Report finds what's slowing down DC planning permission

A new report by Hoare Lea, a UK engineering consultancy, has found that data centre planning applications in the United Kingdom are being delayed by an average of 490 days, driven largely by objections related to inadequate community engagement, unclear community benefits, design, infrastructure constraints, and energy use. Hoare Lea’s Societal Insights team analysed 33 disputed applications to understand the underlying reasons for rejection and delay. Rejections frequently cited policy non-compliance, unsuitable locations, and insufficient energy strategies. These findings identify the tension between the growing demand for data centres in the UK - infrastructure that is supported by the Government’s AI Growth Zones - and the realities of navigating the planning system. Carl Walker, Head of Societal Insights at Hoare Lea, comments, “Success will be judged not only by new infrastructure, but also by the skills, growth, and opportunities delivered to local communities, [whose needs] must be recognised in the planning process.” Ambitions to build data centres in the UK already face significant challenges. Electricity grid capacity is already under strain, particularly in London and the M4 corridor, where data centres have delayed housing developments. Concerns also exist around environmental impacts, green belt land, and controversial government interventions overriding local planning decisions. The report findings underscore the need for integrated approaches that combine renewable energy planning, transparent governance, and meaningful community dividends. It suggests that by engaging communities early, supporting local skills and infrastructure, and embedding social and environmental value, data centres can become catalysts for sustainable local growth rather than sources of conflict. To view the full report, click here.

