Data Centres

Microgrids are key to accelerating DC growth, research finds

A combination of renewables, grid balancing engines and energy storage make for the most cost-effective microgrids to power data centres, while also cutting emissions and providing vital grid balancing to enable the energy transition, according to a new research paper from technology group Wärtsilä and energy solutions business AVK. The paper, Data centre dispatchable capacity: a major opportunity for Europe’s energy transition, provides new analysis on how data centre microgrids can reduce grid infrastructure spending, emissions and wasted energy, while providing a balanced path for the energy transition.The analysis finds that powering the data centres across Europe by optimised microgrids could create a significant bank of dispatchable power, supporting the entire continent’s energy transition. The rapid growth of AI is driving increased demand for data centres across Europe, which is expected to increase by 250% by 2030, from 10GW to 35GW. With the continent’s grid facing constraints from high energy prices and bloated grid connection queues, data centre operators are increasingly turning to off-grid solutions to power these energy-intensive assets. Anders Lindberg, President of Wärtsilä Energy and Executive Vice President of Wärtsilä, says, “The growth of AI over recent years has been extraordinary, and as it continues to transform the way we live and work, it drives a need for more energy. This is causing significant challenges for grid operators across Europe, who are struggling with rising costs and up to a 10-year waiting time for a grid connection. “By investing in microgrids, data centres can sidestep energy constraints, and with the right technology mix of renewables, grid balancing engines and energy storage, can ensure their emissions profiles and costs do not outweigh the huge benefits that AI brings. AVK CEO Ben Pritchard comments, “The answer to the challenges we face in combatting climate change is as much to do with changing behaviours as developing new technologies. And the key to behavioural change is the recognition that there are different ways of doing things. The solutions outlined in this paper are not impractical; they are based on real-world cases and calculations. All that’s needed to make them more widespread is for investors, operators, equipment suppliers, planners, policy makers to recognise the widespread benefits that sharing dispatchable data centre capacity with the grid can bring and pass that knowledge on.” In addition to benefits created by microgrids, engine power plants bring cost efficiencies to data centre power generation. Modelling an 80MW data centre, a combination of engine power plants, renewables, and energy storage provides the lowest levelised cost of electricity – at 108 EUR/MWh – in comparison to three other real-world scenarios. It also offers a low emissions scenario in comparison to the other modelled scenarios, and particularly in comparison to gas turbines. The emissions of engine power plants can also decrease as sustainable fuels become commercially available. “Through investing in flexibility, microgrids can have the lowest possible cost, while cutting emissions dramatically compared to other pathways including turbines. This flexibility can have a significant, positive impact on the continent’s digital and energy transition,” Anders Lindberg states. On current trajectories, 40% of existing AI data centres will be operationally constrained by power availability by 2027. Microgrids can take this new strain off the grid in the short term and when grid connection is achieved, excess energy generated can be sold. As well as furthering cost reductions for data centre operators, this can provide vital flexibility to Europe's power challenges. Read the new research paper by clicking here. For more from AVK, click here.

