Data Centre Build News & Insights

SEGRO and Pure DC announce new London data centre

SEGRO has announced the formation of SEGRO Pure Premier Park Data Centre Limited, a 50:50 joint venture with Pure DC, a global data centre operator with over a decade of experience in the design, build and operation of data centres for hyperscale users. The joint venture has been created with the intent to develop and deliver a fully fitted data centre in Park Royal, West London. It brings together a 10-acre super-prime industrial site owned by SEGRO and 70MVA of power secured by Pure DC. It represents a highly attractive and profitable opportunity to deliver a data centre in a land and power-constrained key London Availability Zone where there is strong underlying demand; and allows SEGRO to benefit from Pure DC’s technical expertise in data centre fit-out and track record of working with hyperscalers. This will be SEGRO’s first fully fitted data centre project, building on its experience of delivering powered shells to major data centre operators for over 20 years. SEGRO sees the potential for significant value creation utilising its 2.3GW land-enabled power bank and will seek to optimise and accelerate this over the coming years. The evolution of SEGRO's data centre strategy to include fully fitted data centres will ensure that it can best access the demand in each of its markets and allows the company to deploy capital at scale to generate significant development profits. For each site, SGERO will pursue the model which offers the most attractive opportunity and risk-adjusted return. Project details The joint venture intends to develop a circa 30,000 square metre fully fitted, three-storey, data centre on the edge of SEGRO Park Premier Road in West London. The data centre will be constructed to the highest sustainability standards, in line with SEGRO’s Mandatory Sustainability Policy and Pure DC’s Healthier Earth commitments, and will deliver a highly energy efficient offering (including a closed loop liquid cooling system to minimise the potential impact on the local water supply). SEGRO Park Premier Road is a super-prime West London industrial estate which was acquired by SEGRO in 2009. The 10-acre plot that has been identified for the development is on the edge of the estate where an older warehouse, recently vacated by Matchesfashion, is currently located. SEGRO will contribute the land to the joint venture and will carry out the site clearance and remedial works. Pure DC will be contributing 70MVA of secured power to enable delivery of a 56MW IT load data centre. Park Royal sits within a key London Availability Zone where there is little competing land supply and limited power capacity, so is expected to present a very attractive proposition for global hyperscalers looking to grow their capacity in one of Europe’s largest data centre markets. The joint venture will develop the data centre, combining SEGRO’s expertise in planning and development and Pure DC’s experience of delivering operational data centres. The fitout will include mechanical and electrical elements and long lead equipment such as power distribution, cabling and cooling systems. It will not include IT equipment (racking, servers etc) which will be provided by the customer in line with normal market practice. The joint venture expects to sign a long-term (15 years or more) net lease with a global hyperscaler. Construction will start once planning has been obtained, lease commitments have been secured and financing has been arranged. The development of this project is expected to generate hundreds of jobs during its multi-year construction phase, which will be complemented by a comprehensive package of support designed to upskill the local community, with an emphasis on fostering a diverse and inclusive future workforce for the technology sector. In line with SEGRO’s Responsible SEGRO framework, which prioritises investment in local communities, the joint venture aims to establish a range of projects that will bring employment, educational, and environmental benefits to the surrounding area. David Sleath, CEO of SEGRO, says, “Building on our 20 years of experience in the powered shell data centre market, we have been exploring how best to utilise our skills and 2.3GW land-enabled power bank to maximise the opportunity in this fast-growing sector. This innovative joint venture with Pure DC allows us to develop our first fully fitted data centre, alongside a highly experienced partner with an excellent track record of delivering world-class facilities to global hyperscalers. “We expect this project to deliver an attractive risk-adjusted return and it will also help further strengthen SEGRO’s expertise in this area, enabling us to optimise and accelerate the significant value creation opportunity within our portfolio.” Dame Dawn Childs, CEO of Pure DC, comments, “SEGRO choosing to enter into a joint venture with Pure DC for its first fully fitted data centre development demonstrates our capability to create world-class digital infrastructure. Together, we will develop a 56MW data centre in central London capable of handling next-generation cloud and AI workloads. “This joint venture demonstrates Pure DC’s ability to scale in a rapidly expanding market, creating fresh opportunities for growth and investment. With over 500MW of data capacity in development or operation, Pure DC brings deep expertise building data centres and working alongside hyperscalers. SEGRO Park Premier Road, Park Royal is one of London’s most sought-after data centre locations and will help support the UK’s ambitions for digitalisation.” Secretary of State for the Department of Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), the Rt. Hon. Peter Kyle MP, adds, “This announcement is another powerful endorsement of Britain as a home for tech investment, which will not only bolster the local economy and create job opportunities but also pave the way for a digital and AI-powered future. “Private investment like this innovative partnership between SEGRO and Pure DC will help us ensure the UK has the digital infrastructure it needs to thrive, helping us harness the power of technology to grow the economy and raise living standards, the central missions in our Plan for Change.” The clearance of the site will begin, planning will be submitted and marketing of the data centre capacity will commence now that the joint venture has been agreed. It is anticipated that the construction of the shell will commence in 2026 with the fully fitted space available for customer use from 2029. SEGRO and Pure DC are expected to each retain a 50% share in the project through to completion. No management or incentive fees are payable to either party. In addition to contributing land, SEGRO’s estimated cash equity contribution to the joint venture is expected to be around £150 million over the total construction period. The remaining construction costs will be financed by non-recourse bank financing, prior to the commencement of the construction. For more from Pure Data Centres, click here.