How 5G-A GigaUplink kept a robot half-marathon on track

Chinese telecommunications operator China Unicom and Chinese multinational technology company Huawei's landmark deployment at the 2026 Beijing E-Town event demonstrates what high-uplink network architecture can deliver when the stakes - and the robot runners - are at full sprint. When 21 humanoid robots lined up alongside human runners at the 2026 Beijing E-Town Half-Marathon on 19 April, the spectacle represented far more than a novelty sporting occasion. Behind the scenes, a sophisticated 5G-A network was working hard to ensure that each machine could navigate, sense its environment, and communicate in real time - all while travelling at speeds of up to 10 metres per second. The event, held at Tongming Lake Park and Nanhaizi Park in Beijing's E-Town (Yizhuang) district, marked a genuine global first: human runners and humanoid robots competing simultaneously on the same course. It also served as a compelling proof of concept for how high-uplink 5G-A connectivity can solve some of the most demanding real-world engineering challenges in embodied AI. The engineering challenge Running a humanoid robot half-marathon is not simply a mechanical feat. Each robot must receive and transmit a continuous stream of HD video, environmental sensor data, and positioning information. Remote-control robots require stable, low-latency command links, while the autonomous navigation group demands even more: real-time decision-making support, precise positioning to sub-decimetre accuracy, and dynamic obstacle avoidance - all at pace, over a 21km course, in a densely populated public space. Add to that the media requirements - 4K and 8K live broadcasting, real-time data feeds, and tens of thousands of spectators uploading content simultaneously - and the uplink demands become extraordinary. Each robot alone requires approximately 10 Mbps of sustained uplink bandwidth, and the network must support more than 40 concurrent service scenarios without degradation. In short, this was not a use case that a conventional network architecture was built to handle. The network solution China Unicom Beijing, supported by Huawei's radio access technology, deployed a 5G-A premium network along the full length of the course. The solution centres on 5G-A three-component carrier (3CC) aggregation across 3.5GHz and 2.1GHz bands, using Huawei's Extended Large Aperture Array (ELAA) technology. This combination delivers a peak uplink speed of 677 Mbps and an average of 155 Mbps, with end-to-end latency averaging just 30 ms. Crucially, uplink speeds of 20 Mbps or above were maintained more than 99.6% of the time - a figure that underlines the reliability required for safety-critical autonomous systems operating at speed. Dedicated uplink network slices were reserved along the course to prioritise robot connectivity and guarantee positioning accuracy to sub-decimetre level. At the high-density start and finish areas, carrier priority technology ensured that robot and media traffic was not crowded out by spectator demand. The result was consistent, stable connectivity for both the autonomous navigation robots and the remote-control group throughout the full 21km route. Underpinning the physical network is an intelligent operations and maintenance (O&M) platform, which uses AI algorithms to monitor equipment remotely, predict faults at millisecond timescales, and optimise resource allocation dynamically. By combining dynamic and static management, the system enables continuous, unattended operation and real-time adaptation to shifting traffic patterns across the course. China Unicom has built this into a broader ICT-integrated smart operations architecture - one that gives the network, as the company puts it, a "smart brain". What it delivered The results speak clearly to what a well-engineered, high-uplink network can achieve. Robots in the autonomous navigation group executed precise perception and rapid decision-making throughout the course, supported by sub-decimetre positioning accuracy and guaranteed low-latency data paths. Live broadcast teams delivered 4K and 8K feeds without interruption, and spectators experienced consistently smooth connectivity despite the event's scale. Field testing recorded a peak uplink speed of 677 Mbps, while the 99.6% fulfilment rate at 20 Mbps confirmed that the headline performance figures translated into reliable real-world delivery. The network also supported innovative spectator applications, including AR and VR viewing modes that allowed fans to experience the marathon from the robots' own perspectives - all enabled by the same high-uplink infrastructure. In their own words Qin Yang, Deputy General Manager of China Unicom in Beijing, spoke proudly of the excellent connections his company provided for the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games, as a global strategic partner, and for the 2026 Beijing E-Town Half-Marathon event, as the exclusive official communications sponsor. He said, "5G-A and AI are essential digital infrastructure, enabling us to bring embodied AI to sports. Given the new dynamics of AI development, we will double down on our priorities over connectivity, computing power, services, and security to sharpen our competitive edges as a preferred telecom partner for intelligent sports and a core enabler for intelligent industry transformation. "Moving forward, we will accelerate our innovation-driven push to strengthen our digital infrastructure and drive the high-quality growth of embodied AI in China and beyond." Samuel Chen, Vice President of Huawei's Wireless Network Business Marketing, added that this humanoid robot half-marathon offers a good example of deepening integration between mobile technology and embodied intelligence. He commented, "Beyond redefining connectivity for sports, it has shown us what intelligent production and life will look like in future. We are always dedicated to building excellent 5G-A networks together with operators based on user-centred innovation to ensure GigaUplink, low latency, and high reliability for differentiated mobile AI services. This will enable us to continuously drive the high-quality growth of the digital economy." The broader picture The Beijing event is significant not only as a spectacle, but as an indicator of where network engineering is heading. The shift from downlink-dominant 5G towards symmetrical, high-uplink architectures reflects a fundamental change in how AI-driven applications interact with mobile infrastructure. Embodied AI, industrial data backhaul, and immersive real-time services all place enormous demands on uplink capacity - demands that traditional LTE and early 5G networks were not designed to meet. The 5G-A GigaUplink standard, with its target of ubiquitous 20Mbps uplink availability, positions the technology as a credible foundation for the next generation of intelligent applications. China Unicom's deployment at the E-Town marathon demonstrates that this is not merely theoretical; with the right network architecture, AI-powered autonomous systems can operate reliably at scale in complex, real-world environments. For network engineers and infrastructure professionals, the lesson from Beijing is clear: As embodied AI moves from the laboratory to the streets, connectivity infrastructure must evolve to match - and the 5G-A deployment at the E-Town marathon offers a practical, field-tested blueprint for how that evolution can be achieved. For more from Huawei, click here.

Pure DC expands its Middle East data centres

Pure Data Centres Group (Pure DC), a designer, developer, and operator of hyperscale data centres, has confirmed further investment in the Middle East, including a capacity increase at its Abu Dhabi campus and new development plans in Saudi Arabia. The company has received final approval from TAQA to expand IT capacity at its AUH01 site in Abu Dhabi from 41MW to 48MW. The increase has been achieved through design optimisation and the addition of new power infrastructure, supporting additional demand including AI workloads. The AUH01 campus is located on a 16-acre (64,749m²) site and is designed for phased expansion. One 20MW building is already operational, with initial data hall capacity delivered to a hyperscale customer in 2025. The site uses a combination of air and liquid cooling to support different deployment requirements. Pure DC has also matched 100% of the electricity used at AUH01 in 2025 with International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs), sourced from solar generation at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in the UAE. This approach aims to support reduced carbon intensity for operations and contribute to market-based Scope 2 emissions targets. Regional growth plans Alongside its UAE operations, Pure DC has entered a joint venture with Dune Vaults to develop a hyperscale data centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The RUH01 campus will be built on a 270,000m² site, with an initial design capacity of 57.6MW across two buildings. The development has potential to scale beyond 100MW as demand increases. Gary Wojtaszek, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO at Pure DC, comments, “We remain deeply committed to the Middle East and grateful for support we continue to receive from authorities across the UAE and KSA in the current climate. "Our sites are delivering uninterrupted service, reflecting the resilience and reliability that underpins our presence in the region. While the current macro-political environment may have slowed sector investment, digital demand remains unchanged. "The region’s ambitious national visions recognise the transformation enabled by digital government, enterprise modernisation, and a future-ready workforce. Pure DC is fully committed to contributing to that future through the continued development and operation of world-class digital infrastructure across the Middle East.” For more from Pure DC, click here.

