Infrastructure & Hardware

UK Government announces new apprenticeship initiative

Young people in the UK are set to benefit from 120,000 new training opportunities as part of what the Government calls a "radical skills revolution," giving them the chance to develop skills where they are most needed across the workforce to "rebuild Britain." An overview of the announcement: · Construction, health and social care, engineering, and the digital sector are among those set to benefit the most from the new opportunities. · There is a refocusing of funding away from Level 7 (masters-level) apprenticeships from January 2026 – which has been criticised. · There is to be an implementation of a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, which will deliver up to 45,000 additional training places to upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration in priority sectors. In response to this announcement, within which the digital sector has been cited as one of the key areas benefitting from the new opportunities, comments have been made by Mike Meyer, Managing Director of Portman Partners and Board Member of the Data Centre Alliance. Mike has an extensive background in recruitment and talent development within the digital infrastructure sector, having spent over 25 years within the industry with first-hand experience across Datacenter, Digital Infrastructure, IT, and Telecoms prior to moving into Executive Search. He has also spoken numerous times on the topic of talent development and bringing up the new generation of data centre professionals, notably at the East London University and at the Tech Capital International Finance Forum. “It's encouraging to see the Government investing in skills development across sectors for the next generation of young talent,” says Mike. “With the digital sector being among those set to benefit, I hope to see investment in the skills required for the digital infrastructure industry to help attract and nurture young professionals that the sector desperately needs to sustain itself. “With the growing demand for data centre capacity continuing to create the need for larger facilities, this has brought with it an unyielding need to fill the ever-increasing job openings in the sector. Though growth is an excellent problem to have, a future pool of fresh, young talent is imperative in a sector that is rapidly aging, with an average age of 53. “The Government’s ambitions to strengthen the UK's leadership in advancing and applying AI is creating demand for even larger, more powerful data centres. Alongside significant capital investment, such as the planned construction of the UK’s largest AI data centre in Essex in 2026, there will be an ongoing need for a steady pipeline of skilled talent to design, construct, and manage data centres. The new initiative from the Government is a positive sign that the industry is heading in the right direction.”

Ecolab launches new cooling management technology

Ecolab, a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions, has announced the launch of a new technology to drive high-performance data centre cooling. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has created exponential growth for data centres, with US data centre energy demand expected to grow from 25 GW in 2024 to more than 80 GW by 2030. By aiming to enable reliable uptime, reduce water consumption, and optimise energy efficiency, Ecolab's technology intends to help operators address the water, energy, and performance demands of AI-driven computing. As part of the launch, Ecolab will highlight the full portfolio in Booth 102 at Datacloud Global Congress 2025, taking place in Cannes, France, from 3 to 5 June. “The accelerated growth of AI, which is driving rapidly increasing rack densities, creates complexity for data centre operators as they address competing resource and business demands,” comments Mukul Girotra, Vice President and General Manager, Global High Tech. “By integrating monitoring, performance insights, and global expertise, we can help data centres prepare with scalable solutions that enable them to navigate the pressure of reliably doing more with less.” The new development is referred to as 3D TRASAR Technology for Direct-to-Chip Liquid Cooling, and has been designed for next-generation server environments. The system delivers real-time monitoring of coolant health, tracking coolant concentration, temperature, pH, flow rates and other fluid health indicators to help protect direct-to-chip servers and critical cooling infrastructure. The new solution is supported by Ecolab’s Water Quality IQ performance insights, which provide data and recommended actions for operators. It also includes field service and lab analysis provided by multiple research facilities around the world, with results advertised to be available in as little as five days. “Data centre operators need cooling systems that can keep pace with rapidly advancing heat loads,” says Mukul. “This portfolio, anchored by 3D TRASAR Technology for Direct-to-Chip Liquid Cooling, expands our capabilities with advanced cooling technology for the data centre white space.” Ecolab’s full suite of cooling management solutions also consists of previously established programs: • 3D TRASAR for Cooling Water — which aims to help enhance cooling tower and chiller efficiency while minimising water use. • 3D TRASAR for Adiabatic Cooling — which seeks to optimise direct evaporative cooling system performance through continuous water quality monitoring, and to support longer asset life and consistent operation with maintenance-free conductivity sensing. • Water Flow Intelligence — which aims to deliver real-time visibility into water usage at the enterprise, site, and asset levels. For more from Ecolab, click here.