Giga Computing to evaluate advanced data centre technologies

Giga Computing, a subsidiary of GIGABYTE, has announced a joint technical study with Start Campus to explore and evaluate the integration of advanced data centre technologies and infrastructure. The study examines integration of modular AI server hardware, management software, and sustainable infrastructure practices, paving the way for next-generation data centre solutions. The joint study will assess Giga Computing’s advanced GIGAPOD platform and GIGABYTE POD Manager to ensure seamless integration into AI-ready data centre infrastructures like SINES DC. The evaluation will focus on optimising energy efficiency, AI-driven operations, and strengthening overall system resilience. GIGAPOD: Powering high-performance AI workloads GIGAPOD is a scalable modular computing cluster solution designed for exceptional performance. It consolidates up to 256 GPUs in a compact configuration, leveraging GIGABYTE AI servers and liquid cooling technology to ensure stable operation under intensive workloads. Each 42U rack in the GIGAPOD system accommodates up to 64 GPUs, each with a power consumption of up to 1kW, requiring only five racks for complete deployment. With Giga Computing’s thermal design, GIGAPOD minimises energy consumption while maintaining peak performance. When deployed in AI-ready data centres, it enables the achievement of industry-leading energy efficiency standards, Giga Computing claims, significantly reducing environmental impact and setting a new benchmark for modern data centre design. Complementing the hardware is GIGABYTE POD Manager, an advanced software programme designed to streamline the operations, enhance resource allocation, and ensure uninterrupted uptime. With integrated monitoring capabilities and predictive analytics, data centre operators can achieve higher energy efficiency and reliable performance. SINES DC: A benchmark for AI-ready deployments Giga Computing selected SINES DC’s SIN01 facility as a real-world case study to demonstrate how advanced AI workloads can be deployed at scale. SINES DC’s AI-ready infrastructure, with its robust power and cooling systems, supports high-density rack deployments of up to 200kW. This makes it an ideal environment for cutting-edge computing solutions requiring superior performance and energy efficiency, such as the GIGAPOD. Engineered for next-generation workloads, SINES DC is designed for and already operating with liquid-cooled, high-density racks. Its unmatched energy efficiency is achieved through an ocean-water cooling system that preserves water resources, setting new standards for sustainable, high-performance AI deployments. Redefining new standards in AI-ready performance The study explores practical deployment scenarios at SINES DC for Giga Computing’s GIGAPOD platform in two configurations, featuring NVIDIA HGX B300 and NVIDIA HGX B200 GPUs. As part of the study, the GIGAPOD modular computing solution and GIGABYTE POD Manager software will be analysed for their performance and efficiency under varying operational scenarios in data centre deployments. The study will also consider how location-specific challenges and global connectivity requirements influence data centre design. This technical study collaboration between Giga Computing and Start Campus represents a significant milestone in next-generation data centre innovation, balancing the demands of high-performance computing with sustainability. The 1.2GW SINES DC campus, combined with cutting-edge solutions like GIGAPOD and GIGABYTE POD Manager, is poised to become a new benchmark for modern data centre design, powering Europe’s AI-driven future. Daniel Hou, General Manager of Giga Computing, states, “Our joint technical study with Start Campus underscores our commitment to driving innovation in data centre technology. By demonstrating how GIGAPOD can seamlessly integrate into cutting-edge facilities like SINES DC, we’re proving how scalable, high-density solutions will be key in enabling optimal performance and efficiency as AI workloads grow more complex.” Robert Dunn, CEO of Start Campus, adds, “Engaging in this joint study with Giga Computing allows us to explore innovative data centre design solutions that meet the evolving demands of AI and cloud services. It confirms that SINES DC is ready to support the next generation of AI compute, while proving valuable insights for the design of our campus expansion. As AI workloads continue to evolve, scalable, high-density solutions like GIGAPOD will be critical in shaping the future of data centre infrastructure.”