Quantum-AI data centre opens in New York City

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) and Digital Realty today announced the launch of the first Quantum-AI Data Centre in New York City, located at Digital Realty’s JFK10 facility and built with NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips. - Quantum-AI Data Centre: OQC and Digital Realty are working with NVIDIA to integrate superconducting quantum computers and AI supercomputing under one roof, creating a data centre built for the Quantum-AI era. - Landmark deployment and integration: OQC’s GENESIS quantum computer will integrate NVIDIA Grace Hopper Superchips to become the first-ever quantum computing system deployed in New York City. OQC plans to integrate its quantum hardware with NVIDIA accelerated computing to support the scalability of future systems. - Quantum-AI at scale: Embedded within Digital Realty’s global platform, PlatformDIGITAL, OQC is delivering secure, interconnected Quantum-AI infrastructure to power breakthroughs from Wall Street to Security – a central pillar of the UK–US tech trade Partnership to be announced.The Quantum-AI Data Centre brings together OQC’s quantum computing, NVIDIA accelerated AI hardware, and Digital Realty’s cutting-edge global infrastructure, eliminating geographical and infrastructure barriers to enable businesses to harness the power of quantum compute and AI. This initiative allows enterprises to access an integrated environment where quantum computing powers the AI revolution: enabling faster model training, more efficient data generation, and transformative applications in finance and security. The system features OQC GENESIS, a logical-era quantum computer, installed within Digital Realty’s secure JFK10 site – the first-ever quantum computer installed within a New York City data centre. Integrated with NVIDIA Grace Hopper Superchips, the platform provides a launchpad for hybrid workloads and enterprise adoption at scale. OQC expects that future GENESIS systems will ship with NVIDIA accelerated computing as standard, building on its earlier collaboration integrating the NVIDIA CUDA-Q platform and providing developers seamless tools to build hybrid quantum-AI applications. “This Quantum-AI Data Centre demonstrates how quantum can drive the AI revolution - securely, practically, and at scale - while strengthening the UK–US technology alliance.” says Gerald Mullally, CEO of OQC. “Leveraging Digital Realty’s infrastructure and NVIDIA supercomputing, we are redefining enterprise computing for finance and security.” “Digital Realty’s mission has always been to enable the world’s most innovative technologies by providing secure, interconnected infrastructure at global scale,” adds Andy Power, President & CEO of Digital Realty. “By working with OQC, we’re using NVIDIA supercomputing to make Quantum-AI directly accessible in one of the world’s most important data hubs - empowering enterprises and governments to unlock new levels of performance and resilience.” Science Minister Patrick Vallance comments, “Quantum computing could transform everything - from speeding up drug discovery to supercharging clean energy so we can cut bills. The economic prize is enormous, with £212 billion expected to flow into the UK economy by 2045 and tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs on offer. OQC’s launch of the first quantum computer in New York City showcases British tech excellence and strengthens our transatlantic ties. And the industry’s first quantum-AI data centre will put British innovation at the heart of next-gen computing - delivering speed, scale and security to tackle problems today’s tech is yet to grasp." Applications and impact By integrating quantum computing with NVIDIA AI supercomputing inside a secure enterprise-grade data centre, OQC and Digital Realty are creating a platform that will unlock new possibilities across critical sectors: Finance: Faster and more accurate risk modelling, portfolio optimisation, fraud detection, and derivatives pricing, delivering competitive advantage in the world’s most data-intensive markets. Security: Advanced material simulation, logistics optimisation, and decision-making under uncertainty, strengthening resilience in mission-critical domains. Quantum for AI: Quantum computing will unlock new frontiers for AI itself, from accelerating model training and efficient data generation to emerging quantum machine learning applications with transformative impact across industries. “This milestone shows the strength of a British tech leader scaling globally through international collaboration,” says Jack Boyer, Chair of OQC. “Working with Digital Realty and using NVIDIA supercomputing here in the United States, OQC demonstrates how the UK and US can lead together in the responsible deployment of frontier technologies for finance and security” “The UK–US technology alliance is vital to ensuring that powerful new capabilities like quantum computing protect our nations, improve our prosperity, and are developed securely and in line with democratic values,” remarks Sir Jeremy Fleming, OQC Board member and former Director of GCHQ. “This deployment combines British innovation and American infrastructure, and brings NVIDIA’s AI leadership to deliver trusted computing power for the most critical applications.” Proven technology and roadmap OQC is reportedly the only quantum computing company with live deployments into colocated data centres: OQC already has systems operating in London and Tokyo, and now in New York. Its patented dual-rail Dimon qubit technology represents a breakthrough in error suppression, reducing the hardware overheads needed for error-corrected qubits and accelerating the path to fault-tolerant quantum computing. OQC has set a market leading roadmap – in collaboration with Digital Realty – to deliver scalable, commercially viable systems, with near-term impact in finance, defence, and AI. As a British champion of quantum computing, OQC is committed to building systems that drive both commercial advantage and national resilience. For more from Digital Realty, click here.

