Data Centres

Vertiv announces launch of prefabricated infrastructure portfolio

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has announced the launch of Vertiv SmartRun. Vertiv SmartRun is a modular prefabricated overhead infrastructure system designed to integrate high-density power distribution busbar, liquid cooling piping network, hot-aisle containment, and network infrastructure into a single, scalable solution, supporting an accelerated data centre fit-out. This all-in-one solution is designed to reduce complexity and accelerate deployment times of cloud and AI training applications for greenfield and retrofit colocation and hyperscale data centres. Deploying Vertiv SmartRun delivers significant advantages in scalability and efficiency, Vertiv states, providing end-to-end speed and adaptable configurations to meet various design requirements. With prefabricated assembly, plug-and-play design, and a simplified one-lift installation process, Vertiv SmartRun can deploy up to 85% faster on-site than traditional stick-build methods, enabling data centre installations greater than 1MW per day with just a single crew. The pre-designed system reduces labour needs for engineering review and installation of busway, piping, network cabling, and hot-aisle containment systems, offering a streamlined approach to integrating overhead infrastructure. The system also addresses the whitespace challenges of incorporating new heat removal technologies into AI data centres, by integrating a secondary fluid network into the Vertiv SmartRun design. Prefabricated stainless steel piping systems mitigate complexity of design, fabrication, and start-up, providing a single source for end-to-end data centre liquid cooling support. “As digital infrastructure demands evolve, organisations require solutions that accelerate growth without adding complexity,” says Viktor Petik, Senior Vice President, Infrastructure Solutions at Vertiv. “Vertiv SmartRun is a strategic investment in high-density, prefabricated infrastructure that brings operational agility and enables seamless expansion to support the future of high-density computing.” Vertiv SmartRun is backed by Vertiv Liquid Cooling Services and Vertiv Services, a global network of trained experts available to provide comprehensive support for the installation, maintenance, and optimisation of liquid cooled infrastructure, supporting efficient thermal management and long-term reliability in high-density environments. For more from Vertiv, click here.

Nokia networking backbone to connect Australia data centres

Nokia has been selected by Australian cloud provider, ResetData, to supply a networking backbone that supports its immediate rollout of sovereign ‘AI Factory’ data centres across the continent. The Nokia IP solution will deliver the speed, scale and reliability required for lossless, low-latency performance as ResetData targets an Australian cloud services market that in 2024 saw a 19% year on year increase. Sovereign AI ensures systems and data stay within a country's jurisdiction, promoting national security and compliance with domestic laws and regulations. ResetData’s AI factories with liquid immersion cooling are up to 10 times as efficient as legacy designs and can cut cloud costs by 40% and emissions by 45% to deliver more sustainable AI cloud operations. Backed by Australasian real estate fund manager, Centuria Capital Group, ResetData will deploy the Nokia 7750 Service Router in commercial properties nationwide as part of a series of highly efficient and sustainable liquid immersion cooled AI factories, commencing in Melbourne’s CBD. While addressing precision timing and other key requirements that are fundamental to the performance of AI infrastructure, the FP5-based Nokia IP platform provides super-fast, reliable and highly secure performance at scale. In doing so, Nokia’s approach will reportedly revolutionise data centre operations by delivering a 75% reduction in energy consumption over previous generations. Functioning as a data centre gateway to front-end ResetData’s Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) clusters, the FP5-based Nokia 7750 SR-1x enables connectivity between data centres and to the Internet with massive routing scale, reaching speeds of up to 800Gb/s. Karl Kloppenborg, Chief Technology Officer at ResetData, comments, “We are moving quickly because sovereign AI is critical to Australia’s international competitiveness. Together with the ResetData AI Marketplace, our rollout is delivering critical AI, machine learning and large language model capabilities on-shore and on-demand for the first time. To make it happen, we needed a partner as committed to sustainability as we are, with local resourcing and global reach, who could meet a demanding timeline, scale from single GPUs to entire AI Factories, and replicate Melbourne’s launch nationally. Nokia has been a core partner at every step.” Vach Kompella, Senior Vice President and General Manager, IP Networks at Nokia, adds, “As dynamic new-generation cloud builders like ResetData seize the opportunities that artificial intelligence generates, Nokia is ready with an IP portfolio primed for the stringent and exacting data demands of AI infrastructure. Combining speed, capacity and reliability with cost-efficiency and sustainability, Nokia IP is a top choice for the world’s most modern and secure data centres. We are pleased to partner with ResetData as they deliver Australia’s first sovereign AI at scale.” For more from Nokia, click here.