Pure Storage and SK Hynix announce collaboration

Pure Storage, a provider of data storage technology and services, today announced a collaboration with SK Hynix, a South Korean semiconductor company, to deliver QLC flash storage products that aim to meet the high-capacity, energy efficient requirements for data-intensive hyperscaler environments. Modern data centres require solutions that can provide high storage density capabilities without sacrificing performance or energy efficiency. Data bottlenecks can lead to decreased productivity and high energy costs, affecting overall company performance. Traditional storage solutions such as hard disk drives (HDDs) have limitations as they are unable to handle the high-capacity, data-intensive workloads of hyperscale data centres in the AI era. Pure Storage intend to deliver future DirectFlash Module products with SK Hynix’s QLC NAND flash memory that will be purpose-built for demanding hyperscaler environments. Benefits could include: • Sustained High Performance — Integrating Pure Storage's data storage platform with SK Hynix's QLC NAND technology to enable low-latency solutions geared towards exascale, data-intensive workloads. • Increased Energy Efficiency — Collaborating to provide lower energy consumption, helping customers overcome power availability constraints, lower operating costs, and decrease an organisation's overall carbon footprint. • Improved Scalability & TCO — The combined solution seeks to provide highly rack-dense and scalable systems. “This collaboration with SK Hynix is an exciting step in our mission to deliver superior all-flash storage technology to hyperscalers. By combining SK Hynix's advanced QLC products with Pure Storage’s host-based flash management architecture, we can deliver an optimised solution for the hyperscale production environment and AI infrastructure,” says Bill Cerreta, GM, Hyperscale, Pure Storage. “Hyperscalers are constantly searching for data storage technology that doesn’t limit their potential innovation, but propels it to unforeseen levels. SK Hynix's NAND technology, combined with Pure Storage's robust platform, presents a formidable option for data centre operators focused on maximizing performance, efficiency, and scalability. Together, we are empowering hyperscale environments to tackle burgeoning data volumes with cutting-edge, sustainable storage solutions,” comments Sam Lee, EVP, Head of Global Sales and Marketing, SK Hynix. For more from Pure Storage, click here.

ZOI to connect the Middle East and Europe

Zain Omantel International (ZOI), the Middle East's leading regional wholesale business with access to more than 20 international submarine cables in the region, has announced a partnership with Horizon Scope Telecom, Iraq's leading ICT solutions provider, and the Iraqi Telecommunications and Information Company (ITPC), a government-owned company under the Iraqi Ministry of Telecommunications and Iraq's leading connectivity company. This partnership enables ZOI to create a digital telecommunications corridor stretching from the Middle East to Europe through Iraq, offering alternative terrestrial connectivity options. The route will use terrestrial fibre connectivity that utilises Iraq’s position as a digital gateway, aiming to create more reliable services that are less susceptible to interruptions. It will pass through Turkey and make its way up to Frankfurt, Germany. The new corridor will act as an alternative to traditional subsea routes by bypassing some turbulent areas. The route is intended to enable international businesses, telecom operators, and hyperscalers to expand their reach via low-latency infrastructure, ensuring connectivity between the Middle East and Europe. “We are delighted to announce that, in the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Hiyam Al-Yasiri, the Iraqi Minister of Communications, we have signed a strategic frame agreement with our partners Horizon Scope and ITPC to establish a new connectivity corridor from the Middle East to Europe. By combining ZOI’s pan-Middle East network with the robust infrastructure of Horizon Scope Telecom and ITPC, we’ve created a route that extends from Iraq into the heart of Europe,” says Sohail Qadir, CEO at ZOI. “By working together, we will enhance regional and international connectivity, offering higher capacity, security, and efficiency for businesses, operators, and hyperscalers across continents. This initiative aligns with our mission to bridge markets, drive digital transformation, and enable new growth opportunities, further reinstating ZOI as the global gateway for our region.” As a licensed ISP, Horizon Scope Telecom will facilitate direct peering with other networks and interconnection with global internet exchanges. With ZOI and ITPC, it seeks to improve speed and capacity and reduce latency for enterprises and hyperscalers looking to take advantage of Iraq’s rising presence as a regional hub. “We recognised ZOI and ITPC’s commitment to building resilient and seamless networks that empower global telecommunications through the identification of the world’s next global hubs,” comments Ahmed Abdulsalam, the Managing Director of Horizon Scope. “Offering alternative terrestrial connectivity routes is a critical way to protect against infrastructure vulnerabilities, ensuring that enterprises can capture more opportunities and scale with reliable connectivity.” “This partnership marks a significant milestone in strengthening Iraq’s position as a connectivity corridor, especially by providing an alternative path to Europe. We are committed to delivering connectivity solutions that the people of Iraq can trust and use to enable seamless global connectivity. We’re excited to see this partnership succeed as we aim to foster economic growth for both local and international enterprises operating in and around Iraq,” states Ali Y. Dawood, the Director General of ITPC.

