Data Centres

Kao Data announces construction of AI data centre in Harlow

Kao Data, a specialist developer and operator of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing, has announced KLON-03 – a new, 17.6MW high performance data centre located at its Harlow campus. Powered by 100% renewable energy and purpose-built to accommodate hybrid-cooling technology, KLON-03 will enable AI users to deploy multi-megawatts (MWs) of direct-to-chip, liquid cooled infrastructure, alongside traditional air-cooled servers within the same Technology Suite. Following accelerated demand for high-density data centre capacity, KLON-03 builds upon Kao Data’s outstanding reputation for developing and operating infrastructure engineered for AI. Adhering to next generation design principles, KLON-03 provides the perfect hosting environment for inference and training workloads in close proximity to London’s low-latency internet exchanges. Its rapid deployment also demonstrates continued signs of London’s compute diversifying from the West London cluster, and demand for high-density, AI cloud capacity moving towards the north and east of the capital. “This year marks 10 years’ since our vision for the Harlow campus was first-incepted, and I’m delighted that our concept continues to be vindicated, with Harlow firmly established as the UK’s preeminent destination for HPC, AI cloud and GPU-supported deployments,” says David Bloom, Founder and Chairman, Kao Data. “KLON-03 will set a new bar for our industrial-scale data centre platform, and in line with the Governments AI Opportunities Action Plan, will provide one of the country’s largest footprints of liquid-cooled data centre capacity.” KLON-03 will incorporate a raft of measures to underpin next-generation AI workloads. Each Technology Suite will include hybrid-cooled, hot aisle containment (HAC) systems, which can accommodate high-density compute and GPU-accelerated server infrastructure, together with rack densities of up-to 130kW. Further, KLON-03 will continue to follow the same design and sustainability standards of its predecessors at the Harlow campus, in time, becoming another NVIDIA DGX-Ready data centre and obtaining BREEAM certification. Additionally, all deployments will include Digital Twins functionality to ensure customers’ compute footprints are not only optimal, but that their bespoke infrastructure requirements can be catered for seamlessly, while achieving an SLA-backed PUE. “The era of AI is firmly with us, and what better way to celebrate UK AI innovation than on the campus at which Sir Charles Kao first-pioneered fibre optics,” adds Doug Loewe, CEO, Kao Data. “I’m proud of the way our technical team has continued to finesse the design envelope, and am excited to see our first, large-scale, liquid-cooled infrastructure deployment become a reality.” As mentioned earlier this week, Kao Data’s Harlow campus is now host to Ori’s first UK-based AI cloud region, and includes the country’s first tranche of state-of-the-art, NVIDIA H200 GPUs. Through AI cloud deployments such as this, and its heritage for start-up, life science and pharmaceutical innovation, Harlow and the Cambridge-London Corridor have become a prime location for AI investment. For more from Kao Data, 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.

Linear Pro Max launched by Tamlite Lighting at DCW

Tamlite Lighting is launching the Linear Pro Max at Data Centre World (12-13 March 2025), introducing a new generation lighting solution designed for fast, flexible installation in data centres and large-scale retail environments. By integrating the trunking, electrical components and quick-release luminaires into a single module system, the Linear Pro Max minimises downtime, optimises efficiency and enhances sustainability. As data centres grow to meet AI, cloud computing and e-commerce demands, operators must optimise energy efficiency and performance. Lighting is key for compliance, energy savings and minimal maintenance requirements. The Linear Pro Max is engineered to meet these challenges, ensuring fast installation and high-performance illumination for server aisles. These features also make the Linear Pro Max an ideal lighting solution for large-scale retail environments, providing continuous-row illumination that enhances product visibility, minimises glare and improves customer navigation and overall experience. Engineered for data centres and large-scale retail The Linear Pro Max is designed to meet the specific demands of data centres and expansive retail spaces. By integrating advanced components into a streamlined system, it enhances efficiency, flexibility and performance while reducing operational costs. Key benefits include:  · Fast and flexible installation, reducing labour costs and minimising downtime.  · High energy efficiency of up to 180lm/W, reducing power consumption and supporting sustainability goals.  · Smart lighting integration with VISION, Tamlite’s intelligent lighting control system. VISION provides tailored, solution-based controls that optimise energy efficiency and enhance performance, from simple occupancy sensing to fully addressable DALI emergency test and monitoring, across single or multiple rooms or floors.  · Customisable optics, including wide and narrow beam variants, to suit different layouts. Options include continuous runs for uniform lighting across a large area or for targeted illumination in specific zones. Sustainability and compliance The Linear Pro Max has been designed with sustainability in mind, featuring a lightweight extruded aluminium housing that minimises material waste and enhances recyclability. It is currently being evaluated according to CIBSE TM65 for embodied carbon, and CIBSE TM66 for the use of circular economic principles. The results of these evaluations are expected in summer 2025. Supporting the rapid growth of data centres According to new research from CBRE, European data centre markets are projected to add 937MW)of new supply in 2025. If this data centre supply is delivered, it will set a record for Europe, representing an increase of 282MW more than the 655MW of capacity delivered last year. Over 57% of this capacity will be delivered in key markets such as Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris and Dublin (FLAPD). With demand outpacing supply, operators must focus on energy-efficient infrastructure to manage power and sustainability goals. Stephen Biggs, National Category Manager at Tamlite Lighting, comments, “The Linear Pro Max’s ultra-efficient design, combined with seamless smart controls, makes it the ideal solution to reduce energy consumption, enhance visibility and future-proof data centre operations. As demand for data centre space increases, optimised lighting solutions like the Linear Pro Max are set to play a pivotal role in improving efficiency and sustainability of these facilities.”

