Data Centres

Eclipse Power Networks adopts major grid connection

Eclipse Power Networks, a leading Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), has secured a significant contract with Colt Data Centre Services to adopt and maintain grid connections totalling 250 megawatts (MW) for its hyperscale data centre campus at Hayes, Middlesex. The agreement follows a competitive tender process that began late 2023 and ran until the end of 2024. Eclipse offered support and guidance to Colt Data Centre Services throughout the process, and is reportedly delighted to have been contracted at its conclusion. Under the contract, Eclipse will adopt a 132 kilovolt (kV) dual-circuit connection from National Grid’s Uxbridge Moor substation, near Iver, providing 100MW of power to the campus. In addition, Eclipse will adopt a 66kV dual-circuit connection from National Grid’s North Hyde substation for a further 150MW of power. These two connections are designed to support the campus of five data halls, each individually metered via Eclipse Power Networks’ network at 11kV. David Swadling, Group Sales Director at Eclipse Power, says, "This Critical National Infrastructure project showcases our technical expertise, and our ability to develop creative, economically attractive solutions for mission-critical infrastructure. We worked collaboratively and transparently with Colt Data Centre Services to help them develop a complex commercial model that that provided an innovative and equitable economical solution never seen before in Great Britain. “By owning and operating the grid infrastructure on Colt’s behalf, we’re ensuring that they secure reliable power for the facility, while allowing them to focus on their core business of providing sustainable hyperscale data centre solutions.” Eclipse Power Networks’ selection was based on its extra-high voltage (EHV) experience and deep technical understanding of National Grid processes, along with a commitment to working transparently with all stakeholders to optimise the commercial relationship between the parties. David Knox, Global Director of Energy & Sustainability at Colt Data Centre Services, highlights, “As the UK aims to reach the next level in the global digital marketplace, customers require scale in their data centre solutions. Sustainable, hyperscale sites such as our Hayes campus not only require power supply security, but they must also have the expansion potential necessary to support growth. “As a trusted partner for our worldwide customers, Colt Data Centre Services works only with organisations that share our commitment to mission-critical infrastructure. Eclipse’s innovative and collaborative approach, together with its rich expertise in power networking, has made it the ideal partner for our expansion at the Hayes site.” With data halls across five floors and 175MW of IT power, Colt Data Centre Services’ Hayes campus represents a major investment in data centre infrastructure. Energisation of the site is scheduled for 2028, with the network infrastructure provided by Eclipse Power Networks designed to last a minimum of 40 years.

Duos Edge AI to launch new data centre

Duos Technologies Group, through its operating subsidiary Duos Edge AI, a provider of Edge Data Center (EDC) solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Region 3 Education Service Center (ESC) to deploy a new EDC in Victoria, Texas. This marks the latest execution in Duos Edge AI’s United States rollout strategy, reflecting continued traction in rural markets and reinforcing the company’s presence in the education sector. The Victoria-based EDC will serve as a scalable, local computing hub supporting 37 school districts in the Region 3 footprint. Built on Duos Edge AI's modular architecture - engineered to SOC 2 Type II compliance and backed by N+1 power redundancy and dual generators - the facility will enable low-latency access to mission-critical workloads including AI-based learning platforms, telemedicine, and EHR systems. Dr. Morris Lyon, Executive Director of Region 3 ESC, comments, “We are proud to partner with Duos Edge AI to bring secure, innovative data solutions to the greater Victoria area. The commitment to community-based technology aligns with our mission to support the 37 districts we serve across Region 3. Together, we’re creating a safer, smarter foundation that helps schools and the community focus on what matters most: educating students.” Doug Recker, President and Founder of Duos Edge AI, adds, “This installation strengthens our position in the education vertical while demonstrating our ability to deliver digital infrastructure in underserved regions. Our partnership with Region 3 ESC accelerates digital equity, expands our market footprint, and contributes to sustainable long-term revenue. We’re also proud to bring new job opportunities to the area and look forward to collaborating with local businesses as we continue investing in the economic and technological future of the Victoria region.” This deployment is part of Duos Edge AI’s 2025 roadmap, which targets 15 contracted EDCs by year-end. With nine sites commercially identified and additional real estate and contractual negotiations underway, the company is on track to deliver scalable edge solutions across Texas, the US Southeast, and US Midwest - meeting the increasing demand for localised, low-latency compute infrastructure. For more from Duos, click here.