A-Gas joins the European Data Centre Association

A-Gas, a global company specialising in Lifecycle Refrigerant Management (LRM), announces that it has officially joined the European Data Centre Association (EUDCA), the organisation that has represented the interests of the European data centre community since 2011. A-Gas joined as a member of the Technical Committee, whose mission is to bring together industry experts and foster discussion on the latest trends and emerging technologies. The goal is to support the development of a sustainable and sovereign digital infrastructure for Europe, enabling more conscious and digital transitions. The EUDCA, in collaboration with over 60 member organisations, represents the collective interests of the European data centre community. It provides a platform for operators to engage with policymakers and industry leaders, promoting a sustainable and sovereign digital infrastructure that supports Europe’s twin green and digital transition. As a new member, A-Gas says it looks forward to sharing its expertise in refrigerant management, particularly in relation to F-Gases. The recent update to the EU F-Gas Regulation introduces stricter controls on high GWP refrigerants, many of which are still in use in data centre cooling systems. These changes include equipment phase-outs and stricter leak detection rules, urging operators to adjust maintenance strategies and prioritise sustainable design in new builds. “Becoming a member of EUDCA Technical Committee represents a great opportunity for A-Gas to bring to the table our expertise on refrigerants and refrigerant management. A-Gas works with stakeholders to understand their objectives, risks, and challenges, and offers a suite of Lifecycle Refrigerant Management based solutions that addresses the multi-faceted challenges faced by stakeholders as they seek to manage their refrigeration needs. The data centre cooling industry sees a high influx of capital investments on the back of cloud-based computing and AI development. Considering the size and environmental impact of these centres globally, transitioning towards sustainable solutions is critical,” comments Vincent Homrighausen, A-Gas EMEA Managing Director.

ABM wins technical cleaning contract

ABM, a leading provider of facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions, has been awarded a contract by Iron Mountain Data Center’s (IMDC) UK team to provide technical cleaning services at the global information management and data storage company’s first data centre. The secure site occupies 4.5 acres in Slough and was originally built for one of the world’s largest banking institutions. The data centre offers multiple infrastructure designs with six data halls and Power Usage Effectiveness as well as a loading dock, offices, conference rooms, and break out spaces. ABM will deploy four permanent onsite team members who will undergo training bespoke to IMDC. They are supported by mobile technicians and an in-house, out-of-hours helpdesk to respond and adapt to evolving business needs. The yearly rolling contract will see ABM’s Critical Solutions division provide elevated technical cleaning services using sustainable cleaning products within data room and server spaces, as well as window and carpet cleaning, waste removal, and feminine hygiene management. ABM is employing local people for this contract and will be working closely with IMDC to strengthen its CSR objectives. In addition to the use of specialist equipment and PPE, IMDC will see the use of ABM’s proprietary technology with the ability to log in and review data and trends to inform business decisions and aid cost savings, operational improvements, and maximise productivity. Lewis Cannell, Head of Critical Solutions at ABM, comments, “What began as a one-off technical cleaning project in a data hall has evolved into a long-term partnership with IMDC, aimed at elevating operational standards at their flagship data centre. This achievement is testament to the expertise and dedication of our highly trained specialists who consistently deliver world-class service in complex environments. Moving forward, the entire ABM team will collaborate closely with IMDC to implement a shared strategy centred on innovation, safety, technology, sustainability, and people.” Adam Gilio Miet, Senior Data Centre Operations Manager, says, “There has been a notable uptick in quality since ABM has taken over the contract, with regular site visits by the area manager ensuring that we are all aligned on expectations and delivery.”

GBI launches 'Green Globes Data Center Campus Certification'