Wärtsilä secures 790MW Texas data centre deal

Wärtsilä, a Finnish technology company that manufactures and services power systems, has secured an order to supply a 790MW off-grid power system for a data centre under construction in Texas, USA. The project will use 42 Wärtsilä 50SG gas engines operating on natural gas to provide primary power for the facility. The order was recorded in the company’s Q2 2026 intake and represents its first data centre-related project in Texas. The deployment reflects growing demand for power in regions where grid capacity is constrained, particularly as large-scale AI and cloud infrastructure continues to expand. Wärtsilä’s engine-based system is designed to deliver continuous power without reliance on the grid, supporting early-stage operations while grid connections are developed or where capacity is limited. Engine-based power for off-grid deployment The selected engines are capable of operating at full output in high temperatures, which is a key consideration for projects in Texas. The system is also designed to support efficiency and emissions requirements, with a heat rate of approximately 6,800 Btu/kWh. The modular configuration allows capacity to be scaled as demand increases, while also enabling integration with renewable energy sources where available. Anders Lindberg, President of Wärtsilä Energy and Executive Vice President of Wärtsilä, comments, “Wärtsilä’s primary power solutions offer significant benefits to data centre developers by providing continuous, reliable primary power while using significantly less water and fuel than traditional alternatives. "Also, our power solutions ramp up quickly and offer a dependable and sustainable foundation for delivering power availability, which is vital for AI and cloud operators. "Our modular engine power plants allow easy capacity scale-ups, making them an ideal choice for the fast-growing data centre market.” Texas continues to attract data centre development due to its access to natural gas resources, established energy infrastructure, and growing renewable generation capacity. Engine-based systems can also be used to support grid balancing once a facility is connected. Equipment delivery for the project is scheduled for 2028, with full operations expected by late 2029. Wärtsilä has now supplied more than 2.4GW of power capacity to data centre projects across the United States.

Kao Data backs Discover Tech careers programme

Kao Data, a developer and operator of data centres, has joined the Cisco-led Discover Tech programme, aimed at widening access to technology careers for young people across the UK. As an employer member, the data centre operator joins organisations including Adobe, Accenture UK&I, IBM, and World Wide Technology, alongside CDW, FDM, BBC, Highpoint, and Softcat. The initiative focuses on supporting underrepresented groups to explore opportunities in the technology sector. A pilot programme launched in February 2026 engaged 100 students, with most participants reporting increased interest in technology careers and participating employers. The scheme will expand in July, offering a two-day programme for around 600 young people in London and Manchester. The first day provides an introduction to the sector, while the second involves on-site visits with employer partners, covering areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Kao Data will host around 40 students at its Harlow campus on 15 July, providing an overview of data centre infrastructure and its role in supporting digital services. The site is located at Kao Park, associated with early fibre optic research led by Sir Charles Kao. Industry initiative targets skills gap The programme forms part of wider efforts to address skills shortages in the technology sector, particularly within digital infrastructure and data centres. Kalay Moodley, Chief People Officer at Kao Data, comments, “Discover Tech is exactly the kind of initiative the sector needs. The data centre industry is facing a significant skills shortage, and if we are serious about closing that gap we have to reach into communities that have historically been overlooked and show young people what a career in our industry can look like. “Hosting these students at Kao Park is a real privilege. This is the birthplace of fibre optic networks, the technology that carries the modern internet, and we want every young person who walks onto our campus to leave understanding that the digital world they use every day is built by people, and that those people could be them.” Rachel Morar, Managing Director at Connectr Early Engagement, says, “We're delighted to welcome Kao Data to the Discover Tech family. "This group of employers has come together with the ambition of positively impacting 7,000 young people over the next three years, myth-busting about the sector and getting students excited about where they fit into the ecosystem. “Kao Data shares our passion for making sure young people are informed about the tech sector at this pivotal decision-making age in their school and college careers. “Data centres will play a vital role in the UK's economic growth, and Kao Data joining the programme will bring invaluable insights for our Y12s to learn from in July.” The initiative also supports Kao Data’s wider education and skills activities, including its Kao Academy programme for primary schools and its Critical Careers campaign focused on data centre roles. For more from Kao Data, click here.