DataVita earns UK's first 'gold standard' OCP status

DataVita has become the first data centre operator in the UK to achieve an industry-leading accreditation - Open Compute Project’s (OCP) Ready for Hyperscale certification - recognising the capabilities of its DV1 facility in supporting high-density workloads and AI. So far, this certification has only been awarded to three other companies in Europe and is one of the sector’s most recognised and sought-after accreditations. The initiative is designed to give recognition to multi-tenant data centres that can accommodate the larger scale, higher density and more advanced infrastructure requirements of hyperscale operations – including the ability to provide liquid cooling. A rigorous assessment included elements such as logistics, site access, foundational building infrastructure and network connectivity, as well as DataVita’s commitment to innovation, efficiency and sustainability at its DV1 facility located in Chapelhall, North Lanarkshire. Underpinned by its focus on infrastructure for high-performance computing (HPC) and AI, the company recently announced plans to grow data centre capacity to 1GW in central Scotland over the next five years, powered by independent renewable energy sources. Danny Quinn, Managing Director of DataVita, says, “Achieving what is widely considered one of the gold standards in industry accreditations solidifies our position as a market-leader and confirms the expertise we have for handling high-density levels of computing. AI has huge growth potential for the future and has quickly become a core focus for the business, and we have invested heavily in making sure we can support the infrastructure that it requires. “Scotland’s mix of renewable energy – with the lowest carbon intensity compared to anywhere else in the UK – and a naturally cooler climate means we can also offer significant sustainability benefits for global customers. Only a few facilities have liquid cooling capability, for example, but we can do it with a lower carbon footprint. “Our goal is to ensure that AI adoption does not come at the expense of the environment. The OCP status reflects that, and we hope it will open up new conversations with existing and potential clients considering locating in Scotland.”

Second Yondr data centre goes live at London campus

Yondr Group has achieved the first phase of completion at the company’s second data centre on its 100MW London campus. The facility now has 10MW of the building’s 30MW capacity live and operational. The achievement is the latest in a series of project milestones for Yondr’s London campus, with the first building entering into operation in the summer of 2024, and work commencing on a third 40MW data centre earlier this year. Located in Slough, West London, the UK’s largest data centre ecosystem, Yondr’s second facility on its London campus has been designed with sustainability in mind, aligned with Yondr’s ESG strategy and net zero target for scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2030. A BREEAM ‘Very Good’ building, it delivers a better than industry standard annualised power usage effectiveness (PUE) of 1.21, has solar PV panels on the roof, and a green wall on the southern façade, with a horticultural management plan in place to ensure this matures and thrives throughout the operational phase of the building. The building also has a number of electric vehicle parking spaces. Yondr has worked collaboratively with Slough Borough Council and the Canal & River Trust on the design of all three buildings on its London campus, ensuring that the development enhances the local area. Located on the site of a former paint factory, the project has involved extensive ground remediation works to remove lead and chemicals. Yondr is upgrading a local cycleway and providing bat and bird boxes as part of the development. The project has also been the starting point for an apprenticeship programme that will see the London campus accommodate four apprentices by the end of 2025. Peter Hill, VP of Design & Construction EMEA at Yondr comments, “Our London campus is being delivered at pace and to a very high standard of reliability, resilience and sustainability. It fulfils our commitment to meeting our client’s requirements while strengthening Slough’s position as a key global hub for data centre capacity.” “Achieving the first RFS phase on the second facility marks another major milestone for our London campus, as we transform a derelict manufacturing site into a state-of-the-art data centre that will support the urgent global need for data capacity and the UK’s ambitions as a leader in digital industries.”

