Insights into Data Centre Investment & Market Growth

Cresa launches DC capital markets platform

Cresa, a US-based commercial real estate advisory firm, has launched a new Data Center Capital Markets and Advisory platform following the appointment of Michael Morris, Sumner Putnam, and Matt Deutsch, previously of Newmark. The team, which has led data centre transactions across more than 50 global markets, will expand Cresa’s service offering to include advisory, transaction structuring, and capital markets services focused on major data centre projects. Michael Morris, who will lead the new platform as President, has been involved in more than 1,000 data centre real estate transactions and brings decades of experience to the role. He will be based in Cresa’s New York City office and supported by colleagues across the United States. “The data centre infrastructure expansion underway is one of the most important technological challenges of our time,” says Tod Lickerman, CEO of Cresa. “Michael and his team are true data centre leaders and provide significant, unique advantages to our clients with strong insight, advocacy, and the ability to get deals done.” Michael previously served as Vice Chairman at Newmark and established the firm’s data centre practice almost two decades ago. His past client list includes Digital Realty Trust, Verizon, CyrusOne, Memorial Sloan Kettering, CoreSite, New York University, Landmark Dividend, Chevron, and multiple hyperscale providers. He holds data centre design qualifications including Certified Power Quality Professional (CPQ) and Data Center Dynamics Cooling Professional, and an MBA in Finance from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College. “I am pleased to be joining Cresa to build a global practice,” comments Michael. “I was drawn to the firm’s shared vision, and I’m looking forward to serving as a board advisor to help shape its future.” Sumner Putnam joins as Managing Principal. He was also part of Newmark’s data centre team and previously worked at JLL. His expertise includes site selection, lease negotiation, and colocation agreements, with experience supporting clients such as CyrusOne, NYU, HSBC, Bank of America, Tumi, and Mapletree. The team also includes Cresa Senior Analyst Mackensey Gawne, and will collaborate with global data centre specialists from Cresa’s international partner, Knight Frank, with whom Morris has worked for nearly 25 years. The group will support a range of client types, including landlords, tenants, buyers, and sellers. In addition to its focus on data centre and mission-critical environments, the team will continue to support office sector clients with broader real estate requirements.

Wilmott Group officially joins Rehlko

The Wilmott Group, a UK provider of critical power projects and generator installations, has announced the successful completion of its acquisition by Rehlko (formerly Kohler Energy), a US-based manufacturer of power systems, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s 40-year history. The acquisition sees The Wilmott Group, including WB Power Services (WBPS) and Wiltech Acoustics, become an official part of Rehlko’s EMEA operations. “This marks a hugely exciting and pivotal milestone for The Wilmott Group,” says Andy Wilmott, Co-CEO and Chairman. “Now that the acquisition is complete, we are officially part of a global leader in energy resilience. "Rehlko shares our values of long-term customer focus, operational excellence, and innovation - principles we’ve been proud to uphold since 1983. Together, we’re equipped to elevate our services to new heights.” Brian Melka, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rehlko, adds, “This is an exciting moment for Rehlko as we bring The Wilmott Group into our family. “We’re thrilled to provide our customers with even greater impact, especially as we deepen our collaboration in the data centre space throughout the UK and Europe. "Together, we’re positioned to transform the energy resilience and security industry through enhanced efficiency and cutting-edge solutions.” The Wilmott Group says it remains committed to its "power you can trust" mission. Backed by Rehlko’s global scale and investment, it believes it is now better positioned to meet the evolving demands of mission-critical industries.

Report: 'UK risks losing billions in AI investment'

