Kao Data's Academy to promote data centre careers

Kao Data, a developer and operator of data centres, has re-launched its online learning programme, the Kao Academy, aimed at inspiring primary school pupils to explore careers in the data centre and technology sectors. The initiative, designed for Upper Key Stage 2 (ages 9–11), provides curriculum-based lesson plans explaining what data centres are, their role in modern life, and the types of jobs that will be needed in the future. The resources also include games, puzzles, and a 'Data Super Hero' competition, targeted at pupils in areas where Kao Data operates, including Harlow, Slough, and Stockport. Addressing the skills shortage The relaunch comes as the data centre industry faces a significant talent gap. According to the Uptime Institute, staffing needs are already nearing 2.3 million roles worldwide, with shortages in engineering, operations, and IT infrastructure expected to increase further by 2030. By linking STEM education to real-world applications through creative resources and classroom activities, Kao Data aims to encourage early interest in technology careers, particularly among underrepresented groups. The programme has been developed with education specialists and social impact agency Hark London, which will also run in-school activity days in Slough featuring 'Data Centre Superheroes' teaching pupils about digital infrastructure. Local and industry support Chris Vince, MP for Harlow, says, “This new educational initiative from Kao Data is hugely welcomed in Harlow to help both teachers and children understand what data centres do and the range of high-quality tech jobs that will be available in the future. "By helping teachers deliver these vital lessons, we ensure the next generation is ready to thrive in tomorrow’s tech-driven world.” Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, adds, “We must equip the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy. Initiatives like the Kao Academy play a vital role in this effort, introducing children to the world of data centres and the critical role technology plays in our lives.” Lizzy McDowell, Director of Marketing at Kao Data, says, “Our newly re-launched Kao Academy will help children connect STEM subjects to the data centre industry, sparking interest at a formative age and encouraging underrepresented groups to see a place for themselves in the tech industry. "For the UK to remain competitive in the growing AI and digital economy, it is our collective responsibility to develop initiatives that bridge education and industry early.” For more from Kao Data, click here.

Ramboll report outlines roadmap to sustainable data centres

A new report published by Ramboll, an architecture, engineering, and consultancy company, at Climate Week NYC sets out a strategic framework for reducing the environmental impact of data centres and achieving net zero carbon. The report, Developing sustainable data centres: A strategic roadmap to achieve net zero carbon and reduce environmental impact, provides guidance across the full value chain, with recommendations for owners, developers, operators, and consultants. It addresses key sustainability challenges including embodied and operational carbon, biodiversity, circularity, energy, and water use. Tackling operational and embodied carbon Data centres accounted for around 1.5% of global electricity consumption last year, a figure projected by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to double by 2030. Given this demand, operational carbon is the largest component of emissions. The report states that net zero operational carbon is achievable through measures such as optimised energy efficiency, renewable energy procurement, energy reuse and export, and demand response. Embodied carbon, associated with construction materials, can be reduced by using low-carbon steel and concrete, sourcing locally, and reusing materials from decommissioned buildings. Ed Ansett, Ramboll’s Global Director of Technology and Innovation, says, “The construction of data centres powered by the rise of artificial intelligence is booming across the globe, driving unprecedented demand for electricity and significantly contributing to global greenhouse gas emissions, increased water consumption, waste production, habitat destruction, and resource depletion. "These challenges can be managed and mitigated if data centres are built with climate, biodiversity, and circularity impacts in mind from the very start.” Biodiversity, circularity, and water use The report highlights the importance of integrating biodiversity into site planning, recommending ecological surveys to identify protected species and habitats at an early stage. It also calls for the involvement of landscape architects to help reduce ecological impacts. For circularity, Ramboll proposes a benchmark of 100% reuse, reusability, or recyclability of materials, with no output to landfill or incineration. Water consumption, a major concern in regions with limited supply, can be reduced by achieving water neutrality. Strategies include avoiding water-based cooling, maximising cycles of concentration, and making use of alternative sources such as rainwater. Ed continues, “There are economic benefits for data centre owners if they focus on circular practices. For instance, the sole physical byproduct of data centre energy consumption is heat, which has historically been unused and released to atmosphere. Data centres are in an excellent position to export what would otherwise be wasted energy.” For more from Ramboll, click here.