NorthC inaugurates data centre in Switzerland

NorthC Group has announced that it has officially opened its data centre in Winterthur, Switzerland. Its fourth data centre in the country, the Winterthur site is an important hub for regional data communication and offers companies access to a wide range of connectivity providers, such as Colt, Gas&Com and Init 7. Located strategically near the Turm Areal, the newly opened data centre combines a central location with colocation and connectivity services in an area of approximately 1,100m². In Winterthur, NorthC offers tailored colocation services, secure and direct cloud connections, and guaranteed bandwidths and speeds for business-critical applications. Links to NorthC’s data centres in Münchenstein (Basel) 1&2 and Biel (Bern) via a high-speed backbone offer a seamless, reliable connection to a large number of cloud and IT service providers. The new data centre has a capacity of 1.8 MW, with expansion options for further growth. The data centre runs on 100% renewable energy and, in accordance with the company's sustainability strategy for 2030, the intention is to launch projects in Winterthur that will dissipate residual heat in a sensible and environmentally friendly manner. Patrik Hofer, Managing Director Switzerland, NorthC, comments, "Regionality is very important to us - we offer regional data centre services with an international reach. After Münchenstein and Biel, we now also inaugurate our data centre and new office here in Winterthur. The demand for data centre outsourcing, connectivity services and hybrid cloud solutions is constantly increasing among companies from various industries. With our regional approach, we can offer customised solutions for businesses in the Winterthur region that meet the highest standards of quality, security and sustainability. Work regionally and be globally connected: the data stays local, the reach is global." Dr Ralph Peterli, Managing Director of the Winterthur Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Association, adds, "Winterthur is home to many technology leaders from a wide variety of sectors. Whether they are large corporations or SMEs, all companies manage ever-increasing volumes of data and must be able to guarantee their security at all times. It's good to know that NorthC is a regional company that offers stable and secure IT infrastructures in the city." For more from NorthC, click here.

Feature - Why is Green IT so important?