According to a new report published today from trade association TechUK, the Data Centre Alliance, Copper Consultancy, and law firm Charles Russell Speechlys, the UK risks losing out on billions in AI investment if it doesn’t take clear steps to unlock data centre development. The report, How to Make the UK an AI Leader, brings together reflections from some of the biggest data centre developers - as well as planners and construction, engineering, and legal professions - at a recent industry roundtable organised by Copper and Charles Russell Speechlys. The roundtable, and subsequent report, lay bare the challenges facing data centre development in the UK, and the impacts this could have on investment into UK plc. Key regulatory barriers – such as energy availability, energy cost, and planning complexity – were identified alongside low public awareness as the main issues hobbling development of data centres in the UK. Luisa Cardani, Head of Data Centre Programme at TechUK, says, “The insights in this report echo what TechUK and the sector have been advocating for a long time: the UK has the talent, the ambition, and the capability to lead in AI and digital infrastructure, but leadership is not guaranteed. It requires bold decisions, cross-sector collaboration, and a shared national vision.” Steve Hone, CEO at Data Centre Alliance, adds, “As [a] trade association representing the UK data centre digital sector, we were delighted to be invited to collaborate in the recent roundtable which has culminated in the creation of this report. "This timely report is an important contribution to the debate and hopefully will act as a catalyst for the action needed to ensure the UK’s digital infrastructure remains world leading.” The report notes how high energy prices are currently hindering the UK's global competitiveness in data centres and AI - actively dissuading investment in the UK. Given the resource-intensive nature of data centres, the report suggests that the industry needs the Government to intervene through targeted subsidies, reducing costs to match energy costs in rival regions like the US and Nordics. Concerns have also been raised with 'AI Growth Zones' being seen as a "silver bullet for the industry." Whilst, according to the report, the industry welcomes government support, the current planning framework is seen as "overly rigid" and "risks misalignment with actual demand and repeating past planning mistakes like Slough's unplanned growth." As a response, a new planning use class could allow for flexible, demand-led planning, which would be especially important in the fast-moving AI industry. Finally, public perception is seen as a critical non-regulatory issue for the sector to tackle, with half the UK’ s population not knowing what a data centre is. Such low awareness leaves the public open to misinformation and a fundamental lack of understanding as to why data centres are critical to a future economy. The report calls on the industry to engage more proactively on the needs case for data centres with the public, supported by the Government outlining why their development is critical to growth. Ronan Cloud, Director at Copper Consultancy, argues, “While Grey Belt reforms are beneficial, considerable planning inertia remains. Government should create a dedicated planning use class for data centres at once, distinct from broader industrial uses. "This tailored classification would increase planning approvals and accommodate future technological developments.” Kevin Gibbs, Senior Consultant at Charles Russell Speechlys, comments, “Whilst the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan commits £2 billion to AI Growth Zones to accelerate infrastructure delivery, there is much more that both the industry and Government can, and should, be doing. "To truly become an AI leader and unlock economic growth, the UK needs to make a clear and compelling case for data centres. It needs to act now to alleviate some of the barriers.”

Ex-Google Lauri Ikonen joins Polarnode

Polarnode, a Finnish data centre developer that focuses on environmentally sustainable data centre construction and operation, has announced the appointment of Lauri Ikonen as its new Head of Technology, effective from 1 September. The appointment comes as the company accelerates its growth strategy to aim to become a leading data centre platform across the Nordic region. Ikonen joins Polarnode at a time of increasing demand for data centre capacity across the Nordics. He brings more than two decades of experience in large-scale infrastructure, with a particular focus on mission-critical operations, backup power, and cooling technologies. From 2016 to 2023, Ikonen held a series of senior roles at Google’s data centre organisation, including Site Lead and Site Operations Manager at the company’s Hamina campus in Finland. During this period, the site expanded significantly, and daily operations grew to support approximately 400 personnel. More recently, he served as Chief Strategy and Operating Officer at UpCloud, where he was responsible for strategic management, operational oversight, and service reliability across 13 global data centre locations. His earlier career includes leadership roles in ABB’s Power Division, where he worked on industrial-scale infrastructure and service management. “We are thrilled to welcome Lauri to the team,” says Mikko Toivanen, Chair of the Board at Polarnode. “His deep experience in managing and scaling hyperscale data centre infrastructure will be instrumental as we accelerate our development strategy and respond to the growing market need for high-performance, sustainable, and resilient data centre capacity.” In his new role, Ikonen will lead Polarnode’s technology strategy and oversee the design and implementation of upcoming sites. He will also guide the company’s entry into colocation services, supporting its long-term ambition to deliver clean, high-performance infrastructure to support the growing digital economy. “The Nordic region is rapidly becoming a global hub for digital infrastructure,” comments Lauri. “Polarnode is well positioned to lead that transformation with its forward-thinking approach. I’m excited to contribute to its next phase of growth.” Polarnode is 100% Finnish-owned and has so far announced major data centre developments in Lappeenranta, Nokia, and Pori.

