturing, where system downtime can have operational consequences. To support this, Daikin has added higher-capacity chiller units and an expanded range of heat pumps, offering scalable cooling and heating for larger or more complex environments. Additional dry air coolers have also been introduced to support process cooling requirements, including systems designed to improve energy performance under suitable conditions. The company has also expanded its airside equipment with a new range of air handling units manufactured in the UK. Produced at Daikin Applied UK’s facility in Cramlington, the units are designed for rental use, with a focus on ease of installation and suitability for environments such as cleanrooms and healthcare settings. Mike England, UK Rental Sales Manager at Daikin Applied UK, says, "In many of the sectors we support, downtime simply isn’t an option. Customers need solutions that are not only available quickly, but that perform reliably and integrate seamlessly into their existing systems." The company states that manufacturing air handling units within the UK is intended to improve equipment availability and reduce lead times, while maintaining consistent engineering standards across its rental fleet. Digital monitoring and control features are available on selected systems, supporting maintenance and operational oversight where required. For more from Daikin, click here.

€50bn Croatia AI data centre investment announced

Pantheon Atlas, a transatlantic-led investment group, has announced plans to develop a hyperscale AI data centre and innovation campus in Topusko, Croatia, with total investment expected to exceed €50 billion (£43 billion). This is reportedly the largest investment of its kind in Croatian history and among the largest private US investments in Europe. The project, known as Pantheon AI, is intended to address growing demand for AI-driven data centre capacity across Europe, where availability of power, land, and construction resources remains constrained. The development is being delivered by a transatlantic investment group combining US capital with local expertise in Croatia, including regulatory and grid access experience. The announcement was made at the Three Seas Initiative Summit in Dubrovnik. Pantheon AI is designed to meet NVIDIA’s gigawatt-scale AI factory standards and is expected to offer high levels of availability, exceeding Tier IV benchmarks. Jako Andabak, Founding Partner at Pantheon AI, comments, "Pantheon AI is a signal to the world that Croatia is open for the highest-caliber investment. "This project is the culmination of years of work to bring world-class digital infrastructure to Croatia." Addressing European data centre capacity Across Europe, established data centre markets are operating with limited vacancy, while grid connection delays continue to affect new developments. Demand in Central and Eastern Europe is expected to increase significantly by 2035, particularly as AI workloads expand and regulatory requirements encourage data to be stored within EU borders. Ryan Rich, Managing Partner at Pantheon AI, explains, "We have assembled a transatlantic partnership to solve one of the most pressing challenges in global digital infrastructure: enabling hyperscale operators to meet AI-driven demand at scale." The project is expected to support up to 5.2 GW of renewable energy integration into Croatia’s grid. It will include an on-site solar installation and battery storage, alongside multiple fibre connections across European network corridors. Joshua Volz, Special Envoy for Global Energy Integration at the US Department of Energy, says, "Critical infrastructure of this scale, built by the private sector responding to real market demand, is exactly how US interests and European security advance together." Construction of the campus is scheduled to begin in early 2027, with operations expected to start in the first quarter of 2029. The initial phase represents a €12 billion (£10 billion) investment, with additional funding anticipated as tenants deploy infrastructure. The campus will have a planned capacity of 1GW, including 800MW of usable IT load, and will span approximately 310 acres (1.2 km²), with expansion potential. The development is expected to create around 1,500 permanent roles, alongside 3,000 jobs during construction.