By Eric Herzog, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Infinidat. Green IT is an essential component of an enterprise IT strategy, because it prioritises practices and technologies that target reducing the environmental impact of IT operations, whilst also saving on operational expenses. This includes minimising energy consumption, lowering carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable disposal of technology products. Interest among enterprises in Green IT has grown significantly in recent years, driven by environmental concerns, cost savings and regulatory pressures. This transition to Green IT is crucial because the environmental impact of data centres and IT infrastructure is huge and growing rapidly, especially given the interest in AI applications. At present, data centres worldwide consume 1-2% of overall power, but this percentage is projected to rise to 3-4% by the end of the decade, according to Goldman Sachs. It emphasises the very urgent need for sustainable IT practices. It’s especially important in tech-heavy industries like banking, finance and telecommunications. Recent research conducted by IDC in 2024 indicates that increased power consumption by data centres was largely driven by the surge in AI workloads and edge computing. During the period 2025 to 2028, electricity consumption is expected to more than double, with a CAGR of 19.5%, reaching 857 Terawatt hours (TWh) in 2028. In the AI data centre sector this rate is even higher, with energy consumption rates forecast to grow at a CAGR of 44.7%, reaching 146.2 TWh by 2027. The reason for this disparity this is very clear. On average, a ChatGPT query needs nearly 10 times as much electricity to process as a Google search, according to research published by Goldman Sachs. Plus, AI models often require constant training and fine-tuning, leading to prolonged periods of high energy consumption. By adopting Green IT practices, enterprises can not only contribute to a more sustainable future but will also reduce their operational costs (OpEx). This article will illustrate how, by adopting enterprise storage solutions optimised for environmental efficiency, enterprises will get a head start on best practice. So, what should green conscious buyers be looking for when they invest in enterprise storage? Storage arrays designed with sustainability in mind One of the best ways that an enterprise can cut energy consumption within its storage infrastructure is to consolidate the number of arrays being used. If you are wondering how to identify what ‘too many arrays’ looks like, an enterprise usually finds itself ready for storage consolidation when it’s experiencing storage array sprawl. This is an overloaded storage infrastructure caused by years of bringing in a different array for one or two workloads at a time, in a piecemeal fashion. By consolidating, enterprises can benefit in three key ways: • Access to the latest power-efficient hardware and software designed to minimise energy consumption.• An opportunity to make ongoing energy savings through telemetry-based optimisation. This provides real-time power and cooling consumption data, for continuous power usage monitoring and optimisation.• All-round reduced footprint, because consolidating multiple storage arrays into a single, more efficient platform cuts down on the floor space requirements too. For instance, a financial services company could replace over 288 floor tiles of legacy arrays with 61 floor tiles of advanced arrays optimised for energy efficiency, resulting in a reduction of over four times in data centre floor space and 62% reduction in total power consumption. Vendor commitment to operational decarbonisation Perhaps the simplest way that enterprise buyers can assure themselves they are making inroads with Green IT programmes is to opt for vendors that are taking this priority seriously inside their own organisations. There are three key ways vendors can be signalling to procurement heads that their storage solutions meet these requirements. Firstly, through integrated ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) reporting. Vendors that are proactive in this space will be ‘walking the talk’, incorporating ESG principles into every aspect of their operations, from supply chain management to technology development. Secondly, through a documented commitment to reducing Scope 3 Emissions. These are the indirect emissions within an enterprise’s total carbon footprint that exist in the upstream and downstream value chain. Controlling Scope 3 emissions is particularly important, because they typically make up the largest portion of a company's carbon footprint, often accounting for more than 70% of total emissions. As a company, Infinidat is proud to have achieved a 41% reduction in total carbon footprint across our own value chain, encompassing Scope 3 emissions. Lastly, through continuous investment in the development of power-efficient products. Infinidat continuously upgrades its product lines to deliver ongoing higher performance with the lowest possible energy consumption. Compare competitors for storage energy efficiency You might expect that all enterprise storage vendors would have similar environmental credentials, but the reality is very different. Some solutions are significantly more energy-efficient than others. Independent analysis shows that the ‘greenest’ arrays deliver 2.5 to 4.5 times better power efficiency (watts/TB) compared to other enterprise-class storage competitors. Consider this comparison above of publicly available power and capacity information detailing the consumption rates of two leading enterprise storage vendors to illustrate the point. And take this analysis a step further to consider your own environment using the energy efficiency calculator. Estimate the savings to be made both in terms of OpEx and carbon footprint by clicking here. What next? There are three very tangible benefits to be seen from using energy efficient storage solutions for Green IT. • Lower OpEx – because reduced power consumption translates directly into lower operational expenses.• Reduced Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions – because by minimising energy use you can achieve a lower carbon footprint, supporting Green IT and environmental sustainability goals.• Improved ROI/TCO – because the combination of lower OpEx and increased efficiency results in a better return on investment and lower total cost of ownership. Clearly, Green IT must become an essential component of every enterprise IT strategy. We cannot continue unchecked, on the current trajectory of power consumption. As the explosion of generative AI continues, enterprises will need to regain control of their energy usage and find ways to embrace this new technology without it causing negative consequences. Identify the right strategic technology partner, one with the right mix of products and an emphasis on cutting carbon emissions, and you can achieve this. - Eric Herzog is a guest speaker at DTX 2025 and will be discussing 'The New Frontier of Enterprise Storage: Cyber Resilience & AI' on the Advanced Cyber Strategies Stage. Join him for unique insights on 3 April 2025 from 11.15-11.40am. Infinidat will be located at booth C81 at DTX 2025, taking place on 2-3 April at Manchester Central. For more from Infinidat, click here.