DCNN celebrates National Data Centre Day

Today marks the first National Data Centre Day, an annual initiative recognising the vital role of data centres in powering the UK’s digital economy and AI ambitions. Taking place each year on 12 September, the date commemorates when data centres were officially designated as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) by the UK Government in 2021. The awareness day aims to spotlight the innovation, sustainability, and people driving this essential sector forward, while also encouraging greater recognition of the industry’s contribution to society. As part of the celebrations, figures from across the sector have begun sharing their reflections on why National Data Centre Day matters, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Cooling at the forefront Ted Pulfer, Data Centre Director at Lennox Data Centre Solutions, highlights how cooling has become central to the industry’s progress: "National Data Centre Day is a significant moment for the UK industry. Marking a year since data centres were formally recognised as Critical National Infrastructure, it offers an opportunity to reflect on the evolution and challenges of the past year. “Cooling, once ‘part of’ the supporting infrastructure, has now moved to the forefront of the conversation, driven by increasing compute densities, AI workloads, and the rise of liquid cooling. "What’s particularly exciting is the collaboration this has inspired across manufacturers, engineers, and end users. Cooling is no longer a niche issue; it has become a strategic enabler of digital progress.” Connectivity as the foundation David Bruce, CRO of Neos Networks, points to the crucial role of fibre in enabling sustainable growth: “National Data Centre Day is a welcome opportunity to celebrate an industry that has quietly become the backbone of our digital lives. "From powering AI and cloud to supporting healthcare, finance, and public services, data centres are now rightly recognised as Critical National Infrastructure. Their role in enabling growth, innovation, and resilience cannot be overstated. “But as we look to the future, we must also recognise that data centres do not stand alone. Compute and power are essential, but it is fibre that connects investment to opportunity. "Without high-capacity, resilient networks stretching across the country, the benefits of our expanding data centre footprint risk being unevenly distributed and bottlenecked." Recognition and the road ahead National Data Centre Day provides the sector with a moment to reflect on its progress, showcase innovation, and address the challenges ahead. From cooling breakthroughs to fibre expansion, the themes highlighted today underline the growing strategic importance of digital infrastructure to the UK economy and society at large. For more on National Data Centre Day, click here.