Echelon announces €2bn for Spanish data centre construction

Echelon Data Centres, an Irish-owned developer and operator of large-scale data centre infrastructure, has announced the signing of a joint venture (JV) agreement with Iberdrola, a global renewable power producer, to build and operate data centres in Spain. Echelon’s major shareholder is Starwood Capital Group, a global private investment firm with approximately $115 billion (£85.72 billion) in assets under management in North America, Europe, and Asia. Driven by the growing demand for cloud and AI services, the agreement is intended to expand Echelon’s international data centre portfolio with 100% of its Spanish power infrastructure and energy supply needs provided by Iberdrola. Echelon will be responsible for the planning, design, commercialisation, and day-to-day management of the JV, while Iberdrola will source and secure suitable land plots with grid connectivity for data centre development, as well as ensuring a continuous 24/7 supply of clean energy. Echelon will own 80% of the JV, with Iberdrola owning the remaining 20% through its dedicated digital infrastructure subsidiary, CPD4Green. Echelon Data Centres has more than 600 MW of capacity either operational or in planning in Ireland and the UK. CPD4Green has already secured more than 700MW of power connections, including Tier-1 locations close to Madrid and in Aragon. The first of the JV projects to be constructed will be Madrid South, a 160,000m² campus, expected to reach ready for service by 2030. The site has already secured a power connection of nearly 230 MW. An on-site solar PV facility will supply the DC with renewable energy, complemented by additional clean energy capacity from Iberdrola. The alliance between Echelon and Iberdrola aims to enable renewable energy generation and infrastructure to realise a sustainable future for data centre development across Spain. The collaboration is underpinned by guarantees to generate and consume renewable energy to support the operation of the data centres on a long-term basis. These data centres will align with the sustainability targets of both Echelon Data Centres and Iberdrola while also aligning with the objectives of the EU’s Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact. Commenting on the new partnership, David Smith, Chief Investment Officer at Echelon Data Centres, says, “Entering the Spanish data centre market has been a strategic goal for Echelon for several years. "Spain has material benefits as a market for our customers: a supportive regulatory and policy environment, high-quality talent from both a construction and operational perspective, and access to some of Europe’s lowest price renewable energy, in scale. "Our partner, Iberdrola, is a world leader in building and operating generation assets and we are delighted to have this opportunity to partner together to deliver critical infrastructure for our customers.” David Mesonero Molina, Corporate Development Director of Iberdrola, adds, "This agreement reinforces Iberdrola's strategy of facilitating the development of data centres, which have already become a key vector for the growth in electricity demand. "The alliance signed with Echelon will allow us to value our portfolio of sites with access to electricity connection and our ability to offer these infrastructures safe, clean, and competitive energy 24 hours a day, 365 days a year." For more from Echelon Data Centres, click here.

Quantica launches to accelerate data centre site development

Quantica Infrastructure, a US-based company that develops integrated systems for clean energy infrastructure projects, has officially launched with the aim of streamlining data centre deployment across North America. The company says it focuses on delivering "shovel-ready" sites that combine access to renewable energy, traditional grid power, and robust network connectivity. By offering an integrated, pre-prepared model for data centre development, Quantica aims to reduce project risk, speed up delivery, and simplify logistics. The company also emphasises a holistic approach that accounts for both environmental and community benefits. Quantica is backed by the Energy Transition arm of EnCap Investments, a US-based private equity firm that has raised approximately $47 billion (£35 billion) in capital since its founding in 1988. Together, the two companies aim to address infrastructure constraints in a market where demand for data centre capacity is rapidly increasing. “Hyperscale and AI growth are demanding better solutions for power, land, and network connectivity,” says John Chesser, CEO and founder of Quantica Infrastructure. “Quantica unlocks new opportunities by delivering shovel-ready, network-ready sites with dedicated renewable energy and resilient power supplies, so our customers can focus on innovation, not infrastructure logistics.” Quantica’s leadership team includes professionals with experience across the energy, network, and data centre sectors. Collectively, they have delivered more than 15GW of energy projects, constructed large-scale data centre campuses in 22 US states, and developed regional and international networks for global technology clients. “Quantica’s platform is the solution needed to break through current barriers to AI and digital infrastructure expansion,” claims Jim Hughes, Managing Partner at EnCap. “It gives us the opportunity to invest across the full spectrum of digital infrastructure – from renewable power generation to real estate and network connectivity. We’re excited by Quantica’s project pipeline and the momentum behind digital infrastructure growth.”