New digital twin to simulate AI factory power requirements

Schneider Electric, an expert in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, and ETAP, a specialist in power system design and operation, are unveiling a cutting-edge digital twin that can accurately design and simulate the power needs of AI factories. Leveraging the NVIDIA Omniverse Blueprint for AI factory digital twins, Schneider Electric and ETAP are enabling the development of digital twins that bring together multiple inputs for mechanical, thermal, networking, and electrical systems to simulate how an AI factory operates. The collaboration is set to transform AI factory design and operations by providing enhanced insight and control over the electrical systems and power requirements, presenting an opportunity for significant efficiency, reliability and sustainability gains. While basic visualisation of electrical systems was previously possible, the integration of ETAP and NVIDIA Omniverse technologies enables the creation of a comprehensive AI factory digital twin where multiple dynamics interact seamlessly. ETAP’s sophisticated modelling technology will create a virtual replica of a data centre’s electrical infrastructure and combine it with real-time power system data, advanced analytics, and insights. Intelligent algorithms analyse and predict power consumption and distribution patterns, allowing unprecedented insights into: - Advanced electrical system design and simulation- Dynamic 'What if' scenario analysis- Real-time electrical infrastructure performance tracking- Advanced energy efficiency optimisation- Predictive maintenance and system reliability assessment- Infrastructure needs based on power usage that can help reduce total cost of ownership From large-scale training clusters to edge inference servers, AI workloads are driving a significant increase in data centre power consumption. Unlike traditional computing tasks, AI operations - particularly model training and complex inference processes - require substantial computational power, leading to higher rack power densities. As AI adoption accelerates, start-ups, enterprises, colocation providers, and internet giants must rethink data centre design and management to address the growing need for power efficiency, Schneider Electric states. ETAP and NVIDIA’s collaboration introduces an innovative 'Grid to Chip' approach that addresses the critical challenges of power management, performance optimisation, and energy efficiency in the era of AI. Currently, data centre operators can estimate average power consumption at the rack level, but ETAP’s new digital twin aims to increase precision on modelling dynamic load behaviour at the chip level to improve power system design and optimise energy efficiency. This collaborative effort highlights the commitment of both ETAP and NVIDIA to drive innovation in the data centre sector, empowering businesses to optimise their operations and effectively manage the challenges associated with AI workloads. The collaboration aims to enhance data centre efficiency while also improving grid reliability and performance. “As AI workloads grow in complexity and scale, precise power management is critical to ensuring efficiency, reliability, and sustainability,” says Dion Harris, Senior Director of HPC and AI Factory Solutions at NVIDIA. “Through our collaboration with ETAP and Schneider Electric, we’re offering data centre operators unprecedented visibility and control over power dynamics, empowering them to optimise their infrastructure and accelerate AI adoption while enhancing operational resilience.” “This collaboration represents more than just a technological solution,” adds Tanuj Khandelwal, CEO of ETAP. “We’re fundamentally reimagining how data centres can be designed, managed, and optimised in the AI era. By bridging electrical engineering with advanced virtualisation and AI technologies, we’re creating a new paradigm for infrastructure management.” Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President for Data Centers, Networks & Services at Schneider Electric, remarks, “Collaboration, speed, and innovation are the driving forces behind the digital infrastructure transformation that’s required to accommodate AI workloads. Together, ETAP, Schneider Electric, and NVIDIA are not just advancing data centre technology - we’re empowering businesses to optimise operations and seamlessly navigate the power requirements of AI.” For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Data centre keeps its cool with technology from Spirotech