Compu Dynamics launches AI and HPC Services unit

Compu Dynamics has announced the launch of its full lifecycle AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) Services unit, showcasing the company’s end to end capabilities. The expanded portfolio encompasses the entire spectrum of data centre needs, from initial design and procurement to construction, operation and ongoing maintenance, with a particular emphasis on cutting-edge liquid cooling technologies for AI and HPC environments. Compu Dynamics’ new AI and HPC service offerings build on the company’s expertise in white space deployment, including advanced liquid cooling and post-installation services. As a vendor-neutral solutions provider, the company is uniquely positioned to support equipment from virtually every manufacturer with no geographical limitations, ensuring clients receive unbiased recommendations and optimal solutions tailored to their specific requirements. "Our advanced AI and HPC service offerings represent a significant evolution in data centre services," says Steve Altizer, President and CEO of Compu Dynamics. “We have created this team to respond to the accelerating demand for highly-qualified technical support for high-density AI data centre infrastructure. By working with a variety of OEM partners and offering true end-to-end solutions, we are empowering our clients to focus on their core business while we handle the complexities of their modern critical infrastructure." The company’s holistic solutions portfolio addresses the growing need for specialised support in high-density computing environments. Compu Dynamics’ innovative liquid cooling solutions are said to offer superior efficiency and reduced energy consumption, making them essential for future-ready data centres. Key highlights of these service offerings include: · Equipment evaluation, design consultation and procurement. · Power distribution and liquid cooling system installation, startup, commissioning and quality assurance/quality control. · Flexible maintenance service options designed for seamless, worry-free support including comprehensive fluid management, coolant sampling and contamination and corrosion prevention. · Onsite staffing for day-to-day technical operations. · Dedicated customer success manager. · 24x7 emergency response team for technical issues and repair services. "As AI and HPC workloads drive unprecedented demand on data centre infrastructure, our liquid cooling expertise has become increasingly crucial,” says Scott Hegquist, Director of AI/HPC Services at Compu Dynamics. “We're committed to helping our clients navigate these challenges, providing cutting-edge solutions that optimise performance, efficiency and sustainability."

New PCIe 5.0-compatible broadband optical SSD

KIOXIA Corporation, AIO Core Co. and Kyocera Corporation have announced the development of a prototype PCIe 5.0-compatible broadband SSD with an optical interface (broadband optical SSD). The three companies will develop technologies for broadband optical SSDs to enhance their suitability for advanced applications that require high-speed transfer of large data, such as generative AI, and will also apply them to proof-of-concept (PoC) tests for future social implementation. The new prototype achieved functional operation with the high-speed PCIe 5.0 interface, which is twice the bandwidth of the previous PCIe 4.0 generation, through the combination of AIO Core’s IOCore optical transceiver and Kyocera’s OPTINITY optoelectronic integration module technologies. In next-generation green data centres, replacing the electrical wiring interface with optical and utilising broadband optical SSD technology can significantly increase the physical distance between the compute and storage devices, while maintaining energy efficiency and high signal quality. It also contributes to the flexibility and efficiency of data centre system design, where digital diversification and the evolution of generative AI require complex, high-volume and high-speed data processing. This achievement is the result of the Japanese ‘Next Generation Green Data Center Technology Development’ project JPNP21029. It is subsidised by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), which is under the ‘Green Innovation Fund Project: Construction of Next Generation Digital Infrastructure’. In this project, companies will develop next-generation technologies with the goal of achieving more than 40% energy savings compared to current data centres. As part of this project, KIOXIA is developing broadband optical SSDs, AIO Core is developing optoelectronic fusion devices and Kyocera is developing optoelectronic device packages. Axel Stoermann, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President at KIOXIA Europe, comments, “As we enter a new era where AI and high-performance data centres form the foundation of societal advancement, it's essential to address the challenge of power management to ensure our strides in technology align with global sustainability goals. "This new prototype of a PCIe 5.0-compatible broadband SSD with an optical interface has the real potential to revolutionise data centres and to make them truly sustainable.”