Data centre industry faces dire skills shortage

As part of its campaign to address the ongoing skills shortage in the data centre and IT industry, HireHigher surveyed sixth-form students at its most recent Student Showcase. The event brought together leading data centre developers and operators with 90 sixth-form students from three London schools, making it the UK's largest student-facing digital infrastructure conference. The initiative is a part of HireHigher's mission to improve careers advice in schools and partner with organisations to create real action within the industry to attract new talent. The students were asked to write down their biggest concerns about leaving the sixth form. The research reveals significant worries about university acceptance, career choices, financial stability, and the fear of making wrong decisions. One in five of the students recorded being unsure about their career path as their chief concern, underscoring the need for stronger and perhaps broader career and employability guidance. Interestingly, 14% of the students' leading fear is that they will regret their decisions, with many writing about the fear of not making the most of their potential. Addressing the findings, Adelle Desouza, founder of HireHigher, comments, "The transition from school to adult life is a huge step that many students find difficult, which is reflected in their shared concerns. To see fear rank so highly is a huge worry. "I would like to see more working professionals mentoring young adults, going into schools and youth centres, talking to them about their options, and sharing their stories - warts and all, of how they got to where they are and what they do in their jobs. Most people don't have a smooth transition from school to adult life. Understanding this and knowing there are many options and ways into different industries will hopefully work to eradicate the fear gripping young people, at a time that should be premised on excitement for their future.” For more from HireHigher, click here.

Durata acquires Tolley Fabrications

Durata, a leading provider of critical power and modular data centre infrastructure solutions, is accelerating its growth and strengthening its position in the rapidly expanding global critical power and data centre market with the strategic acquisition of Tolley Fabrications, a fabrication specialist based in County Durham, UK. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Durata, bringing its fabrication process in-house for the first time. By integrating critical manufacturing processes, Durata seeks to enhance quality control, streamline operations, and deliver scalable data centre solutions at speed to its international client base. The move forms part of a broader growth strategy that aims to enable the company to deliver on the growing global demand for critical power and data centre solutions. John McGee, Managing Director of Durata, says, “We are thrilled to welcome Alan Tolley and his highly skilled team to Durata. Their expertise in precision fabrication perfectly complements our vision of delivering integrated data centre infrastructure solutions. “This acquisition is not simply about achieving greater efficiency and operational control, it represents a strategic investment in our long-term capability and significantly strengthens how we deliver for our valued clients worldwide.” Alan Tolley, the founder of Tolley Fabrications, concurs, “Joining forces with Durata marks an exciting new chapter for us. “We have worked hard to build a strong reputation for quality, precision, and reliability, and now we have the opportunity to take that expertise even further as an integral part of a forward-thinking company that is committed to long-term investment and growth. “This move brings real potential – not just for our combined teams, but for the customers we support. “Becoming part of the Durata team gives us the opportunity to expand our reach globally, evolve our capabilities, and offer enhanced solutions to a rapidly evolving market.” With this acquisition, Durata desires to capitalise on the unprecedented global demand for scalable, innovative, and efficient data centre solutions, as well as to position the company to meet the complex and evolving needs of businesses across the globe. Several key factors are highlighting the critical importance of robust data centre infrastructure. The exponential rise in cloud services, the explosion of data generated by the proliferation of smart devices, the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI), and the ever-increasing demand for faster internet speeds, such as 5G, have made data centres more critical than ever before. John says, “With our fabrication capabilities now integrated in-house, we have complete control over the entire design, build, delivery, and ongoing maintenance process – enabling us to move faster, work smarter, and remain agile and responsive to adapt to our customers' evolving needs. "As AI, cloud technologies, and smart devices reshape industries worldwide, we’re leading the way in providing the critical infrastructure that powers this transformation. “Durata is at the forefront, delivering innovative infrastructure solutions that empower businesses to scale rapidly and operate with greater resilience. “Our integrated fabrication capability ensures we remain agile and responsive to global market dynamics, setting new standards for quality and speed in data centre delivery.”

