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.

Vertiv to supply Digital Realty's new Italy campus

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure, today announced it will supply infrastructure for ROM1, Digital Realty's first data centre in Italy and which has a planned capacity exceeding 3 MW. The agreement extends the suite of Vertiv systems and existing technology implementations with Digital Realty across European locations, including Paris, Madrid, and Amsterdam. The ROM1 facility will feature advanced cooling and power infrastructure designed specifically for high-performance computing (HPC) environments. The technology implementation includes free-cooling systems that leverage Rome's climate conditions and energy-efficient power management systems designed to support high-density workloads. The ROM1 project The project will be implemented in phases, with the facility planned to begin operations in 2027. ROM1 will serve as a carrier-neutral facility optimised for AI and machine learning workloads. Its strategic location aims to establish Rome as a key digital hub, connecting to major Mediterranean cities through fibre networks and submarine cables. Expansion plans also include connectivity in Barcelona, launching in early 2026. The new facility will support the company’s growth in the Mediterranean, complementing its existing data centres in Marseille, Athens, and Crete. Alessandro Talotta, Managing Director, Italy at Digital Realty, says, "Rome is emerging as a crucial gateway for digital infrastructure between Europe and the Mediterranean. "The cutting-edge technologies selected for ROM1 will help establish it as a strategic AI hub, setting new benchmarks for energy efficiency and performance in high-performance computing." Karsten Winther, President for EMEA at Vertiv, adds, "The growing adoption of AI applications is driving the need for more sophisticated data centre infrastructure. "Our cooling and power solutions are built on decades of experience in supporting the most demanding applications and are designed for projected scalability while helping customers meet their efficiency objectives." Technical details of ROM1 include AI-ready cooling systems that, Vertiv says, adapt to varying workload demands, as well as high-efficiency power distribution designed for intensive computing. The facility incorporates smart environmental controls that respond to real-time conditions and are integrated with alternative energy sources. The two companies say these technological choices reflect their joint focus on supporting advanced computing needs while minimising energy consumption and environmental impact. For more from Vertiv, click here.

Report: Scotland emerging as key DC growth market

According to new analysis by Lichfields, Scotland’s combination of renewable energy, available land, and skilled talent is creating strong interest among developers assessing new large-scale data centre projects. The study by the UK planning and development consultancy highlights how the UK’s data centre industry currently contributes around £4.7 billion to the economy each year, with forecasts suggesting a further £44 billion could be added by 2035 through construction and operation. Scotland is well placed to capture a significant share of that growth, producing 113% of its electricity consumption from renewables in 2022 and exporting surplus clean power to the grid. Primed for large-scale projects Lichfields’ analysis references a previous site-shortlisting exercise led by Scottish Futures Trust, Crown Estate Scotland, and Scottish Enterprise, which identified a range of potential locations including Aberdeen, Dundee, Fife, and parts of the Highlands, with the right combination of renewable capacity, land availability, and technical expertise. However, most large-scale schemes remain concentrated in southern England, reflecting differences in planning support and grid capacity. Dan Evans, Associate Director at Lichfields, says, “For developers, Scotland offers something few regions or countries can match: abundant low-carbon energy, space for expansion, and a strong engineering base. "The combination of renewable generation, cool climate, and established technical skills creates ideal conditions for sustainable data centre operations. “Across the UK, we’re seeing growing demand from investors and operators looking for sites that balance performance, cost, and environmental responsibility. Scotland’s renewable strength and land availability tick those boxes, but delivery confidence remains key. "Developers need clarity on where projects will be supported and how long approvals will take. A consistent national position, backed by local planning frameworks, would make a real difference in turning interest into investment.” What is needed The analysis points to several practical measures to help maintain momentum, including allocating land for data centre development in new Local Development Plans, using Masterplan Consent Areas to simplify consents for complex or multi-use sites, and encouraging early coordination between planning authorities, developers, and energy providers. It highlights the £3.9 billion regeneration of the former Ravenscraig steelworks in North Lanarkshire as evidence of growing confidence in Scotland’s potential. The project, which includes one of the UK’s largest AI-ready data centres, will support around 2,000 long-term jobs and deliver a £1.2 billion construction boost, contributing an estimated 0.4% to Scotland’s GDP each year once operational. Dan continues, “Scotland has an opportunity to position itself as a genuine alternative to traditional UK data centre clusters. By combining its renewable capacity with a more agile planning approach, it can attract long-term global investment, create skilled employment, and strengthen its reputation for sustainable growth. “Developers are ready to commit where policy, infrastructure, and delivery are properly coordinated. With the right signals from government and local authorities, Scotland could move from potential to performance very quickly.”

Equinix to build new $22m data centre in Lagos, Nigeria

Digital infrastructure company Equinix today announced its intention to open its latest high performance data centre in Lagos, Nigeria. The $22 million (£16.7 million) investment in LG3 marks the first phase of an ambitious investment plan of around $100 million (£75.9 million) aimed at transforming Africa’s digital landscape over the next two years. Set to open in Q1 2026, the site will deliver new infrastructure to Nigeria, empowering local businesses to scale while aiming to draw international companies to the country in this strategically positioned hub for global connectivity. The addition of the new LG3 data centre in Nigeria also brings the incorporation of Network-as-a-Service platform Equinix Fabric into the metro, enabling businesses to connect their physical and virtual infrastructure to other Equinix locations all around the world. Bridging Africa’s digital divide Wole Abu, Managing Director for West Africa at Equinix, comments, “LG3 marks a significant milestone in Equinix’s long-term commitment to bridging Africa’s digital divide. “As Lagos emerges at the crossroads of talent, innovation, and global connectivity, this facility is accelerating access to technologies like cloud, AI, and the next wave of startups." Olawale Owoeye, Managing Director at Cedarview, adds, "Equinix’s Lagos data centre will provide us with the robust and resilient platform our customers demand to expand our digital footprint. "The unparalleled reliability and access to a global ecosystem empower us to deliver high performance solutions to our customers, and the new LG3 data centre in Lagos is [a] key step in ensuring we remain at the forefront of businesses connecting Africa." Nigeria is the second-largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa. Lagos, in particular, is at the epicentre of Africa’s digital transformation, recognised as the only African city in the Global Top 100 Startup Ecosystems. Expansion opportunities Commenting on the opportunity for Equinix in Africa, Aslıhan Güreşcier, Vice President, EMEA Growth & Emerging Markets at Equinix, says, “Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating, driven by a young population, rising internet access, and increasing demand for secure data infrastructure. "With the opening of our newest data centre in Lagos, Equinix is proud to invest in this dynamic region, supporting our customers’ growth with world-class data centres that power everything from banking and education to emergency services and commerce.” Since entering the African market in 2022, Equinix has expanded its presence in key African markets including, Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire). Last year, the company also opened its first data centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. With a footprint spanning over 270 data centres worldwide, Equinix says it is continuing to bring its global expertise and infrastructure to the region, including harnessing Nigeria’s strategic position as an international hub for global subsea cable connections, linking Africa with Europe, Asia, and beyond. For more from Equinix, click here.