Spirotech, a water quality specialist, has fulfilled an order for 32 bespoke hi-flow SpiroTrap dirt separators for a data centre installation in Hertfordshire. Keeping such facilities dirt-free is critical. Spirotech worked on the project with trusted contract service partner, Engineering Support Solutions (UK), based on the Slough Trading Estate in Berkshire. ESS (UK) consulted with its prestigious data centre client and, after assessing their needs, designed the pipe connections and the bespoke sizing of the units to reduce the number of infrastructure changes to site. Spirotech supplied with this information developed the stainless-steel production units. Other specification changes included a top demountable lid for easy maintenance access and test points on inlet and outlet arms. The ‘off-the-shelf’ models are made from carbon steel and tin and are equipped with a bottom demountable lid. Lewis Hill, Managing Director of ESS (UK), comments, “After a series of design meetings, both on-site and with Spirotech, the adapted units were successfully manufactured within 22 weeks. We are extremely pleased with the outcome, as the final product is a highly effective, bespoke piece of equipment that perfectly meets the client’s needs. “The data centre has three open cooling tower systems used for cooling the data halls within the building and they had strainers in place to remove the sediment being pumped around the system. However, performing maintenance on them required shutting down the cooling system, which, as you can imagine, was far from ideal for the site. “We were pleased to have bespoke dirt separators engineered for site which has reduced down time for the client as well as provided a kit that outperforms their original design. As a business we quality assure everything we use and know that the Spirotech equipment, along with their technical ‘back-up’, won’t let us down.” Steve Simmonds, Special Projects Engineer for Spirotech, adds, “The data centre is delighted with the installation and performance of the units. They are removing much smaller particulates than before and are, as a result, making substantial savings in terms of maintenance time and money.” The bespoke SpiroTrap unit is able to remove very small particles from 5um and separates and removes dirt from the system whilst in operation. In case of severe pollution and/or maintenance, the unit is demountable and ensures no unnecessary downtime. ESS UK primarily specialises in fluid movement, and offers the support, installation, maintenance, repair of pump equipment and wet waste service. For more from Spirotech, click here.

Subzero Engineering announces new CAF system

Subzero Engineering, a provider of data centre containment solutions, has announced that it has launched its new Composite AisleFrame (CAF). In the ongoing challenge of balancing operational efficiency with sustainability, environmental consciousness combined with power resourcefulness are essential objectives for any organisation. Data centres that are handling an ever-increasing complexity of AI and high-performance computing (HPC) have become hugely energy-intensive buildings. To minimise the environmental impact of these buildings while maximising energy use, new strategies need to be implemented and sustainable materials deployed. Subzero Engineering’s new CAF system is made of 100% recyclable composite materials which provides a sustainable frame-based support structure for IT/HPC deployments in environmentally-conscious data centres. As durable and robust as the Steel AisleFrame (SAF) system, but with lightweight materials offering more flexibility and easier scalability, the CAF delivers on substantial cost savings and significant environmental benefits for data centre owners. CAF is 50% lighter than steel alternatives and easily reconfigurable as requirements change. The aisle frame can be flat-packed, allowing more product to be shipped in the same space, delivering lower installation and transportation emissions and costs. Offering up to 4,299 kg CO₂ savings per frame, it delivers unmatched environmental benefits without sacrificing performance. Shane Kilfoil, President, Subzero Engineering, says, “The CAF has many benefits over steel. Every element in a data centre has an intrinsic cost, and steel aisle frame is heavy. CAF has a weight reduction of at least two-thirds over steel, significant global warming potential savings, and improved strength per linear metre. The frame also offers seismic compliance, eliminates powder coating, and reduces installation time. The composite frame is more durable, safer, and environmentally friendly, with better transport efficiency.” Material benefits CAF is not new, and composite material has been used in the construction industry for more than 20 years in many proven application,, such as airplane tail structures, outdoor utility/telephone poles, and transportation bridges. However, Subzero Engineering has refined the product for specific use in data centres to be denser, stronger and with additional fireproof properties. The materials can be reused multiple times and has an extended lifespan, supporting waste reduction and net zero initiatives. Its lightweight framework minimises manual handling risks, is easier to transport, install, reconfigure and scale, and results in a reduced global warming potential in manufacturing, installation and transportation. Weight reduction means cost savings CAF’s strength per linear metre, combined with a 50% reduction in weight, enables multi-level data centres to have CAF systems throughout each building floor, without the additional financial risk of strengthening weight-bearing floors. Its higher tensile and flexural attributes, with a better compressive strength-to-weight ratio than steel, mean CAF is more efficient structurally. The challenge of materials procurement also drives CAF as a convincingly positive consideration. Shane Kilfoil continues, “While steel is resource heavy, CAF is non-resource heavy in implementation. This means Subzero can deliver this aisle frame in a fast and time-appropriate fashion. A steel structure could potentially take months to be shipped, but CAF could conceivably be delivered in weeks.” As the industry shifts to greener technology, the development of sustainable infrastructure built with energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources will continue to be a key strategy in the next generation of high-performance data centres. Utilising the CAF system can enhance high performance and reliability at the same time as accomplishing long-term environmental objectives. This can lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) while helping to deliver on global environmental goals, enhancing the organisation’s eco-friendliness and reputation. The Subzero CAF product line is available globally via the company's channel partners. For more from Subzero Engineering, click here.