R&M launches latest inteliPhy software suite

R&M, the Swiss developer and provider of high-end infrastructure solutions for data and communications networks, has launched the sixth generation of the inteliPhy software suite on the market. The scope of application has been significantly expanded, and according to R&M, inteliPhy 6.0 thinks beyond the infrastructure of an individual data centre. This makes it easier to plan the expansion of fibre optic infrastructures between several data centres or at a larger site, the company states. To this end, R&M has equipped the software with geoinformation system (GIS) functions for geolocalisation in longitude and latitude. In particular, the software also offers a unique height service, which leads to significantly more precise values when calculating underground cable lengths. inteliPhy 6.0 can visualise telecom, provider and campus networks, as well as underground cable runs. The software from R&M also supports the local and remote management of the infrastructure of external sites such as edge data centres, for example. With inteliPhy, users can plan the infrastructure of a gray space and now also the cages in colocation data centres three-dimensionally. Components such as racks, patch panels, flexible enclosures, cable ducts, trunk cables and active equipment are added from the model library using drag and drop. Components can now also be searched for using part numbers. A new feature is the ability to design customised data centre spaces instead of using fixed-size tiles, thus increasing flexibility. R&M’s ActiPower connector strips for power distribution can now also be integrated using drag and drop. This means that with inteliPhy 6.0, iPDUs can be integrated at the click of a mouse. They are assigned to the object identifiers (OIDs) and their data is scaled or named in such a way that it is easy to understand. This allows the operator to manage the power distribution in the racks without errors. R&M offers the inteliPhy trial versions here. For more from R&M, click here.