The Green Building Initiative (GBI), a non-profit organisation that focuses on improving the built environment and reducing climate impacts, has announced the release of the 'Green Globes Data Center Campus Certification', tailored to the unique operational and infrastructure demands of data centre campuses. The offering, developed in partnership with Compass Datacenters, aims to provide data centre owners and operators with a way to assess and certify the sustainability of multiple buildings on a site. “Digital infrastructure is the backbone of today’s society, and it’s critical that we design, construct, and operate these spaces with sustainability at the forefront,” says Vicki Worden, CEO of GBI. “The Green Globes Data Center Campus Certification empowers operators to optimise environmental performance across entire campuses while meeting evolving stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements.” As demand for energy-intensive digital infrastructure continues to grow, the new certification intends to support mission-critical facilities working to reduce environmental impact and achieve long-term resilience. The certification recognises the interconnected nature of data centre campus operations and attempts to make it possible to evaluate redundant infrastructure and systems to improve efficiency and sustainability. “By standardising our campuses, we reduce digital, procedural, and physical waste to scale faster. GBI is wisely adopting that mindset with the campus-wide certification, making it possible to streamline documentation and certification across data halls and buildings into a single, unified process,” comments Amy Marks, SVP Innovation for Compass Datacenters. “Our co-development of this process with GBI underscores our belief that doing the right thing is good business—and it advances continuous improvement across materials, energy and water use, and community engagement.” GBI Green Globes is a nationally recognised certification that assesses energy and water efficiency, site impact, emissions reduction, material selection, and resilience at any stage of the building lifecycle. The Green Globes process includes a third-party, on-site assessment by a dedicated Green Globes Assessor (GGA) and may qualify projects for financial incentives and compliance with local sustainability mandates. Features of the certification include: • Campus Assessment: Evaluates performance across three or more buildings sharing common design and infrastructure.• Certification Process: Replication of documentation and questionnaires across buildings.• Assessment Support: Consistent assignment of a Green Globes Assessor across projects when possible.• Pricing: Discounts on registration, specification review (optional), assessment, and travel.• Recognition & Promotion: Certified campus plaques, custom GBI-issued press releases, and social media promotion.• Actionable Insights: Personalised improvement recommendations from the assigned Green Globes Assessor. Eligibility for campus certification requires GBI organisational membership at the Stewardship Level or above and completion of a 'kickoff consultation' with GBI. The program is now available for new construction campuses that include three or more new construction buildings (up to 18 months of occupancy or less than 12 months of consecutive utility data) and will soon be released for existing buildings. For more from GBI, click here.

Pure DC chooses Securitas as security partner

Pure Data Centres Group (Pure DC), a digital infrastructure organisation, has extended its engagement with Securitas, a global security services provider, after appointing it as security partner for its data centre campus in Abu Dhabi, located on Yas Island. Securitas, which already provides security services at Pure DC’s data centres in Ireland and Indonesia, brings expertise in protecting critical infrastructure to Abu Dhabi. Ian Madgett, Director of Security for Pure DC, comments,​ “The partnership with Securitas reflects Pure DC’s focus on aligning with industry leaders to deliver secure, efficient, and sustainable data centre solutions across its global portfolio. ​Securitas has proven to be a trusted partner in securing our facilities in Ireland and Indonesia, and we are excited to now extend this partnership to Abu Dhabi. Securitas’ role encompasses a multi-layered security approach, integrating advanced access control systems, surveillance technologies, and trained data centre specialists to maintain the integrity and resilience of the campus.” Bert den Hartog, VP, Global Clients Data Centres Group at Securitas, says, “We are proud to continue strengthening our partnership with Pure DC. Having worked closely with their teams in Ireland and Indonesia, we’ve seen first-hand the professionalism, expertise, and high standards they bring to the industry. Securing the Abu Dhabi contract is a great achievement, and we look forward to building on our existing relationship.” AUH01 (Pure DC's first data centre in Abu Dhabi) will eventually provide 45MW of capacity and is Pure DC’s first project in the Middle East. The site became operational earlier this year with the first data hall completed on-schedule. For more from Pure Data Centres, click here.

Zella DC launches new modular data centre

Zella DC, a designer and manufacturer of indoor and outdoor micro data centres, today announced the launch of its reimagined Zella Max, a purpose-built modular data centre designed for scalable edge deployments. Unlike its predecessor, the new Zella Max is not a repurposed container. Instead, it has been engineered from the ground up. Available in a single size (a 20-foot modular unit), Zella Max is offered in two configurations: • Zella Max 4 — One-door configuration, accommodating up to four Zella Pro micro data centres.• Zella Max 6 — Two-door configuration, housing up to six Zella Pro micro data centres with expanded aisle space and dual access. The latest version of Zella Max brings a number of upgrades: • Purpose-built design — The Zella Max has changed from a retrofitted shipping container into a fully engineered modular structure.• Improved layout — The internal floor space has been reworked for better usability and access.• Configuration options — Options of Zella Max 4 (single access) or Zella Max 6 (dual access) to accommodate different deployment sizes and user access requirements.• Multi-tenancy ready — The design can be configured for shared environments, offering independent access to each unit.• Streamlined manufacturing — The new design facilitates faster production and deployment. The new Zella Max offers certain features: • Fully integrated — Each Zella Pro inside the Max comes pre-installed with precision cooling, power systems, security features, and environmental monitoring.• Secure by design — Advanced access control, surveillance, fire protection, and cybersecurity features.• Deploy anywhere — The Zella Max's compact footprint makes it possible for edge, remote, and space-constrained locations.• Scalable — Option to scale up from 4 to 6 Zella Pro units as needed.• No need for airlocks — Each Zella Pro is sealed and self-contained, protecting equipment from dust and contaminants without requiring internal airlock systems.• Sustainable — Energy-efficient cooling and solar compatibility. For more from Zella DC, click here.