Neterra adds fourth Sofia–Frankfurt data route

Neterra, an independent Bulgarian global telecommunications provider, has launched a fourth independent data transmission route between Sofia and Frankfurt, expanding capacity and network resilience. The company states it is the only provider in the region operating four separate and geographically diverse routes between the two locations. The infrastructure is supported by its NetIX internet exchange platform. The additional route has been introduced in response to increasing disruption across international networks. Recent outages have shown that multiple routes can be affected at the same time, impacting services across major platforms. Dean Belev (pictured above), Senior Product Manager for Connectivity and NetIX at Neterra, says, “When external interruptions occurred in international infrastructure, we saw that even three routes were not always enough to guarantee the quality we strive for. “That is why we initiated the construction of a fourth line based on our specific requirements. Now, all four routes are completely independent, not only in their physical paths, but also in terms of operators and equipment used. This represents the highest level of protection we can offer our customers.” The new route is already supporting several hundred customers using data transmission, internet access, and NetIX platform services in the region. Capacity upgrade planned across all routes Alongside the new route, Neterra plans to increase capacity across its Sofia–Frankfurt network. The company will upgrade from N × 100Gbps to N × 400Gbps across all four routes. The upgrade reportedly follows continued growth in demand and the expansion of NetIX, which currently operates at around 7Tbps capacity. The combined expansion is intended to improve both performance and resilience across one of Europe’s key data connectivity corridors. For more from Neterra, click here.

How to ensure your infrastructure complies with DORA

In this exclusive article for DCNN, Chris Noon, Director of Solution Engineering, International at Alkira, outlines how financial institutions must embed security, resilience, and transparency into their network infrastructure to meet the demands of DORA: Rethinking network infrastructure The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) marks a major change in how the European financial sector manages technology risk. Instead of focusing only on solvency, DORA emphasises keeping digital services running smoothly. For enterprise organisations, this means every part of the technology stack, especially the network infrastructure connecting cloud environments and data centres, must be reviewed with operational resilience and security in mind. With this new framework, financial institutions are ultimately responsible for their digital resilience, even as they rely more on a complex network of ICT third-party service providers. To manage this, IT and compliance teams need to shift from reactive security to building systems where resilience is built in from the start. The core pillars of DORA compliance DORA requires financial organisations to have a complete strategy for managing ICT risks. This strategy should address five main areas: ICT risk management, incident reporting, operational resilience testing, third-party risk management, and information sharing. From an infrastructure point of view, the regulation says organisations must treat their network and cloud providers as essential parts of service delivery. IT teams should make sure providers go beyond just offering a service-level agreement and also give clear information about how their systems are built, managed, and secured. Security by design in network infrastructure To build security by design, start by choosing infrastructure platforms that follow well-known industry standards. When reviewing a network provider, IT teams should look for signs of a "born-in-the-cloud" or "security-first" approach. This shows the platform was built to work in high-risk, tightly regulated settings. Key indicators of a security-by-design approach include: • Identity and access governance — Providers should have strong identity and access management (IAM) features, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA); detailed, role-based access control (RBAC); and Policy Based Access Control (PBAC). This helps make sure only authorised people can change important network settings. • Encrypted connectivity — Security by design means data must be protected both while moving and when stored. Network providers should make it easy to use encryption across multi-cloud and hybrid setups without making operations more complicated. • Independent validation — Security claims need to be supported by third-party audits. Certifications like SOC 2 Type II, which cover security, availability, and confidentiality, are important standards. These reports give the proof needed for the due diligence required by DORA. Building for operational resilience Operational resilience means a company can handle, respond to, and recover from technology problems. For DORA, this means the network should not have a single point of failure. A resilient setup is usually spread out so if one part fails, traffic is rerouted to keep services running. IT teams should choose providers that focus on high availability as a key part of their services. This means having constant monitoring and alerts to catch problems early. The provider should also have a clear and tested incident response plan. DORA requires financial institutions to report major ICT incidents to regulators quickly, so the network provider must be able to supply the needed data and logs for fast investigation and reporting. Managing third-party risk and oversight A major challenge with DORA is the extra oversight of third-party providers. Financial organisations now have to include clear contract terms about oversight and audit rights. This need for transparency can be hard for some traditional technology providers to handle. When choosing an infrastructure partner, organisations should pick providers with clear processes for handling compliance questions. This means they can share security policies, operational procedures, and proof of regular penetration testing under non-disclosure agreements. The provider should act as a partner, helping the customer meet regulatory requirements, not just supplying a technical service. The role of Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) As financial institutions update their networks, many are choosing Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) models to handle the complexity of multi-cloud environments. These platforms connect on-premises data centres with different cloud service providers, acting as the system’s central hub. To meet DORA requirements, an IaaS platform must show it does not create new risks. It should be built on a well-known cloud infrastructure that already meets strong security standards. Using a resilient IaaS model helps IT teams see their whole network clearly, making risk management and compliance easier. Practical steps for IT teams To get ready for DORA, IT and risk management teams should take these practical steps with their network providers: 1. Conduct comprehensive due diligence — Check current and potential providers to make sure they meet DORA’s rules for security controls, incident response, and resilience testing. 2. Audit contractual arrangements — Make sure contracts clearly state audit rights, service levels, and the provider’s duty to help during a regulatory inquiry. 3. Evaluate multi-cloud strategy — Check if your current network setup allows you to quickly move workloads between cloud providers if one goes down. 4. Establish clear reporting lines — Decide how the network provider will communicate during an incident and what information they will give to support your reporting needs. Looking forward DORA is an ongoing operational process, not a one-off project. As regulations change, the need for operational resilience will only grow. Financial institutions that focus on security by design and pick infrastructure partners who value transparency and reliability will be better prepared for these changes. In the end, resilience is something everyone shares. The financial organisation is still responsible to the regulator, but its compliance success depends on its technology providers. By choosing providers who see compliance as a key part of their design, organisations can build a digital foundation that meets DORA and supports the future of digital finance.