Data Centre Marketing Club formed to champion best practice

Senior leaders from the digital infrastructure sector have formed a first of its kind Data Centre Marketing Club - enabling PR, Marketing and Social Media professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, and champion branding, marketing, and storytelling best practices across the data centre community. Co-founded by Giuseppe Caltabiano, Senior Marketing Director, AVK; Andy Davis, Director, DataX Connect, and host of the Inside Data Centre Podcast; Nicola Hayes, Chief Marketing Officer, Platform Markets Group; Adam Nethersole, Vice President Marketing, Kao Data; and Rory Flashman-Wells, Managing Director, Spa Communications, the open community aims to address the negative perception of data centres by improving marketing and communications about the industry's role in technological innovation and sustainability, as well as its position as a global platform for economic growth. Further, by encouraging cross-industry learning and providing members with both the foundational tools and a forum to enhance their skillsets, the community plans to help marketers better understand their strategic value to digital infrastructure organisations, and develop the confidence to create campaigns that deliver demonstrable outcomes for leadership teams. On 22 May 2025, the Data Centre Marketing Club hosts its first, free-to-attend Masterclass event, ‘Cutting Through the Noise’, at legal firm Norton Rose Fullbright – exploring the critical role of brand in business growth, and how marketers can accelerate impact by delivering a joined-up approach to sales, marketing, and communications strategies. Open to marketing, PR, and social media professionals across the industry, key sessions will include ‘The ROI of Brand Building in B2B’, led by Prof. Charles Graham of the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute; ‘Building a standout brand in the data centre sector’ featuring James Dunn, Co-Founder and Creative Director WeDoCo, and Giuseppe Caltabiano, Senior Marketing Director, AVK; and ‘The ROI of Storytelling’ by Tim Love, Founder, CFH London. Additionally, Andy Davis, Director, DataX Connect, and host of the Inside Data Centre Podcast, and Josie Hughes, Director of Marketing, Strategy, and Culture, DataX Connect, will discuss ‘The role of marketing in attracting talent’, while Adam Nethersole, VP Marketing, Kao Data, and Rory Flashman-Wells, MD, Spa Communications, will present on ‘Making Markets’, exploring the role of PR in propelling business growth. The day ends with ‘The Storytelling Panel’, featuring Georgia Lewis Anderson, Co-Founder, Lantyn, and previously Generative AI Content Strategist, Meta, Katryna Turner, Global Brand Strategist, PwC, and Duncan White, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing at AtlasEdge. This is followed by an ‘Ask the Experts’ session moderated by Kristy Harrower, Partner at Norton Rose Fullbright, featuring key insights from Sue Jones, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, Digital Realty, Katryna Turner. “Feedback from the initial discussions at Data Centre Marketing Club found that brand and content strategies are often overlooked when it comes to digital infrastructure marketing,” says Nicola Hayes, CMO, Platform Markets Group. “As such, we developed the key themes for our first masterclass to meet these challenges head on - explaining the strategic role of brand, PR, and storytelling in business growth and enabling marketers to justify budget allocation directly to these areas.” “Today there’s this misconception that marketing in the digital infrastructure sector must be overly technical and driven by activation, but that’s absolutely not true. The foundations of marketing - brand building, positioning, and storytelling - don’t change just because your product is more complex,” explains Giuseppe Caltabiano, Senior Marketing Director, AVK. “Our first event brings together a host of speakers to encourage cross-industry learning, and I’d like to extend our collective thanks to Norton Rose Fullbright for hosting us.” “When I first started the Inside Data Centre Podcast I don’t think I realised the potential that building a personal brand would have on our business, or how quickly it would transform our growth trajectory,” notes Andy Davis, Director, DataX Connect. “This event will enable attendees to understand what it takes to cut through the noise and learn how different organisations approach PR, marketing and brand - the only question now is, are you in?”

L2Tek brings 800G transceivers to UK data centres

L2Tek, a leading distributor of high-performance broadcast and AV components and sub-assemblies, has introduced a portfolio of 800G optical transceivers from leading manufacturers Eoptolink and Gigalight. These modules are aimed at UK broadcasters and data centre operators seeking to future-proof their networks and meet the rigorous demands of increasingly bandwidth-intensive applications. As data volumes surge and broadcast infrastructure continues to evolve, the need for faster, more efficient interconnect solutions has never been greater. L2Tek’s distribution of new 800G solutions seeks to ensure UK customers can access reliable, high-performance transceivers that support a wide range of deployment scenarios, from short-reach data centre interconnects to long-haul transport links. Both manufacturers offer complementary technologies built around industry-standard OSFP and QSFP-DD form factors, ensuring integration with existing network infrastructure. Modules are compliant with CMIS 4.0 or newer and fully support IEEE 802.3 and QSFP-DD MSA specifications, delivering interoperability, network stability and responsiveness, especially suitable for AI applications. For high-density data centre environments, short-reach modules utilise 850nm VCSEL technology to support multimode fibre (MMF) connections up to 100 metres. For longer distances, silicon photonics-based DR8, DR8+, and DR8++ transceivers offer single-mode fibre (SMF) connectivity at 1310nm, ranging from 500 metres to 10 kilometres. For greater flexibility, both manufacturers provide dual-channel modules such as 2xFR4 and 2xLR4, enabling two independent 400G channels per module over SMF. These would be suited to staged migrations or cost-sensitive projects. Eoptolink additionally offers features such as OSFP ZR coherent modules, compliant with OIF-800ZR standards for transport up to 120km, and liquid-cooled OSFP modules for high-density installations where thermal performance is critical. “The availability of 800G modules from both Gigalight and Eoptolink represents a significant step forward in high-speed optical networking for the UK market,” says Mark Scott-South, Director at L2Tek. “We expect many new and existing customers to leverage the next generation of transceivers, empowering them to scale efficiently, reduce latency, and manage overall network resilience, whether they are broadcasting live UHD content or managing hyperscale data operations.”