2025 ESG Report: Data centre environmental impact

Structure Research has released its latest 2025 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, providing an in-depth look at the environmental footprint of data centre providers and hyperscale platforms. The report captures sustainability metrics from 26 data centre operators and nine hyperscale cloud platforms, offering a unique snapshot into carbon emissions, energy consumption and water usage across the global infrastructure ecosystem. The 2025 ESG Report finds that while data centre energy usage continues to rise - now accounting for more than 1.1% of global energy consumption - average carbon emissions per unit of energy consumed are trending downwards, driven by the growing adoption of renewable and carbon-free energy sources. Total energy usage increased from 178.5TWh in 2019 to 310.6TWh in 2024, while emissions intensity fell from 366.9mtCO2e/GWh to 312.7mtCO2e/GWh over the same period. “Data centres are foundational to the modern digital economy, and that means they carry a growing environmental responsibility,” says Philbert Shih, Managing Director of Structure Research. “What this report shows is that while energy consumption continues to climb, providers are making meaningful progress in efficiency and renewable adoption. The industry is clearly moving in the right direction - but transparency and accountability will be critical as sustainability expectations evolve.” Key findings from the report Sustainability progress amid rising demand · Energy usage by ESG Leaders grew 17.9% over the last five years, while renewable energy consumption increased by 27.9%. · Hyperscalers now use renewable sources for approximately 91% of their total energy needs; data centre providers reached 62%. · Carbon-free energy, including nuclear, is emerging as a key part of the data centre energy mix as power constraints grow in Tier 1 markets. PUE and water efficiency improvements · Average Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) for data centre providers declined from 1.44 in 2019 to 1.38 in 2024, while hyperscale PUEs remained at an industry-leading 1.22. · Data centre water consumption increased by 9.6% over five years, driven by demand for liquid cooling to support AI workloads and higher rack densities. The report introduces the Structure Research Sustainability Quadrant (SRSQ), a benchmark framework ranking providers based on transparency, operational efficiency and renewable energy usage. The SRSQ aims to encourage better reporting standards and highlight leaders in environmental performance. Structure Research’s analysis found that ESG reporting across the sector is becoming more common, though significant variation remains in the scope and depth of disclosures. The report emphasises the importance of transparency in environmental reporting and urges providers to include more granular, region-specific data in future disclosures. The 2025 ESG Report is a tool for hyperscalers, colocation providers, enterprises and policymakers seeking to understand the environmental implications of data centre growth and how industry leaders are responding.

Schneider unveils enhanced GenieEvo with 31.5kA fault rating

Schneider Electric has announced the launch of GenieEvo 31.5kA in the UK and Ireland.  GenieEvo is an air insulated medium voltage switchgear offering, with resilience, safety and reliability at its core.  Its higher fault current protection of 31.5kA, up from 25kA in previous iterations, means it reduces the risk of power outages by minimisig the dangers of equipment damage in the event of power overloads or short circuits  GenieEvo is digital in design and comes with Schneider Electric’s EcoCare membership services plan. It incorporates smart Internet of Things (IoT) sensors which transmit data, in real-time, to experts at Schneider Electric’s Connected Services Hub for monitoring and analysis. This enables condition-based monitoring and predictive maintenance which can cut the number of unplanned outages and ensure a more efficient approach to maintaining equipment.  It is particularly suited to those with heavy-duty electrical distribution needs such as Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), data centres and medium to large sites with significant energy requirements. These include industries such as oil and gas, mining and manufacturing, as well as large buildings including airports and hospitals.  GenieEvo key features include:  · A pure air design vacuum switchgear with a high fault current rating of 31.5kA for enhanced resilience, safety and reliability.   · Newly designed C-type bushings which are easy to install offering improved insulation, durability and thermal management.  · Innovative 2000A Busbar CTs ensuring high accuracy in metering and monitoring.  · A-FL switchgear front and side protection for users for Internal Arc Compliance (IAC).  · IoT sensors monitoring thermal, environmental and partial discharge data, 24/7, enabling condition-based and predictive maintenance.  · A compact design which can reduce space requirements by up to 40%. It comes with pre-engineered panels to meet individual requirements and can scale to meet future needs.  “To enable the energy transition, we need to integrate more energy sources to the distribution network, and this creates challenges, particularly for those with significant electricity demands,” says David Hall, Schneider Electric’s Vice President of Power Systems UK&I. “Organisations can’t afford power outages and must take control when it comes to resilience, safety and reliability. They should look at their switchgear as a priority. GenieEvo has been developed in response to market demands, allowing them to do just this.” Schneider Electric will manufacture the GenieEvo at its Leeds site. 