DTX London 2025 returns

DTX London, a UK event dedicated to business transformation, will open its doors at ExCeL on 1-2 October 2025 for its 20th anniversary. Dedicated to ‘Innovation with integrity; driving value, delivering purpose’, this year’s event will showcase a lineup of prominent speakers, including Olympic Champion Mo Farah, who will "help technology teams establish the skills, mindsets, and tools to tackle transformation challenges, enhance experiences, and fuel growth." The operators say DTX 2025 has been "reimagined to unite the people, technologies, and strategies that drive purposeful, long-term business change." Every stage is built around the real-world challenges facing organisations today, while offering an educational programme which highlights the importance of people in achieving successful business transformation. The Main Stage will host technology experts from the newly formed DTX Advisory Board. These senior leaders - from organisations including Segro, Apollo, Santander, Vanquis, the NFL, and RSA - are driving digital and business transformation across the UK. They will share practical insights and first-hand experience on delivering projects designed for long-term success. Highlight speakers include athlete Mo Farah, who will open the event on day one, discussing how business leaders can turn their aspirations into groundbreaking realities; Jason Hardy, CTO for AI at Hitachi Vantara, who will speak on the Data & AI Stage, discussing why AI’s future depends on data integrity; and Alan Reed, Head of Platform Innovation at bet365, who will discuss why most AI initiatives fail and how to beat the odds. While cyber has traditionally had its own dedicated part of the show, this year’s event will see the topic weaved across all stages with a big focus on human-cyber risk. This reflects the real-world reality that cyber is not solely the responsibility of security teams; it's a business-wide priority that affects every department and technology initiative, carrying serious consequences if overlooked. One of many panels on the Holistic Cyber Strategies Stage will feature experts from Deliveroo and Citi, discussing how AI can be implemented responsibly without neglecting security, and Moona Ederveen, Principal Consultant at Information Security Forum, who will also present on how organisations cut through the hype around quantum threats and build a realistic roadmap for readiness. The Main Stage will tackle the most pressing themes from navigating geopolitical impacts to building the future workforce, featuring a panel of C-level executives from Vanquis, the University of East London, and Lloyds Banking Group discussing how to align tech leadership for strategic impact. Attendees will also be treated to a session from UK Editor Bryan Glick of Computer Weekly. His publication is responsible for uncovering and reporting on the Post Office scandal, spotlighting injustice while actively campaigning to overturn wrongful convictions. Bryan will take to the Main Stage for a fireside chat with Sharon Gunn, Chief Executive for BCS, on day one, discussing lessons learned from Computer Weekly’s 16-year reporting on the scandal, while also highlighting the important role of people in technology. This year’s DTX - which is once again colocated with Unified Communications Expo (UCX) - is centred around the importance of people in business and digital evolution, exploring how people, platforms, and processes come together to accelerate real transformation. It is the place to hear about how businesses can leverage the latest technology advances for every job function, from developers to cyber teams and everyone in between, all under one roof. DTX + UCX is designed for anyone influencing technology selection and implementation, helping them discover innovation and find solutions that drive measurable business benefits. Why attend DTX + UCX London • Purpose-driven technology sourcing — See the latest innovations and discover the technologies and solutions that support your business objectives. Gain insights into emerging trends and best practices for leveraging technology to drive efficiency and growth. • Connecting teams & bridging silos — Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing by connecting with leading tech teams and experts. Forge valuable partnerships, break down internal silos, and unlock the collective potential of your organisation. • Meaningful conversations & networking — Engage with industry leaders, peers, and technology providers. Build strategic relationships, explore innovative solutions, and gain valuable perspectives that will shape your business transformation journey. • Driving measurable benefit — Translate technology investments into tangible business outcomes. Learn how to optimise processes, enhance customer experiences, and generate sustainable growth through strategic technology adoption. To guarantee a front-row seat and join the game-changers and tech pioneers at this year’s event, get your free pass here. Access the full agenda here. For more from DTX, click here.