NVC Lighting optimises sustainable products for data centres

As the global data centre industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, NVC Lighting says that it is at the forefront of delivering energy-efficient products that support sustainability goals. Recognising the critical role lighting plays in operational efficiency and energy consumption, NVC Lighting has optimised its Broadway range to provide a smarter, more sustainable approach to data centre illumination. With data centres running 24/7, lighting is a key component in ensuring safety, visibility, and operational effectiveness. However, as energy efficiency becomes a top priority, traditional lighting solutions are no longer viable. The recently launched Broadway range leverages advanced LED technology to reduce power consumption, lower maintenance costs, and support facilities in meeting Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) targets. Designed with sustainability in mind, the Broadway range offers low-glare, high-performance lighting that enhances visibility while significantly cutting down on energy waste. By switching to efficient LED solutions, data centres can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also benefit from long-term cost savings without the need for major infrastructure overhauls. Phil Brown, Product & Marketing Director at NVC Lighting, emphasises the importance of prioritising sustainability in the sector, commenting, “Energy efficiency in data centres isn’t just about cooling systems and server management - lighting is a crucial element that is often overlooked. “With the optimised Broadway range, we’re providing an impactful yet cost-effective solution that allows operators to enhance sustainability without compromising on performance. Investing in efficient LED lighting is a simple yet powerful way to lower operational costs, extend equipment lifespan, and contribute to broader environmental goals. As data centres continue to expand, integrating sustainable lighting solutions will be essential in reducing overall energy demand.” With a strong focus on delivering high-performance, low-energy lighting systems, NVC Lighting is committed to supporting the data centre industry’s shift toward greener, more responsible operations. NVC says that the Broadway range represents a "step forward in achieving greater efficiency without sacrificing reliability or quality", ensuring that data centres are not only well-lit, but also well-prepared for a more sustainable future. Visit NVC Lighting at Data Centre World 2025, taking place at the London ExCel on 12-13 March, on Stand DC075. For more from NVC Lighting, click here.