Compass and Schneider utilise AI to transform DC maintenance

Schneider Electric, a specialist in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, and Compass Datacenters, are utilising AI to transform the data centre facility lifecycle – maximising uptime and driving cost reductions across the design and build, operation, maintenance and decommissioning phases. Thanks to collaborative innovation with Schneider Electric, and its EcoCare next-generation services plans, Compass is meeting the surge in data demand faster and more reliably – delivering accelerated speed-to-market while enabling end-user customers to grow more quickly and meet requirements for data processing, storage, and delivery. By transitioning from a calendar-based approach to maintenance and services, to a condition-based maintenance plan based on predictive analytics and AI, Compass is achieving a 40% reduction in manual, on-site maintenance interventions, alongside a 20% reduction in operating expenses (OPEX). These savings were realised by integrating sensors and gateway technologies, pre-commissioned at the factory level, which were ready to be connected from day one to Schneider Electric’s IoT, advanced analytics platform, which is monitored 24/7 by its Connected Service Hub – enabling the reduction of intrusive on-site maintenance activities. As a co-creator and early adopter of Schneider Electric EcoCare next-generation services, Compass is leading the way by using AI and predictive analytics to significantly improve the industry’s approach to lifecycle services and maintenance. Modernising data centre servicing models Despite rapid changes across the data centre physical infrastructure space, over the past 30 years there has been little change to the way lifecycle services are delivered. Given market dynamics, the industry has begun to learn from other use cases. Predictive maintenance is not only more cost-effective and accurate than traditional time-based maintenance, but it also allows data centre operators to reduce planned and unplanned downtime by reducing the risk of human error. Further, the use of condition-based servicing helps operators address the continued workforce shortages threatening the industry. Designing for condition-based maintenance and allowing it to be implemented and deployed on day one of data centre startup/commissioning is a crucial consideration, enabling today’s owners and operators to shift from reactive to proactive servicing, and drive down their total cost of ownership (TCO). By taking this approach, not only has Schneider Electric helped Compass Datacenters’ transition from calendar-based maintenance to condition-based maintenance, but has enabled Compass to utilise proactive asset management for greater cost optimisation and system reliability. Building faster with prefabricated data centres Generative AI has also opened the floodgates for high-density computing power, and the data centre industry has accelerated its efforts to meet the speed, scale and environmental impact of its demands. To address this, Compass Datacenters is working on an in-depth study with Schneider Electric to create a quantified analysis of OPEX, CAPEX and sustainability comparing Compass’ prefab module to stick-build construction. For today’s AI, colocation and hyperscale cloud organisations, Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure modular data centres also promise a host of benefits, including reduced waste; the ability to right-size for traditional and high-density workloads; to scale capacity at speed; improved design quality and resilience; enhanced supply chain transparency and sustainability; end-of-life reuse; and next-generation remote monitoring, management and maintenance services. Serving the industry through partnership “Schneider Electric has long-been committed to transforming industries through the power of collaboration, and it’s clear that Compass Datacenters shares this same mindset,” says Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President, Secure Power & Data Centres and Global Services Businesses, Schneider Electric. “With the unique growth of data centres, one of the key challenges facing operators is the lack of skilled talent. To address this, the industry must change the way they manage electrical and cooling assets by adopting proactive asset management at-scale. Through our collaboration with Compass, we are proving that dynamic analysis for multiple technology systems can deliver exceptional value and ROI.” Chris Crosby, CEO, Compass Datacenters, adds, “We are extremely grateful for the unwavering support and unparalleled expertise that Schneider Electric has already provided in supplying us with prefabricated data centre power rooms. Our collaborative efforts will allow us to meet the increasing demands from our customers to deliver cutting-edge data centre solutions in an innovative manner.” For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Hyve launches new data centre deployment in Frankfurt