Techno Digital unveils hyperscale data centre in Chennai

Techno Digital, the digital infrastructure arm of Techno Electric & Engineering Company Limited (TEECL), today announced the inauguration of its 36MW data centre at SIPCOT IT Park, Siruseri, Chennai. This next-gen facility is part of Techno Digital’s $1 billion investment commitment towards building future-ready, sustainable digital infrastructure across the country. Spanning over 200,000 square foot, the state-of-the-art 36MW data centre delivers a hosting capacity of about 2,400 high-density racks and is designed to support flexible power densities from 10 kW to 50 kW per rack and beyond, making it one of India’s most advanced AI-ready infrastructures. Strategically located in the heart of Chennai’s IT corridor, the facility is designed to provide resilience against climate risks and offers seamless connectivity to multiple cable landing stations and domestic networks that anchor India’s internet backbone. The facility’s design integrates: On-site 110 kV GIS Substation with dual power feeds from independent substations, connected via underground cable paths for reliability and weatherproof operation. Powering customers’ critical IT load within server hall via state-of-the-art UPS systems, tested and certified with NVIDIA’s latest GB200 series. Efficient Cooling Architecture featuring centrifugal water-cooled chillers and adiabatic cooling towers, thus enabling best-in-class operational PUE and helping reduce water consumption by 75%. Ankit Saraiya, Director & CEO, Techno Digital, says, “Our Chennai AI-ready hyperscale data centre is a significant milestone in our commitment to accelerating the Digital India vision and advancing India’s self-reliance initiative. This launch goes beyond infrastructure; it represents a strategic investment in building a future-ready digital ecosystem. “Chennai stands out as a top destination for hyperscale data centres, due to its robust infrastructure, progressive business policies, and vibrant talent pool. This, coupled with our strong credentials in power infrastructure, strategically positions us as a partner of choice for enterprises looking to modernise, scale, embrace sustainability and future-proof their digital operations.” India’s burgeoning digital economy demands a comprehensive focus on building a robust digital infrastructure. With the rise in data consumption, rapid cloud adoption, and advancements in AI and 5G rollout, data centres are the strategic pillars that deliver scalable, secure, and efficient solutions to meet this demand. Additionally, as sustainability is becoming a key factor in India’s growth trajectory, optimising energy-efficient resources for modern hyperscale and edge data centres is of utmost importance. “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our AI-ready hyperscale data centre in Chennai, a facility that exemplifies progressive technology, precision engineering, and purposeful innovation, built at the intersection of tradition and technology,” comments Amit Agrawal, President, Techno Digital. “Today’s digital-native enterprises demand hyper-availability, seamless scalability, robust security, and operational resilience, all while advancing their sustainability goals. We are confident that the strategically located facility on India’s southern coast in Chennai, further augmented by our network of interconnected Edge data centres, is well poised to shape the country’s digital infrastructure with sustainable, AI-driven, and cloud-optimised offerings.” Padam Prakash Gupta, Managing Director, TEECL, adds, “With this strategic expansion, Techno Electric reaffirms its commitment to building a high-quality, benchmark digital infrastructure platform. The Chennai Data Centre facility is a testament to the group’s EPC leadership and financial discipline, ensuring superior returns and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.” The facility sets a new benchmark for sustainable digital infrastructure by deliberately allocating 25% of the total site area to green spaces - a first in the region. It incorporates adiabatic cooling towers and an energy-efficient exterior that reduce water consumption and minimise heat gain. Additionally, facility is equipped with advanced water treatment, recycling, and storage systems to ensure responsible usage and reuse of water. The design aligns with a Rated 3+ reliability standard and is confirmed for USGBC Gold certification for its environmental performance. For more from Techno Digital, click here.

'Decentralised energy key against DC construction bottlenecks'

Following warnings the UK risks missing out on significant investment in artificial intelligence (AI) facilities due to grid connection concerns, British temporary power and temperature control company Aggreko is encouraging operators to explore other options to best address ongoing bottlenecks. Digital Realty, a data centre developer, has called for overhauls of Britain’s energy grid and planning system to ensure reliable power supplies for new facilities. With AI-related tasks requiring higher workloads from data centres, owners and operators are under increasing pressure to maintain site efficiency, resilience, and uptime. With the number of data centres in the UK set to increase by almost a fifth, grid connection delays continuing as a concern, and the National Grid under increasing strain to facilitate ever-growing power demand, Aggreko is highlighting how decentralised energy provision could help project managers navigate these pressures. The company’s recent whitepaper, Bridging the Energy Gap for European Data Centres, explores how on-site power generation can play a key role in ensuring data centre construction and commissioning remains on track. “Our conversations with data centre owners and operators show Digital Realty’s concerns are echoed throughout the sector,” says Billy Durie, Global Sector Head for Data Centres at Aggreko. “As with a great many other places, AI is set to have a transformative impact on the data centre industry. But if it is to do so, reliable power sources are key. The lengthening queues for grid connections provide proof that these sources cannot be guaranteed via the grid. "While in the long run planning reforms will make it easier to deliver the necessary infrastructure needed to power facilities handling AI-heavy workloads, bridging power is required in the short- to medium-term. It is essential to ensuring UK data centre construction can continue to meet skyrocketing demand and not miss out on the huge levels of investment that come with AI technologies.” The challenge of procuring suitable equipment in tier one and tier two markets has proved a historical impediment for data centre owners and operators looking to invest in permanent decentralised energy solutions. But with projects running the risk of stalling amid the AI boom, Billy is encouraging relevant stakeholders to consult the supply chain and explore procurement strategies based around temporary equipment hire in the short-, medium-, and long-term. Aggreko, for example, has recently integrated Stage V HVO-fuelled generators and customisable SCADA controls at a critical UK facility, aiming to provide a robust standby power solution to ensure site resilience and reduce emissions, independent of grid connection status. “Data centre construction and commissioning must continue as unhindered as possible if facilities are to be brought online within strict project timescales,” Billy continues. “However, grid connection delays and a scarcity of decentralised energy solutions available for outright purchase means deadlines may be missed. “Yet power is power, whether it comes from the grid or a hired generator. It is therefore vital project stakeholders and facility operators investigate different strategies for procuring necessary energy supplies. "Leveraging third-party expertise within the supply chains can help these organisations access the expertise and capacity to swiftly deploy energy-efficient and scalable technologies on a hire basis so they can meet specific site needs.” For more from Aggreko, click here.