Paving the way for efficient high-density AI at 400G & 800G

AI workloads are reshaping the data centre. As back-end traffic scales and racks densify, the interconnect choices you make today will determine the performance, efficiency, and scalability of tomorrow’s AI infrastructure. In this fast, focused 30-minute live tech talk, Siemon’s experts will share a practical, cabling-led view to help you plan smarter and deploy faster. Drawing on field experience and expectations from large-scale AI deployments, the session will give you clear context and actionable guidance before your next design, upgrade, or AI back-end project begins. Discover: • AI market overview & nomenclature: A clear look at scale-up vs scale-out networks and where each fit in AI planning. • Reference designs & deployment sizes: Common GPU pod approaches (including air-cooled and liquid-to-chip) and what they mean for density and footprint. • AI network connection points: Critical interconnect considerations for high-performance AI back-end networks. • AI network cabling considerations: What to evaluate when selecting cables for demanding 400G/800G workloads. • Cabling options that improve efficiency: Real-world examples of how architecture choices affect deployment efficiency, including a 1024-GPU comparison. Walk away with: • A clear understanding of high-density interconnect options. • Insight into proven deployment strategies and the trade-offs that matter. • Confidence to make informed decisions that scale with AI workloads. Speaker: Ryan Harris, Director, Systems Engineering (High-Speed Interconnect), SiemonDate: Thursday, 2 October 2025Time: 2:00–2:30 PM BST | 3:00–3:30 PM CET This is the must-see tech talk for anyone planning, designing, or deploying high-density AI data centres. Don’t miss your chance to get the insight that can accelerate your next project and keep your infrastructure ready for the demands ahead. Register now via this link to secure your spot. For more from Siemon, click here.

STL showcases multi-core fibre at Connected Britain

STL, an optical and digital systems company, has demonstrated its Unitube Single Jacket Indoor Optical Fibre Cable with four-core multi-core fibre (MCF) at Connected Britain 2025. The technology places four cores within the same cladding diameter as standard single-mode fibre, maintaining a coating size of 250/200 micrometres. STL is among the first companies to show real-world deployments of MCF technology, with use cases spanning underground and duct networks. Building on this work, the new cable has been designed specifically for indoor environments such as data centres, campus networks, and commercial buildings. Fire safety and performance features The cable is certified under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) EuroClass Cca-s2, d1, a1 standard, providing a high level of fire resistance for critical infrastructure. STL has also developed optical distribution units and connectivity solutions to complement the product, aiming to simplify integration into existing network architectures. Key features of the indoor cable include: • Enhanced security — support for quantum key distribution (QKD) to enable tamper-evident encryption• Future-ready bandwidth — four times the throughput of legacy fibres, supporting applications such as AI, 5G, and quantum technologies• Compact design — higher fibre counts within a smaller footprint, with examples including 864 fibres scaled to 3,456 using MCF• Scalability — a single deployment providing higher backbone capacity for long-term use Dr Badri Gomatam, CTO at STL, comments, “Through continuous innovation and global partnerships, STL is accelerating the adoption of advanced optical technologies. "Our Unitube Single Jacket Indoor Optical Fibre Cable with MCF is engineered to meet the growing demands of high-capacity, secure, and future-ready networks. "With our ongoing global standardisation efforts and real-world deployments, we are proud to lead the evolution of optical infrastructure that powers next-generation applications.”

Securitas partners with Rohde & Schwarz on DC security

Securitas, a global security services provider, has announced a partnership with Rohde & Schwarz to integrate millimetre wave people-screening technology into its data centre security offering. The collaboration is aimed at strengthening protection against insider threats, data theft, and sabotage as demand for always-on digital infrastructure increases. Millimetre wave screening for critical environments At the core of the partnership is the use of Rohde & Schwarz’s Quick Personnel Security Scanners (QPS), which employ millimetre wave technology and artificial intelligence to detect potential threats. Already in use by government agencies and high-security organisations, the scanners provide non-contact, safe, and accurate screening while supporting real-time decision-making by on-site security officers. According to Securitas, the QPS improves operational flow by reducing the need for manual screening, enabling more efficient staffing models and allowing remote monitoring. The system also provides insights into alarm rates and throughput, supporting both regulatory compliance and continuity of operations. Milton Plet, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Clients Data Center Group at Securitas, says, “This is a perfect demonstration of how technology augments - rather than replaces - human expertise. "Our officers are still at the core of the solution, only better supported by real-time information to make even better decisions in order to protect our clients’ assets.” Expanding security options for data centres Andreas Haegele, Vice President of Microwave Imaging at Rohde & Schwarz, adds, “The strategic partnership with Securitas enables us to introduce our security scanners, formerly exclusive to governments, now also to data centres, where adaptability, consistency, and precision are key. "Together we are delivering a customised, future-proof solution that adapts to both clients’ needs and the threat landscape.” Nelson Barreto, Senior Vice President, Global Clients at Securitas Technology, argues, “By combining electronic security expertise along with our global protective services and reach, we’re delivering a smarter, more adaptive approach to securing data centres, no matter where they’re located.” Securitas has more than 90 years of experience in protective services. By adding advanced millimetre wave screening to its multi-layered security framework, the company says it aims to enhance both resilience and efficiency in data centre operations. For more from Securitas, click here.