The future of data centre power: overcoming grid constraints

By Chris Connors, Project Sales Director and John Kinstrie, Energy Solutions Director, at DTGen. As the UK’s data centre industry continues its rapid expansion, developers face mounting challenges in securing reliable and resilient power sources. With the demand for cloud computing, AI processing, and hyperscale facilities growing exponentially, ensuring continuous power availability has become a top priority. However, limitations in grid capacity, rising energy costs, and sustainability pressures are creating obstacles for future data centre developments. To navigate these challenges, DTGen is exploring the feasibility of island mode power systems as a viable and sustainable solution. The growing power challenge for data centres According to the National Grid, data centre power use is set to surge six-fold in the next 10 years, placing significant strain on the network. Some of the key challenges developers face include: Grid capacity constraints • Limited grid availability, especially in London and the South East, is already causing delays in new data centre projects.• Increasing power demand from both residential and industrial sectors adds pressure to an already stretched infrastructure.• Availability and lead time for backup power solutions such as the large-scale standby generators required for resilience.• The shift towards renewables and decarbonisation introduces additional complexities in securing stable power. Rising energy costs and stability risks • Grid instability, caused by factors such as extreme weather and peak demand fluctuations, increases the risk of power outages. Sustainability and carbon reduction targets • The UK’s net zero commitments require data centres to reduce their carbon footprint and incorporate sustainable/renewable energy sources.• Operators are under pressure to explore low-carbon power options, including battery storage and renewable energy integration, to remain compliant with environmental standards. Planning and land availability • Whilst the planning process can be lengthy and strict, regulations create delays in new developments with a shortage of suitable land in key regions such as Slough and London, new data centre projects looking to build on green belt land can now apply for a fast-tracked scheme (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects or NSIPs) which means projects would receive a more centralised and expedited planning process overseen by the UK government. It is yet to be seen how developers will navigate this new process. Given these constraints, data centre operators must rethink their energy strategies to ensure long-term resilience and sustainability. Island mode power systems: a reliable and independent solution To mitigate the challenges associated with grid reliance, data centres should start actively exploring the concept of 'island mode' power systems. This approach could enable facilities to operate independently from the national grid using on-site power generation such as diesel/gas/HVO powered generators, battery storage, and renewables. Key benefits of island mode for data centres Whilst a mains grid connection is widely recognised as the preferable solution, there may come a time when capacity simply cannot cope. In order to meet demand, there are many benefits to an island mode approach and it could be a worthy consideration to support the industry to keep pace. With grid constraints increasing, complete energy independence and this added level of energy security could mean that data centres can function autonomously, reducing reliance on an overstressed national grid. Island mode also facilitates scalability for new developments, particularly in areas where grid upgrades are costly or entirely unavailable. This approach also supports the drive for more sustainable solutions and carbon reduction targets because island mode enables for better integration of renewables, battery storage, and efficient generators, supporting net zero goals. Looking ahead: the future of power in data centres As the global data centre industry grows, the pressure on the national grid will only intensify. Island mode power systems offer a practical, scalable, and sustainable solution to power constraints, without being limited by grid availability. For developers planning new facilities, investing in on-site generation, energy storage, and efficiency measures will be key to securing reliable power for the future. As is finding a delivery partner with the expertise and strength of supply chain to ensure capital equipment is delivered and installed within the timescales required. The combination of island mode and smart energy strategies ensures business continuity, cost predictability, and long-term sustainability in an increasingly power-constrained environment. If you would like more information about an island mode power system for your data centre development and effective implementation, talk to the energy solutions team at DTGen.

EcoDataCenter secures €450m for green transition

EcoDataCenter's owner, Areim, has successfully secured €450m in capital from leading institutional investors. The capital will be used to enable further growth and drive the green transition in the data centre industry through EcoDataCenter. Over the past two years, Areim and EcoDataCenter have secured a total of approximately €1.2bn in funding. "We are establishing one of the most exciting companies in the Nordics. Through our platform, we have established partnerships with some of the world's leading companies, which creates great investor confidence in what we do," says Peter Michelson, CEO of EcoDataCenter. EcoDataCenter has quickly become a leader in digital infrastructure in Europe. In 2024, the company partnered with AI Hyperscaler CoreWeave to build one of Europe's largest AI clusters in Falun. Soon after, the company secured a new mega site of +240MW to establish additional data centres. A journey of expansion that now continues with the help of the new capital. "It is a strong confirmation of our ability to raise capital of this scale. We will continue to drive the market for how digital infrastructure should be built together with our customers," says Leif Andersson, founder of Areim and Chairman of EcoDataCenter. EcoDataCenter opened its first facility in Falun in 2019, and since then has established data centres with a focus on computing capacity. Due to its technological leadership, the company has gained the trust of world-leading companies such as BMW, DeepL and CoreWeave. Fore more from EcoDataCenter, click here.