DC BLOX recognised on Inc. 5000 list for fifth year

DC BLOX, a provider of connected data centres and fibre networks, has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States for the fifth consecutive year. The ranking reflects the company’s revenue growth between 2021 and 2024. Headquartered in the Southeastern United States, DC BLOX operates connected data centres and fibre networks across the region. Its recent projects include the completion of new fibre routes, plans to develop hyperscale edge node data centres, and ongoing work on its Myrtle Beach Cable Landing Station campus. Expanding digital infrastructure in the US Southeast Jeff Uphues, CEO of DC BLOX, comments, “Being recognised for the fifth year in a row by Inc. Magazine is a tremendous honour and a testament to the dedication of our entire team. "Our growth is driven by the accelerating demand for reliable, high-capacity digital infrastructure in the Southeast, and we remain steadfast in our mission to support the region’s technology investments and economic growth.” Alongside its Myrtle Beach site, DC BLOX has announced plans to build a second subsea cable landing station campus in Palm Coast, Florida. The company says these initiatives are designed to improve connectivity for hyperscalers, communications providers, enterprises, and government bodies, supporting applications such as high-performance computing and artificial intelligence. In its most recent development, DC BLOX secured a $1.15 billion (£852 million) green loan to support the build-out of its Atlanta data centre campus. The facility is intended to provide sustainable hyperscale capacity to meet the region’s growing requirements. For more from DC BLOX, click here.

Equinix explores new energy sources for DCs

Equinix, a digital infrastructure company, is working with alternative energy providers to secure reliable electricity for its global network of AI-ready data centres, including facilities in Europe. The company’s diversified energy strategy combines traditional utility arrangements with new on-site power generation, fuel cells, and next-generation nuclear energy. According to the International Energy Agency, global electricity demand is forecast to rise by 4% annually through 2027, driven by electrification, artificial intelligence, and industrial growth. This increase is placing pressure on utilities and ageing grids, highlighting the need for new energy infrastructure to support expanding data centre operations. Equinix says it is investing in grid upgrades with utility partners, including new substations and backup systems designed to improve reliability during outages. The company is also expanding its use of fuel cells and natural gas for on-site generation, while supporting the development of advanced nuclear technologies to provide clean, stable power in the future. “Access to round-the-clock electricity is critical to support the infrastructure that powers everything from AI-driven drug discovery to cloud-based video streaming,” says Raouf Abdel, Executive Vice President of Global Operations at Equinix. “As energy demand increases, we believe we have an opportunity and responsibility to support the development of reliable, sustainable, scalable energy infrastructure that can support our collective future.” Equinix has signed agreements with several nuclear developers: • Oklo – Agreement to procure 500MW from next-generation Aurora fast reactors• Radiant – Preorder of 20 Kaleidos microreactors, designed for rapid deployment• ULC-Energy with Rolls-Royce SMR – Letter of Intent for up to 250MWe in the Netherlands• Stellaria – Agreement for 500MWe using molten salt Breed & Burn technology Equinix has also expanded its use of advanced fuel cells through a long-term agreement with Bloom Energy, covering more than 100MW across 19 US data centres. Ali Ruckteschler, Senior Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer at Equinix, comments, “The potential challenges to powering reliable and sustainable digital infrastructure are considerable. "However, Equinix has always been at the forefront of energy innovation, signing the data centre industry’s first agreement with a SMR provider and pioneering the use of fuel cells a decade ago.” Equinix says it remains committed to sourcing 100% renewable energy by 2030 and reported 96% global renewable coverage in 2024, with 250 sites already running entirely on clean energy. The company is also expanding the use of liquid cooling technologies and adopting ASHRAE A1 Allowable standards to improve operational efficiency. For more from Equinix, click here.