Vertiv accelerates AI infrastructure evolution

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure, today confirmed its strategic alignment with NVIDIA’s announcement of an AI roadmap to deploy 800 VDC power architectures for the next generation of AI-centric data centres. Paving the way for future-ready designs, Vertiv’s 800 VDC power portfolio is scheduled for release in the second half of 2026 - ahead of NVIDIA Kyber and NVIDIA Rubin Ultra platform rollouts. Vertiv aligns with the NVIDIA AI roadmap to stay one GPU generation ahead, enabling customers to deploy their power and cooling infrastructure in sync with NVIDIA’s next-generation compute platforms. Vertiv provides end-to-end power, cooling, integrated infrastructure and services to support AI factories and other data centre deployments. As rack power requirements in AI environments scale beyond 300 kilowatts, 800 VDC enables more efficient, centralised power delivery by reducing copper usage, current, and thermal losses. Vertiv’s upcoming portfolio will feature centralised rectifiers, high-efficiency DC busways, rack-level DC-DC converters, and DC-compatible backup systems, expanding its broad, end-to-end power management portfolio that already includes a robust AC power train. “As GPUs evolve to support increasingly complex AI applications at giga-watt scale, power and cooling providers need to be equally innovative to provide energy-efficient and high-density solutions for the AI factories. While the 800 VDC portfolio is new, DC power isn’t a new direction for us, it’s a continuation of what we’ve already done at scale,” says Scott Armul, Executive Vice President of Global Portfolio and Business Units at Vertiv. “We’ve spent decades deploying higher-voltage DC architectures across global telecom, industrial, and data centre applications. We’re entering this transition from a position of strength and bringing real-world experience to meet the demands of the AI factory.” Vertiv’s experience in DC power spans more than two decades of ±400 VDC deployments, broadened by strategic acquisitions during the early 2000s. These solutions support critical loads in global telecom networks, integrated microgrids, and mission-critical facilities. Vertiv says that this foundation establishes the company as a trusted leader in the safe design, deployment, and operation of higher-voltage DC architectures, with proven scale, portfolio, and long-term serviceability. Designed for homogeneous AI zones in hyperscale environments, Vertiv’s 800 VDC portfolio is a key pillar of its 'unit of compute' strategy - a systems-level design engineered to enable all infrastructure components - to interoperate as one modular and scalable system, matching infrastructure demands of next-generation GPUs. Vertiv’s support for both AC and DC architectures is a strategic differentiator in the evolving AI data centre landscape. For more from Vertiv, click here.