Data centres in the fast lane

Elevate – Future Faster is inviting industry professionals to join 'Data Centres in the Fast Lane', an afternoon of high-octane insight and networking at the F1 Arcade, St Paul’s, London. Beginning with lunch at 12:00 and running through to prize giving at 18:00, the event marries technical depth with experiential energy. Over five keynote sessions, speakers from Elevate, nVent, Sunbird, Senko, Axis, and RED Engineering will address critical challenges in modern data centre design. Highlights include: • Cutting-edge rear-door and direct-to-chip cooling by nVent• DCIM strategies for ESG and operational reporting by Sunbird• High-performance fibre connectivity from Senko• Secure surveillance from perimeter to rack via Axis• Hybrid, future-ready infrastructure design by RED Engineering After the presentations, attendees can compete in F1 racing simulators, with prizes for top performers and teams. Spaces are limited and securing your spot ensures access to both technical discourse and an immersive experience. If you want to take part, you can register by clicking this link. For more from Elevate – Future Faster, click here.

Arteco introduces ECO coolants for data centres

Arteco, a Belgian manufacturer of heat transfer fluids and direct-to-chip coolants, has expanded its coolant portfolio with the launch of ECO versions of its ZITREC EC product line, designed for direct-to-chip liquid cooling in data centres. Each product is manufactured using renewable or recycled feedstocks with the aim of delivering a significantly reduced product carbon footprint compared with fossil-based equivalents, while maintaining the same thermal performance and reliability. Addressing growing thermal challenges As demand for high-performance computing rises, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and other workloads, operators face increasing challenges in managing heat loads efficiently. Arteco’s ZITREC EC line was developed to support liquid cooling systems in data centres, enabling high thermal performance and energy efficiency. The new ECO version incorporates base fluids, Propylene Glycol (PG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG), sourced from certified renewable or recycled materials. By moving away from virgin fossil-based resources, ECO products aim to help customers reduce scope 3 emissions without compromising quality. Serge Lievens, Technology Manager at Arteco, says, “Our comprehensive life cycle assessment studies show that the biggest environmental impact of our coolants comes from fossil-based raw materials at the start of the value chain. "By rethinking those building blocks and incorporating renewable and/or recycled raw materials, we are able to offer products with significantly lower climate impact, without compromising on high quality and performance standards.” Certification and traceability Arteco’s ECO coolants use a mass balance approach, ensuring that renewable and recycled feedstocks are integrated into production while maintaining full traceability. The process is certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS standard. Alexandre Moireau, General Manager at Arteco, says, “At Arteco, we firmly believe the future of cooling must be sustainable. Our sustainability strategy focuses on climate action, smart use of resources, and care for people and communities. "This new family of ECO coolants is a natural extension of that commitment. Sustainability for us is a continuous journey, one where we keep researching, innovating, and collaborating to create better, cleaner cooling solutions.” For more from Arteco, click here.

EcoDataCenter breaks ground on mega campus in Borlänge

EcoDataCenter has started construction of the new mega campus Kvarnsveden in Borlänge, Sweden. The project represents a long-term establishment of significant industrial scale, with the first data centre at the site scheduled for completion in early 2027. Peter Michelson, CEO of EcoDataCenter, comments, “This is a historic day for EcoDataCenter, for Borlänge, and for Sweden. AI infrastructure is a new base industry, and Kvarnsveden will play a key role in supporting digitalisation. The facility in Borlänge will become one of the largest projects of its kind in Europe.” At launch, EcoDataCenter 2 in Borlänge will have access to 250 MW, with the potential to scale up to 600 MW. The development follows EcoDataCenter’s acquisition of the former Kvarnsveden paper mill in 2024, creating a unique opportunity to transform an industrial landmark into a hub for next-generation technology. Peter continues, “The facility once produced paper – the raw material of the newspaper information age. Now, Borlänge will produce the raw material for AI and the next information age.” In parallel with the construction start, EcoDataCenter has also signed an exclusive agreement to acquire additional land at the site, ensuring additional capacity to meet the rapidly growing demand for compute power. Erik Nises (S), Chairman of the Municipal Board in Borlänge, concludes, “We value what EcoDataCenter brings to our municipality and are pleased that construction can begin so soon after the site acquisition. We look forward to seeing the Kvarnsveden paper mill brought to life in a new form,” says Erik Nises (S), chairman of the municipal board in Borlänge. For more from EcoDataCenter, click here.