Yondr powers up 27MW Toronto data centre

Yondr Group, a global developer, owner, and operator of hyperscale data centres, has energised its 27MW data centre in Toronto, marking its entry into the Canadian market. The 4.5-acre (18,211m²) site is expected to be ready for service in mid-2026 and forms part of the company’s wider expansion across North America and Europe. The facility is designed to provide hyperscale capacity to support growing demand for digital infrastructure in the region. The data centre incorporates a closed-loop cooling system to reduce water usage and has been developed in line with the Toronto Green Standard. The site also includes electric vehicle charging points, cycle parking, bird-friendly glazing, and landscaping using native and pollinator plant species. Yondr states that the development aligns with its target to achieve net zero scope one and two emissions by 2030. Sustainability and community engagement initiatives Alongside the build, Yondr has partnered with the University of Toronto to support a scholarship programme for undergraduate students across disciplines including computer science, commerce, life sciences, and physical sciences. The programme offers awards of up to CA$5,000 (£2,700), with two students supported to date. The company has also contributed to local initiatives, including pre-apprenticeship placements, apprentice site tours, support for youth sports teams, and a tree planting event linked to Earth Day. John Madden, Chief Data Center Officer at Yondr Group, says, “We’re proud to mark the energisation of our Toronto data centre campus - a major milestone that moves us another step closer to delivering critical digital infrastructure for the region. "Demand for capacity is accelerating at a pace we’ve never experienced before, driven by AI scale and a shift towards compute-led economies. Our Toronto campus forms a key part of Yondr’s strategy to deliver the next generation of sustainable, high-performance data centre capacity across North America and beyond.” Todd Sauer, VP Design & Construction Americas at Yondr Group, adds, “This campus has been designed with future demand and long-term environmental responsibility in mind, integrating innovative cooling efficiency, resilience, and local sustainability standards from the outset. "Combined with our delivery model and rapid campus deployment approach, we’re unlocking speed, scale, and certainty for customers as they plan the digital infrastructure of tomorrow. “We’re committed to building not just capacity, but lasting value. From delivering hyperscale-ready infrastructure to working with academic partners like the University of Toronto to invest in future talent pipelines, this project represents a significant commitment to the region and its long-term digital growth.” For more from Yondr Group, click here.