Duos Edge AI confirms edge data centre deployment goal

Duos Technologies Group, through its operating subsidiary Duos Edge AI - a provider of adaptive, versatile and streamlined edge data centre solutions tailored to meet evolving needs in any environment - has announced that the company is on pace to have 15 edge data centres under contract by the end of 2025. The company states that the additional deployments are a contributor toward solving the United States' growing demand for low-latency data processing through localised digital infrastructure. Duos Edge AI continues to advance its partnership with Accu-Tech, whose US-based project management of manufacturing partners and distribution capabilities provide a reliable and cost-effective supply chain. This alignment not only accelerates deployment timelines but also helps shield Duos Edge AI from global supply chain disruptions and tariff-related pressures, further strengthening its delivery commitment. “Through our partnership with Accu-Tech, we are executing with speed, precision, and reliability,” says Doug Recker, President and Founder of Duos Edge AI. “We’ve commercially identified at least nine EDC placements and are finalising real estate and contractual agreements across multiple markets. These facilities will serve as high-density, resilient digital hubs that support education, emergency services, AI development, and more - right where they're needed most.” Accu-Tech’s strategic involvement has been vital to Duos Edge AI’s rapid deployment model. “We’re proud to support Duos Edge AI with project management of domestic manufacturing and supply solutions that keep their deployments agile and shielded from global volatility,” notes Nathan Ball, Senior Director of Data Centre Infrastructure Solutions at Accu-Tech. “This partnership showcases the power of collaboration in accelerating innovation while remaining resilient in today’s dynamic market.” Duos Edge AI’s modular edge data centres are SOC 2 Type II compliant, built with N+1 architecture and robust dual backup generators. These facilities are designed to bring reliable, localised computing power closer to users, enabling real-time data processing and improving digital access where it is needed most. The company’s 2025 deployment plan focuses on underserved communities in the US across Texas, the Midwest, and the Southeast - supporting critical infrastructure, education networks, healthcare systems (including telemedicine and EHR), and AI workloads. For more from Duos Technologies Group, click here.

Datacloud Global Congress to mark its 20th anniversary

techoraco, a provider of global digital infrastructure events, has once again partnered with Spa Communications, an award-winning PR, social media and content marketing agency for B2B technology, sustainability, and Fortune 500 digital infrastructure businesses, to support its media relations strategy for Datacloud Global Congress, the industry event for data centre, cloud, edge, and AI infrastructure professionals worldwide. As part of its work, Spa has been tasked with building brand awareness, establishing new media partnerships and securing journalists from a host of national and business titles to join the event. “We’re excited to partner with Spa Communications to mark our 20th anniversary for Datacloud Global Congress 2025,” says Annabel Helm, Managing Director, Datacloud, techoraco. “This year’s Congress is set to be the best yet and will provide delegates with the opportunity to share insights with leading decision-makers and industry experts from across the world. Having Spa on board to handle our media and PR relationships will enable us to reach the widest audience, enabling speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors to make long-lasting connections on a global scale for future success”. Datacloud Global Congress will this year celebrate 20 years of bringing together the world’s leading names in data centre, AI, energy, sustainability and investment leaders to explore the industry's most pressing trends, from AI disruption and sustainability to talent challenges and growth in emerging markets - while offering a unique platform for strategic networking and deal-making. Opening the event will be Susanna Kass, Senior Advisor to Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners (SIP) – Operating Partner at Digital Gravity Infrastructure Partners, alongside Val Walsh, VP at Microsoft, and Otto Kreiter, Director Global Infrastructure, at Google. In this keynote session, the panel will discuss global scaling, and the power of future data centres in the AI era, deep diving into hyperscale build outlook and colocation leasing trade-offs. Across the two days, other speakers include Dame Dawn Childs, CEO at Pure Data Centre, Doug Loewe, CEO at Kao Data, Thierry Chamayou, Vice-President of Cloud and Service Providers in EMEA at Schneider Electric, and Richard Bienfait, Chief Financial Officer at STACK Infrastructure. Charlotte Wood, Account Director, Spa Communications, adds, “This year’s Datacloud Global Congress marks an important milestone that needs to be celebrated. The event has always held an outstanding reputation as a global cornerstone event for the industry, and we’re proud to partner with techoraco on such a pivotal edition of Datacloud to help engage more influencers across the trade media. “The breadth of its new partners and press relations will add a new level to the conference, and we can build the platform into delivering significant value to its leading speakers and attendees today and for tomorrow.” As part of its work, Spa Communications has successfully established new media partnerships with a host of key industry publications - including DCNN - ensuring that all participants, including sponsors, speakers and exhibitors, can share their news directly from the event and increase opportunities for press coverage. Datacloud takes places in Cannes, Frances, on 3-5 June 2025. To ensure you don’t miss out on its conference line-up, register for your ticket today by visiting the event's website by clicking here. For more from Datacloud, click here.