Hyve Managed Hosting, a global provider of managed hosting solutions, is further expanding its European presence with the launch of a new data centre deployment in Frankfurt, Germany. As a global interconnection hub, Frankfurt offers exceptional connectivity and ultra-low latency across Europe, and strong data protection regulations make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to meet current European compliance requirements. Charlotte Webb, Marketing and Operations Director at Hyve Managed Hosting, comments, "Our customer-centric approach has always been the driver behind our expansion into data centre locations. Following the successful launch of our European hub in Germany last year and the incoming demand from our European customers for reliable and customisable infrastructure, it was a natural step to expand our presence in the region. Strategically located in central Europe, our new presence in the Frankfurt site enhances Hyve's European capabilities by reducing latency, improving reliability and allowing our regional and global customers to adhere to compliance regulations in the region." The new data centre deployment offers enterprise-grade hardware, robust power and cooling redundancy, and high levels of security to protect critical business information while ensuring maximum uptime and 100% network availability. It will also serve as a hybrid cloud interconnect, providing direct connectivity to public cloud environments and seamless integration with Hyve's infrastructure for hybrid workloads. This strategic addition to the company’s data centre capacity portfolio has been made possible through its long-standing partnership with Equinix, a leading digital infrastructure provider. Donna Lawton, Senior Director, Partner Account Management at Equinix, notes, “Equinix has been a trusted partner to Hyve Managed Hosting for many years, delivering world-class digital infrastructure to support their growth wherever their business takes them. Our collaboration enables Hyve to offer secure, high-performance cloud solutions to European and international businesses so they can scale and succeed in the digital economy." By opening up new capacity in Frankfurt, Hyve is also responding to the growing demand for smaller workloads on the Hyve Enterprise Cloud. This expansion further enhances Hyve's multi-tenant cloud offering, enabling more flexible and scalable deployments for businesses of all sizes. Combining ambition with agility, Hyve Managed Hosting is rapidly building its global data centre footprint to meet the needs of a growing customer base. Leveraging strong partnerships with leading connectivity and data centre providers, Hyve can deploy new locations in as little as two weeks. The company is currently exploring opportunities to expand and enhance its network further in other strategic locations globally, with an increased focus on the APAC region. With offices in the UK, USA, and Germany, Hyve Managed Hosting provides bespoke cloud infrastructure and managed services worldwide. Its tailored solutions include Managed Private Cloud, Managed Enterprise Cloud, Hybrid & Multi-Cloud solutions, Dedicated & Bare Metal Servers, and Disaster Recovery as a Service. Key brands in Hyve’s portfolio include Capita, Ansys, Konica Minolta, and the NHS. For more from Hyve Managed Hosting, click here.

Thorn and Zumtobel to unveil sustainable innovations

Join Thorn and Zumtobel at Data Centre World (DCW) to explore the future of lighting innovation and sustainability. DCW will see the UK debut of the revolutionary TECTON II lighting system, and after months of intriguing teaser campaigns, this is the first time the next-generation TECTON system will be showcased in the UK. Developed in collaboration with Italian design and engineering expert, Pininfarina, TECTON II is a revolutionary evolution of a renowned Zumtobel innovation. Designed to be ‘intuitive’ – quick, efficient, and more effective than ever – the system is seeking to set new standards in continuous-row lighting while emphasising sustainability in every phase of its lifecycle. Key sustainable features include a modular design engineered for disassembly, enabling easy repair, recycling, or remanufacturing. With an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), TECTON II transparently details its CO₂ balance, material composition, and recycling potential. Thorn and Zumtobel will be at Data Centre World 2025, taking place at the London ExCel on 12-13 March, and can be found at stand DC535. For more from Zumtobel, 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.