Kao Data appoints new Chief Business Officer

Kao Data, a developer and operator of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing, has announced that Clinton Hasell has been appointed as the company’s new Chief Business Officer. A seasoned, board-level executive with over 30 years of commercial and operational experience across the data centre, telecoms, and digital infrastructure sectors, Clinton has been named Chief Business Officer to spearhead the optimisation of Kao Data’s core business operations. This includes the key responsibility for the company’s technology deployments and enterprise-level reporting. Within his new role, Clinton will also lead the development function for Kao Data’s advanced infrastructure platform, aligning the organisation’s UK and European expansion plans. “I am excited to move into my new role as Chief Business Officer and to work together with both our C-Suite and our talented organisational teams to help drive the company’s growth objectives from inception to delivery,” comments Clinton Hasell, new Chief Business Officer, Kao Data. “Kao Data has established a market-leading position as a data centre developer and operator at the bleeding edge of AI deployment and it’s fitting we use the power of AI and advanced computing to deliver true business transformation.” “On behalf of the company and our board, I am delighted to welcome Clinton Hasell to the Senior Management Team as our new Chief Business Officer, and at a time of transformation and evolution for the company,” says David Bloom, founder and Executive Chairman, Kao Data. “Clinton has been a key part of our team for some time within a consultancy capacity, and it’s a fantastic endorsement of our future plans and ambitions that we have permanently secured his contribution as we develop new sites to scale our data centre platform across the UK and Europe.” Prior to joining Kao Data, Clinton was a member of the Global Switch management team where, as Executive Group Director, Europe, he was responsible for maximising profitable growth across its European division. He also held senior leadership roles at Interxion, from its $1 billion (£744 million) IPO in 2011 to its $8 billion (£5.95 billion) acquisition by Digital Realty Trust in 2020. For more from Kao Data, click here.

W Denis launches insurance offering for data centres

W Denis, a UK-based, independent insurance broker, has launched a new specialist division focused exclusively on insuring data centres and their integrated power generation infrastructure. W Denis’ new division is unique in the insurance market by offering dedicated cover not only for the data centre buildings, plant, and technology, but also for the electricity generation assets, such as traditional CHP through to modern clean/green tech power, solar, wind, and hybrid systems, which provide resilience and independence from grid failures. Capacity in the billions (£/€/$) is available through either direct insurance or facultative reinsurance structures, arranged with global insurers and reinsurers. This enables support for single-site, multi-site, and portfolio programmes across diverse geographies. The offering includes a range of risk and insurance solutions for all phases of a data centre’s lifecycle: • Construction all risks (CAR), including delay in start-up• Operational property damage and machinery breakdown• Business interruption, including utility failure triggers• On-site power generation asset insurance• Third-party legal liabilities• Legal indemnities (e.g. planning, easements)• Cyber, data breach, and E&O exposures• Specialist claims support and advocacy In addition to insurance placement, W Denis says it provides clients with risk management consultation during pre-design, construction, and operational stages. This includes engineering risk reviews, loss prevention advice, and support with resilience planning. Mark Dutton, Chief Commercial Officer at W Denis, comments, “Data centres are among the most critical and energy-intensive assets in the modern economy. Our new division recognises that effective insurance must cover both the data and the power that keeps it alive. Our clients benefit from deep technical expertise, strong capacity, and joined-up coverage from build to operation.”

Data centres could generate €26bn for Portuguese economy

Portugal is establishing itself as one of Europe’s main digital and AI ready hubs, and further growth in data centre development in the country could contribute up to €26 billion (£22.5 billion) to the national GDP between 2025 and 2030 - an average of €4.4 billion (£3.8 billion) per year - according to a study conducted this year by Start Campus, a Portuguese data centre development company, and economics consultancy Copenhagen Economics. Direct and indirect socio-economic impact The study, Assessment of the Socio-Economic Benefits of the Data Centre Sector in Portugal, released this Monday estimates that the sector could support up to 50,000 full-time jobs every year, including direct, indirect, and induced employment, provided favourable investment and regulatory conditions are in place. Between 2022 and 2024, data centres already added €311 million to Portugal’s GDP, sustaining around 1,700 jobs annually - drawing and retaining skilled professionals and strengthening regional cohesion whilst opening up new education pathways. The report highlights Portugal’s bench of qualified talent in data-centre-relevant fields - a sentiment echoed by digital ecosystem stakeholders - and notes a solid tech base of roughly 230,000 ICT specialists alongside a high proportion of STEM graduates. Artificial intelligence as a driving force The study also points out that by 2030, around 70% of computing capacity will be dedicated to AI applications, underscoring the need for modern, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure. Demand for this capacity is expected to grow at a rate of 33% per year through the end of the decade. The widespread adoption of cloud computing, big data, and AI solutions by companies and public entities depends on the existence of efficient and scalable data centres capable of ensuring low-latency connectivity. Without this foundation, the full potential of digital technologies for businesses, public services, and users could be compromised. Portugal’s competitive advantages The analysis indicates that Portugal is well-positioned to become a key hub in AI and digital infrastructure in Europe. This is underpinned by a competitive electricity cost – approximately 30% below the European average – and a large supply of electricity from renewable sources – namely 87.5% of total net generation. Portugal’s Atlantic coast also provides conditions for resource-efficient cooling solutions that contribute to reducing freshwater consumption, energy consumption, and operational costs, such as the use of seawater. Portugal benefits from a robust connectivity infrastructure, with approximately 25% of the world’s submarine cables passing through the country. It also offers 92% fibre optic coverage, ranking as the third-best network in the European Union (EU). “Portugal has all the right conditions to establish itself as a leading digital and AI hub in Europe: strategic connectivity, clean energy, and a highly skilled workforce. This study confirms that, with the right public policies, data centres can become a driver of economic growth and territorial cohesion,” says Robert Dunn, CEO of Start Campus. "Portugal is emerging as a key European destination for data centre investments, yet achieving its fullest potential cannot be taken for granted given intense international competition to host digital infrastructures. There are already significant economic benefits from existing data centres alone, which represent a fraction of future opportunities,” comments Bruno Basalisco, Director at Copenhagen Economics. Policy conditions will shape future investments and corresponding socio-economic benefits To ensure the full development of the sector and to make the most of this industry’s potential, the study outlines some areas of action where policymakers could consider fostering investments: 1. Ensure predictability and access to the electrical grid and components such as chips; 2. Streamline licensing processes for both technological and energy infrastructures; 3. Develop targeted measures for data centre investment; 4. Promote digitalisation and AI adoption across the business sector and public administration. The Copenhagen Economics report is based on an input-output macroeconomic model, using data from Eurostat, the OECD, and national operators. It also includes interviews with more than 15 stakeholders from the digital ecosystem, including AICEP, ANACOM, FCT, international technology companies, and local authorities. For more from Start Campus, click here.