New digital gateway for Southern Europe

Schneider Electric and Digital Realty are delivering a new digital gateway for Southern Europe - the new HER1 Data Center in Heraklion, Crete. Launched earlier this week as the first carrier-neutral facility on the island, HER1 plays a critical role in reducing Southern Europe’s digital connectivity and infrastructure gap by enabling the interconnection of international, regional and local subsea cables, empowering cloud, telco and content delivery networks (CDNs) to better serve the surrounding regions. Working in tandem with fast-growing markets including Athens, Barcelona, Marseille, Rome and Tel Aviv, HER1 forms a central part of Digital Realty’s Mediterranean data centre platform and takes a major step towards establishing Greece as a strategic connectivity hub for Southern and Eastern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Following a successful prefabricated data centre deployment at its Marseille 2 (MRS2) facility, Digital Realty leveraged a turnkey, Tier III solution from Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Modular Data Center portfolio to overcome a host of challenges at HER1. They included requirements for accelerated speed-to-market with a target to become operational within 12 months, increased levels of energy efficiency, and off-site production, testing and delivery due to HER1’s remote location in Crete. To achieve this, Schneider Electric provided a purpose-built solution including two, fully integrated, prefabricated power modules containing MV, transformers, LV, UPS equipment and air-cooling systems. Additionally, it deployed two, large-scale, all-in-one Data Halls, complete with power, cooling and IT, utilising Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure monitoring solution for buildings management and electrical power management systems (EPMS). Further, Schneider Electric provided the compete spectrum of data centre design, build and consultancy services, including all mechanical, electrical (M&E) and software equipment, production, assembly, commissioning and security services. This enabled Digital Realty’s HER1 facility to meet its demanding deployment timeframes, while minimising the risk of failures during its on-site installation.   "Digital Realty’s substantial investment in our new Heraklion data centre highlights our dedication to establishing the Mediterranean as a global connectivity hub, connecting continents and enabling digital transformation,” says Fabrice Coquio, SVP Digital Realty in France. “Thanks to our strategic partnership with Schneider Electric, we are accelerating the time to market of this critical project to quickly meet the surging digital traffic demands in the region, while enhancing network resilience and diversity for enterprises and communities alike." Due to its geographical location and the ongoing investments in submarine networks such as 2Africa, Andromeda, East to Med Corridor (EMC), Medusa and Thetis, many organisations are selecting Crete as a strategic destination for cable termination and data centre deployments - transforming the region into a global interconnection hub that brings multiple continents together. HER1, Digital Realty’s first carrier-neutral data centre in Crete, is located next to the landing point of several subsea cable systems and will offer a highly resilient data centre capacity to the cloud, subsea cable and connectivity communities.

Portman Partners introduces recruitment service for data centres

Portman Partners is making a strategic investment in Flint DC, a new no-nonsense rapid-hire recruitment service specifically designed to provide data centres industry with the talent and expertise it needs, and help it overcome the ongoing talent challenge it faces at a crucial growth phase. Currently, the sector relies upon the traditional contingent recruitment model, which is proving to be ill-suited for the industry, says Mike Meyer Managing Partner of Portman Partners. “The data centre industry is predicted to be powering up the future but it is failing to find and attract the right talent to build it today,” he says. “There are some great recruiters out there but contingent recruitment processes, combined with emerging recruiters who have limited industry knowledge, and an influx of unsuitable applicants due to this, put businesses at risk of falling short of their ambitions.” Recognising these challenges, Portman Partners is leveraging its deep industry expertise to create a new style of recruitment solution with the launch of Flint DC, one that will deliver better outcomes for clients. Flint’s service - Contingent+ - combines the standard contingent terms of business with recruitment fees contingent on a successful outcome, with the bespoke search methodology typically reserved for head-hunting or specialised roles. Flint is built on a recruitment model that will deliver critical talent speedily, efficiently - with a new approach that won’t slow businesses down. “Flint is born out of the demand for a better approach to hiring in the data centre industry,” explains Mike. “In my 30 years in data centres, I’ve encountered the same frustrations again and again across the sector. We want to change the way things were done.  “With Flint DC and the Contingent+ model, we’re taking everything that makes Portman successful in stealth executive search - our specialised knowledge, our global reach and our no-nonsense approach - and building an agile recruitment model that delivers the right results for all hiring levels,” says Mike. “We’re not just another recruitment firm. We’re the solution our clients have been asking for.” Paul Cutliffe, Managing Director of Flint DC, says this represents a new era in data centre recruitment, “We are offering a Contingent+ model that streamlines hiring while ensuring quality, speed and alignment with the unique needs of data centre businesses. I am passionate about helping businesses find high-calibre candidates who are a good cultural fit and will enable transformational change. I am looking forward to supporting our clients as they power on into the future.”