ProLabs expands 100G DCO transceiver range to 80km

ProLabs, a provider of optical connectivity and networking equipment, has launched an expanded QSFP28 100G digital coherent optics (DCO) transceiver family capable of extending network reach to 80 kilometres - up to twice the distance of typical transceivers. The development comes as the UK, the world’s third-largest data centre market, faces increasing demand from AI and other emerging technologies. By using ProLabs’ 100G DCO transceivers, the company says operators can connect data centres over longer distances without the need for repeaters, reducing infrastructure costs and freeing up resources for other areas of the network. Reducing equipment and energy demand According to ProLabs, the new range reduces reliance on intermediate points of presence (PoPs) and reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADMs), cutting the amount of equipment required. Sam Walker, Vice President of Sales EMEAI at ProLabs, comments, “We are delighted to have launched our expanded range of DCO transceivers complementing our existing 400G ZR+ ahead of Connected Britain. "Our transceivers will enable operators to improve their networks, reducing the number of active elements within the optical path. Not only does this reduce avoidable overheads, but it also helps address the growing demand for high-capacity, low-latency connectivity.” The range is available in two variants: a standard power version for -10 dBm requirements and a high-transmit version for specific applications. Options include ITEMP, ITEMP AutoTune, and CTEMP AutoTune, with a CMIS version due to be launched shortly. These features allow operators to automatically select the required wavelength once installed, aiming to support faster and more flexible integration. Sam continues, “Another issue facing operators is power consumption. AI data centres require far more processing power than traditional facilities, and energy is costly. "However, less network infrastructure means less power is required, so the use of our 100G DCO transceivers means operators can free up essential resources that may have been tied to power consumption.” The ProLabs family of 100G DCO transceivers will be available for the first time at Connected Britain in London (24-25 September) at Stand 258. For more from ProLabs, click here.

Ciena to acquire Nubis Communications in $270m deal

Ciena, an American networking systems and software company, has announced an agreement to acquire Nubis Communications, a privately held company based in New Providence, New Jersey, USA, in an all-cash transaction valued at $270 million (£199 million). Nubis specialises in high-performance, low-power optical and electrical interconnects designed to support artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. The acquisition is hoped to strengthen Ciena’s data centre strategy by adding new technologies and expanding its engineering expertise. Expanding data centre interconnect capabilities Nubis’ technology is focused on increasing scale and density inside the data centre to handle growing AI traffic. Its portfolio includes: • Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) and Near Packaged Optics (NPO) — high-density optical modules capable of 6.4 Tb/s full-duplex bandwidth, optimised for low-latency, low-power operation. Combined with Ciena’s SerDes, these engines enable advanced interconnects for rack-to-rack and in-rack connectivity. • Electrical Active Copper Cables (ACC) — analogue electronics that extend copper connectivity up to 4 metres at 200 Gb/s per lane, offering a low-power, low-latency alternative to traditional copper or DSP-based approaches. In addition, more than 50 Nubis engineers will join Ciena’s research and development team, strengthening its technical capabilities inside the data centre. David Rothenstein, Chief Strategy Officer at Ciena, says, “The acquisition of Nubis represents a significant step forward in Ciena’s strategy to address the rapidly growing demand for scalable, high-performance connectivity inside the data centre, driven by the explosive growth of AI-related traffic. "With ownership of these key technologies for a wider range of use cases inside the data centre, we are expanding our competitive advantage by advancing development of differentiated solutions, reducing development costs, and driving long-term efficiency and profitability.” Dan Harding, CEO of Nubis, adds, “The Nubis team is thrilled to join Ciena and enhance its portfolio with our interconnect technologies. Together, we will advance Ciena's data centre strategy by delivering reliable and high-performance solutions to support the next generation of AI workloads.” Transaction details The acquisition has been approved by the boards of both companies and Nubis shareholders. It includes customary purchase price adjustments for cash, debt, and working capital, along with employee retention arrangements. The deal is expected to close during Ciena’s fiscal fourth quarter of 2025, subject to standard closing conditions. For more from Ciena, click here.