CityFibre agrees £2.3 billion in major new financing round

CityFibre, an independent UK full fibre platform, has reached an agreement with its shareholders and existing lenders on a £2.3 billion financing round, aiming to accelerate its next phase of growth. The financing includes £500 million in new equity secured from CityFibre shareholders, Infrastructure at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Antin Infrastructure Partners, Mubadala Investment Company, and Interogo Holding. CityFibre has also agreed a committed £960 million expansion of its existing debt facilities, supported by lenders including ABN AMRO, BBVA, Crédit Agricole CIB, ING, Intesa Sanpaolo IMI CIB, Lloyds, the National Wealth Fund, NatWest, SEB, and Société Générale. The facility will support CityFibre’s continued network investment and should enable it to connect hundreds of thousands of new customers across its nationwide network. An accordion facility of £800 million is also being made available to help drive CityFibre’s expansion through the acquisition of full fibre network assets. This facility will be used to finance the company’s M&A pipeline. Greg Mesch, CEO of CityFibre, comments, “This round of financing will supercharge CityFibre’s next phase of growth as we consolidate the altnet sector, accelerate the pace of customer connections, and unleash the full power of our market-leading 10Gb XGS-PON network for the benefit of all our partners, their customers, and for the UK economy. “There is huge opportunity ahead for CityFibre and it is [a] testament to the success of the company that we have such strong backing from our lenders and shareholders. This multi-billion-pound investment into critical digital infrastructure will deliver significant benefits across the UK, helping to realise potential and unlocking economic growth.” This investment marks a significant moment in upgrading the UK’s digital infrastructure. It will deliver world-class infrastructure and services to millions of consumers and businesses and provide the digital foundations for the UK’s economic growth for decades to come. Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, says, “Today’s announcement shows Britain is attracting billions of pounds of investment, including through the National Wealth Fund, driving growth across British businesses. “Investing in our digital infrastructure is key to ensuring our economy is fit for the future. Through our Plan for Change we’re growing the economy by boosting investment in Britain and working hand in hand with businesses to create jobs, to put more money in working people’s pockets.” Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Technology, adds, "This investment in CityFibre is welcome news. It's proof our telecoms industry is driving investment into the UK as well as building the digital foundations that will serve generations to come. “The success of the UK's network providers will help accelerate the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband to millions of homes and businesses across the country. I hope to see even more success stories like this one because this sector is critical not just to improving internet speeds, but to transforming quality of life for communities and creating opportunities in every part of the country as part of our Plan for Change." Over the past 12 months, CityFibre has announced its first full year of profitability, launched Sky’s full fibre and Gigafast+ services across CityFibre’s nationwide network, completed the integration of Lit Fibre, announced the acquisition of Connexin’s full fibre infrastructure, and reached more than 4.5 million premises with its full fibre network, over half way to CityFibre’s milestone. For more from CityFibre, click here.