Roxtec Middle East reports record data centre sales growth

The Middle East’s rapid development in the data centre sector, supercharged by AI and cloud computing demand, is driving growth in the region for safety seal manufacturer Roxtec. Dubai-headquartered Roxtec Middle East is expanding from working on six data centre projects in 2023 to more than 20 in 2025, including programmes for major global players and AI ‘hyperscalers’. Swedish-owned Roxtec today announced it is gearing up for more demand for its products over the next 18 months, following the recent development deal to allow the UAE to buy large volumes of US-made AI chips, announced during President Trump’s recent visit to the region, and deals signed by major American companies to develop the AI sector. In a major development, the UAE and US have signed an agreement for the Gulf country to build the largest artificial intelligence campus outside the US. The 10-square-mile AI campus in Abu Dhabi will be powered by a five gigawatt data centre and will be operated by American companies and supported by Emirati firms G42 and MGX. The initiative includes collaborations with major tech companies such as Nvidia, OpenAI, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft. These partnerships aim to position the Gulf region as a global leader in AI development. Roxtec, a global leader in the manufacture of cable and pipe transit systems, based in the Jebel Ali Freezone, has revealed it is currently in discussions with several companies looking to develop and build the next generation of HPC (High-Performance Computing) data centres, designed to handle intensive AI and Big Data workloads. The company provides specialised seals for cable and pipe penetrations that secure data centres against fire, water ingress, and air leakage, and protect against electromagnetic interferences that can create outages. The sector now represents more than 25% of its infrastructure business unit sales with a potential to reach 50% in the next 18 months. Roxtec is currently active on projects in the Gulf states of UAE, Qatar, and Oman, including new-build centres as well as refit and refurbishment work. The high energy efficiency needs of ever-larger centres which house the supercomputers that run AI systems, and the climate change and environmental challenges being faced across the region, are increasing the demand for resilience. A shift towards modular construction is also helping Roxtec’s growth and scale-up plans as a valuable part of the supply chain. To cater to the growing needs of the market, Roxtec is launching two new products for the Middle East: FlamePlus, which offers a sealing system, addressing the shift toward modular and prefabricated builds, and its Software Suite, which offers a digital lifecycle management platform for cable and pipe transits. In addition, Roxtec has confirmed appointment of a dedicated manager in Abu Dhabi for its data centre operation. Mohammed Abrar, Roxtec Business Unit Head of Infrastructure and Industry, says, “We’re seeing massive demand for our products, powered by the continued rise of AI, the increasing capacity that is required and the large-scale investments that are building a flourishing ecosystem. We’re forecasting that the growth we are seeing will accelerate even further on the back of the continued development of the sector across the Middle East, driven by massive US collaboration and the focus of governments in the region to unlock the opportunities AI presents. “That focus on partnerships in AI and data centres means billions of dollars being poured into their construction, putting Gulf nations at the forefront of the new technology and AI development, which is great news for the supply chain. We are currently working with a number of tech giants, including global hyperscalers. The speed of development is continually increasing, with new centres going from the design stage to build completion in as little as 11 months. “With increasing capacity in these centres and their high energy efficiency needs, there is great demand for airtight sealing to avoid cooling loss. HPC data centres require significant liquid cooling and, as a result, the management of a myriad of pipes. Operators are putting special focus on seals as they work to manage cooling and recycle excess heat. As a result, our expertise and range of products are proving invaluable. We have developed industry leading tools for managing cable and pipe transits. “Climate change and environmental challenges, including sandstorms, unprecedented rainfall, and flash floods, are creating more demand for resilient sealing solutions and we are supporting a number of clients as they look to protect their infrastructure from these threats. “Our expertise in the complete project life cycle, from design to supply and installation, coupled with training and inspection services, is giving us an edge. As the world moves towards increased reliance on data centres and AI, robust infrastructure is essential. A shift towards modular construction is also helping create demand for our services, with our specifically designed solutions that support faster instillations on these sites.”