FTTH Conference 2026 highlights Europe’s fibre momentum

The FTTH Conference 2026 has successfully concluded, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to assess progress and priorities for Europe’s fibre future. Discussions confirmed steady momentum in fibre rollout, alongside a growing focus on adoption, investment sustainability, and enabling regulatory frameworks. Key topics included the strategic role of fibre as backbone infrastructure for data centres interconnectivity, network resilience and cybersecurity, cloud applications, and technologies of the future like artificial intelligence (AI). The event also provided the stage to recognise excellence across the sector through the FTTH Awards and FTTH Innovation Awards 2026. FTTH Awards 2026 winners: • Individual Award — Trevor Linney, Network Technology Director at Openreach• Operator Award — Netomnia (United Kingdom)• Champion of Diversity Award — SIRO (Ireland) FTTH Innovation Awards 2026 winners: • Passive Infrastructure — Homes Passed+Featuring FiberMag by Emtelle• Active Infrastructure Central Network — Multi-PON line card LLLT-A by Nokia• Active Infrastructure Home Network — SDG 8000 and 9000 Series mesh Wi-Fi solutions by Adtran• Planning, Workflow, Mapping/GIS Software — NET Scan by TKI• Installation Equipment, Tools, Test & Measurement — FTB-Lite Series by EXFO• Artificial Intelligence & Software — Mosaic One Clarity by Adtran FTTH Council Europe President Francesco Nonno comments, “The FTTH Conference 2026 confirms that Europe is facing the last phase of fibre coverage and of migration from copper to fibre, which is proving difficult in a number of countries. "Policy choices, such as copper switch off, are much welcomed to accelerate this process, while the focus is clearly shifting towards building resilient, future-proof networks that will underpin Europe’s digital decade.” The FTTH Council Europe says it now looks ahead to the next edition of the event, FTTH Conference 2027, taking place from 16–18 March 2027 at MiCo Milan in Italy, where the industry will continue to shape the future of fibre connectivity. For more from FTTH, click here.

ECL developing 35MW Santa Clara data centre

ECL, a US data-centre-as-a-service company, has announced plans to develop a 35MW data centre in Santa Clara, California, USA, designed to support high-density AI workloads using a mix of power sources. The facility, known as CSC-1, will combine on-grid electricity with hydrogen and natural gas generation. The approach is intended to address growing demand for power in data centre markets where grid capacity is limited. CSC-1 will launch with rack densities ranging from 75kW to 270kW, and the site is based on ECL’s FlexGrid architecture, which integrates multiple power inputs and is designed to operate alongside local utility infrastructure. The system is expected to deliver a power usage effectiveness (PUE) of below 1.15 while supporting lower emissions through a combination of cooling methods. The development will follow a phased approach, starting with an initial 2.5MW deployment and scaling up to full capacity as demand increases. This model is intended to allow operators to begin AI workloads earlier, without waiting for full site completion. Modular power approach addresses grid constraints Northern California remains a constrained market for data centre power, with delays in grid connections affecting new developments. As a result, alternative approaches such as on-site power generation are becoming more widely adopted. ECL’s FlexGrid system uses modular power blocks that can be deployed incrementally. This allows capacity to be added over time, aligning infrastructure growth with demand for AI compute. The system also incorporates different cooling methods, including direct-to-chip and air cooling. When hydrogen is used as a power source, by-product water can be reused within the cooling process, reducing the need for additional water supply. The architecture is designed to meet Tier III-level reliability requirements and includes a real-time management platform to monitor and adjust power generation, cooling, and rack-level operations. Yuval Bachar, Co-founder and CEO of ECL, comments, “A 35MW facility delivered in Santa Clara in under a year would have been unthinkable through traditional grid-connected development. "Every major AI operator in the Bay Area is staring at the same maths, with years-long interconnection queues pitted against AI deployment needs that are growing by the minute. "By phasing growth through modular power blocks, ECL matches infrastructure deployment to the actual pace of AI demand rather than forcing customers to overbuild or wait. This site demonstrates that power architecture itself can become the enabling layer for AI scale rather than the constraint.” ECL is currently accepting enquiries from prospective tenants for the site. For more from ECL, click here.