ODATA opens fourth hyperscale DC in Mexico

ODATA, a Latin American data centre provider and part of Aligned Data Centers, has launched its QR04 hyperscale data centre near San Miguel de Allende in the Querétaro region. The facility expands ODATA’s network in Mexico to four interconnected sites, designed to support the increasing demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence services. The interconnected model allows customers to operate across multiple locations with built-in redundancy, supporting reliable cloud and AI operations. The company has focused on addressing one of Mexico’s key infrastructure challenges - namely consistent power supply - to strengthen its position in the country’s hyperscale market. “With QR04, we reaffirm our investment in Mexico and our commitment to our global customers,” says Ricardo Alário, CEO of ODATA. “Our expanded regional presence provides a solid foundation for the sustained growth of cloud and artificial intelligence in the country as well as across Latin America. "Just three months after inaugurating DC QR03, we’ve already begun expanding that facility and have launched DC QR04. Our continued investment across all our campuses demonstrates our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and anticipating the technological needs of the future.” QR04 has a planned total IT capacity of 24MW, with the first 12MW now operational. It features Aligned Data Centers’ patented Delta Cube (Delta³) air-cooling system, designed to maximise thermal efficiency and support power densities of up to 50kW per rack using air cooling alone. The system captures and removes heat at source rather than distributing cold air through the data hall, and can be integrated with liquid cooling for high-density AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing workloads. The site also uses a closed-loop water cooling system, enabling continuous water reuse and minimising environmental impact whilst maintaining a low Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE). The facility is already in service for hyperscale customers, reflecting growing demand for high-density data infrastructure in Mexico. Its construction has reportedly created more than 1,500 local jobs. For more from ODATA, click here.

Frankfurt becomes 1GW DC market, closing in on London

The colocation data centre market in Frankfurt grew past the 1GW mark in Q2 2025 and narrowed the gap with London, Europe’s largest market, in the process. According to new research from US commercial real estate company CBRE, the Frankfurt market closed at 1.02GW in the second quarter, including 26MW of new capacity. Frankfurt, Europe’s second-largest market, is now just 114MW smaller than London, the largest market since CBRE initiated coverage of colocation data centres in 1999. Over the past decade, the supply of Frankfurt has grown 20% per annum, on a compounded basis. The growth of Germany’s financial capital has largely been driven by hyperscalers and digital service providers whose investment has led to new developments in the metro area and expansion efforts in submarkets such as Offenbach. “Frankfurt’s growth is remarkable given the difficulties providers are having securing the necessary power, appropriate land, and the regulation that providers must consider within the city,” comments Andrew Jay, Head of Data Centre Solutions, Europe at CBRE. “Nevertheless, interest in Frankfurt remains particularly high, driven by the need to deliver digital services, as well as keeping sought-after supply away from competitors.” Dirk Turek, Associate Director, European Data Centre Research at CBRE, adds, “Frankfurt’s high growth period began in 2019, when hyperscalers expanded their presence in the market. "Frankfurt’s growth potential is still relatively high, though additional demand is unlikely to be met by providers in the city’s largest data centre clusters, given electricity grid constraints. Established submarkets in Frankfurt will grow, albeit slowly, while new submarkets are formed.” For more from CBRE, click here.