Ori selects Kao Data for its first UK AI cloud region

Kao Data, a specialist developer and operator of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing, has been chosen by Ori, an AI-native cloud provider, to host its first UK-based cloud region. The deployment at Kao Data’s Harlow campus, which includes the country’s first tranche of state-of-the-art, NVIDIA H200 GPUs, marks a significant milestone in Ori’s’ European cloud expansion, and further reinforces Kao Data’s position as an expert provider of high-density colocation solutions for AI. The collaboration will enable Ori’s customers to access cutting-edge GPU clusters, purpose-built for AI and deep learning applications, hosted within Kao Data’s industrial-scale NVIDIA DGX-Ready data centre environment, powered by 100% certified renewable energy. “We are delighted to partner with Kao Data for our UK expansion, and its Harlow campus offers us the perfect mix of high-density data centre infrastructure, renewable energy, and close proximity to London and Cambridge’s thriving AI and tech ecosystems,” says Mahdi Yahya, Founder & CEO of Ori. “As demand for AI continues to surge, it was imperative to find a specialist data centre operator that understood AI and could support the scalability, performance and sustainability requirements of our GPU-powered cloud.” Spencer Lamb, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Kao Data, adds, “Ori’s decision to host their AI cloud infrastructure at our Harlow campus underscores our reputation as the key destination for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) deployments in the UK. Our partnership illustrates the continued need for the country to be investing in, supporting and hosting AI architectures, and showcases how the UK can continue to be a leader in the AI race by attracting and working with innovative, world-class start-ups.” Ori’s AI cloud infrastructure at Kao Data includes a substantial cluster of NVIDIA’s latest H200 Tensor Core GPUs, one of the most powerful units on the market with breakthrough performance and memory capabilities, making it the preferred GPU for generative AI and large language models (LLMs). This deployment of next generation AI infrastructure comes at a time the UK Government is ramping up AI adoption in an effort to boost economic growth, provide jobs for the future and improve society and people's everyday lives. As part of the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, ‘AI Growth Zones’ (AIGZs) are to be developed across the country, and Ori’s deployment at Kao Data has reinforced Harlow and the Cambridge-London 'UK Innovation Corridor' as a prime location for future AI investment. For more from KAO Data, click here.

DOLD introduces advanced rack-level energy monitoring

DOLD Industries, a developer of switchgear products, has introduced the RL9405 Smart Energy Meter, meaning businesses can monitor exact rack-level consumption, pinpoint inefficiencies, optimise workloads, and avoid costly overuse. The company states that colocation customers no longer need to worry about unpredictable energy costs and limited visibility into their power usage, as in colocation environments, where customers are billed based on energy usage, the RL9405 ensures fair and accurate cost allocation - so users only pay for what they use. Designed for seamless integration into the tightest server rack spaces, this ultra-compact 35mm-wide meter delivers real-time, precision energy monitoring without requiring additional infrastructure. With no complex wiring or downtime, deployment across multiple racks is fast and effortless. Beyond preventing unexpected power charges with precise kWh tracking, the RL9405 provides real-time access to critical performance metrics. Users can track historical consumption trends, detect anomalies signalling inefficiencies or potential server failures, and perform preventive maintenance to avoid costly downtime. The RL9405 securely stores energy data even during power outages, ensuring critical insights are never lost. With Modbus TCP/RTU connectivity, it enables remote, real-time tracking, integrating seamlessly with existing monitoring systems to identify and resolve inefficiencies instantly, improving overall operational efficiency. DOLD Industries, an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer, is renowned for its extensive range of over 10,000 switchgear products. Its portfolio includes safety relay modules, safety relays with forcibly guided contacts, electronic enclosures, safety switches, safety guard locks and key transfer systems. The company is dedicated to improved automation and electrical safety, making its switchgear products ideal for engineers worldwide across factory, logistics and process automation, as well as renewable energy sectors. In addition to switchgear, DOLD provides network monitoring solutions for DC, AC and mixed AC/DC systems. Its products are essential for ensuring greater operational safety and system reliability, making them ideal for applications such as load switching, mobile power generation, DC charging stations and e-Mobility.

Genetec and TSP to unite at Data Centre World

Genetec has announced that it is joining forces with its Unified Elite partner, Total Security Protection (TSP), at Data Centre World in London for the fourth consecutive year. The duo will present their unified data centre security solutions, designed to meet the evolving security needs of the data centre industry. As data centres are now officially classified as Critical National Infrastructure by the UK Government, they require the same rigorous protection and oversight as the likes of energy grids and water supplies. This designation underscores the importance of robust physical and cyber security measures to mitigate potential threats. For more than a decade, Genetec and TSP have worked together to provide bespoke security solutions that safeguard facilities, ensure compliance, and maintain seamless operations for data centre clients. Their collaboration specifically offers a unified approach to data centre security through the deployment of Genetec Security Center, a unified platform which integrates video surveillance, access control, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and intrusion detection in a single interface. Backed by accreditations including NSI, ISO 27001, CAPSS 2023, and SOC II, their solutions meet both physical security and cyber security compliance standards. Genetec will be located at stand DC515 during the upcoming Data Centre World exhibition, taking place at London ExCel from 12-13 March 2025.