Data Centre Infrastructure News & Trends

Panduit expands fibre portfolio with fusion splice connectors

Panduit, a manufacturer of electrical and network infrastructure solutions, has introduced OmniSplice, a new range of fusion-spliced fibre optic connectors designed for data centres, edge environments, and enterprise networks. The addition expands the company’s fibre optic portfolio with connectors aimed at supporting high-performance connectivity and faster installation in modern network infrastructure. OmniSplice connectors are designed for use with standard fusion splicing equipment, allowing integration into existing installation and maintenance workflows without requiring additional tools or modifications. Panduit says the connectors are intended to support consistent performance while reducing installation time. Integrated design for simplified deployment A key feature of the OmniSplice range is the integration of the splice point within the connector housing. This removes the need for additional components such as pigtails, helping to reduce space requirements and simplify installation. The connectors include pre-assembled fibre stubs and a holder design intended to support the fusion splicing process, aiming to improve consistency and reduce the likelihood of installation errors. According to Panduit, the design is suited to environments where rapid deployment or maintenance is required, including moves, adds, and changes, as well as repair work under time constraints. The launch reflects continued growth in fibre optic infrastructure across data centres, enterprise LANs, and edge applications, where there is increasing demand for solutions that can be integrated efficiently into existing systems. For more from Panduit, click here.

Siemens expands data centre ecosystem for AI infrastructure

German multinational technology company Siemens has expanded its data centre partner ecosystem to support the growth of next-generation artificial intelligence infrastructure, focusing on the integration of compute, power, and operational systems. The expansion includes a strategic investment in Emerald AI, a collaboration with PhysicsX, and the integration of energy storage technologies from Fluence. As AI adoption accelerates, data centre operators are facing increasing constraints around power availability and grid connection timelines. Siemens says the expanded ecosystem is intended to improve flexibility across infrastructure, helping operators scale capacity while maintaining reliability in power-constrained environments. Coordinating compute and energy systems Emerald AI’s technology enables AI workloads to shift in time and location to align with grid conditions, allowing data centre demand to respond dynamically to available power. This approach is designed to reduce peak demand pressures and support faster grid connections. Fluence’s battery energy storage systems (BESS) are intended to help operators manage large-scale AI workloads by shaping energy demand and supporting more predictable load profiles. The systems can also provide on-site power during grid constraints or outages, supporting operational continuity. In addition, Siemens is working with PhysicsX to apply physics-based AI modelling to data centre power distribution systems. Using simulation data, the approach enables engineers to model thermal behaviour in real time, reducing design times and supporting optimisation for dynamic AI workloads. Siemens said the combined ecosystem brings together workload orchestration, energy infrastructure, and AI-driven modelling to address the growing complexity of data centre design and operation as AI demand increases. For more from Siemens, click here.

Barriers to colocation could hold back DC market

Speaking from the Space Comm Expo Europe event in London, Strategies in Satellite Ground Segment (SSGS), the organiser of the world’s only conference dedicated exclusively to the satellite ground segment, has warned that the global success of data centres is at risk if barriers to their colocation with satellite ground stations are not removed. SSGS argues that the advantages to placing a satellite ground station next to a data centre are already clear. It suggests that, for example, keeping the antenna systems physically close to compute and storage functions eliminates long terrestrial backhaul links and helps to reduce latency. Both the data centre and ground station can benefit from cost-savings and can become scalable digital hubs as capacity can be quickly added to meet increased demand. However, securing the necessary planning permissions, obtaining sufficient levels of funding, obtaining the necessary spectrum licenses in already crowded frequency bands, and event issues relating to data sovereignty can all hold up the process of colocation. Colocating data centres with satellite ground systems Kevin French, Director of the SSGS conference and exhibition, says, “Satellite ground systems are increasingly being colocated with data centres, and it’s not a coincidence; it’s a structural shift. "As demand for high-capacity, low-latency services accelerate, bringing ground infrastructure closer to compute isn’t just efficient; it’s transformative. “Colocation enables virtualised architectures, cloud native workflows, and far more resilient end-to-end operations. It ensures that satellite data isn’t just collected, but processed, stored, and delivered with the speed and reliability that modern networks now require.” While there are successful colocation projects in operation - such as the recent approval given to Amazon's Project Kuiper to operate a satellite earth station gateway at the National Space Centre (NSC) in Cork, Ireland - there are fears that the speed of approvals in some jurisdictions could lag behind demand and create a two-tier system. The issue of colocation, data centres, cloud, and edge computing is set to be a major topic of discussion at the SSGS conference being held at the Park Plaza Hotel in London on 30 September 2026. Registration is now open. Find out more by clicking here.

'One in four DC operators fails to track energy usage'

A late‑2025 451 Research study, commissioned by Janitza, a German manufacturer of energy measurement and power quality monitoring equipment, reveals that nearly one in four data centre operators does not monitor the power consumption of their primary sites, even as AI workloads drive unprecedented pressure on electrical and cooling infrastructure. Without precise, real‑time energy data, Janitza argues, operators cannot safely scale AI‑ready capacity or protect their investments. Energy consumption without control 451 Research, the technology market intelligence unit of S&P Global, surveyed 208 data centre professionals to assess how efficiently business‑critical facilities operate today, using power usage effectiveness (PUE) as a key metric. Just over half of respondents reported a PUE between 1.5 and 2.0, while 23% admitted they are not tracking this fundamental performance indicator at all. The study highlights a structural business risk: power has become the limiting factor in building, scaling, and monetising AI‑capable infrastructure. Highly dynamic AI workloads drive power fluctuations of up to 40–70% within milliseconds, creating new challenges for power quality and increasing the risk of outages and equipment damage. The report notes, “In an environment where milliseconds matter, flexibility and data expertise are the critical differentiators.” The findings suggest that reliable, high‑resolution energy data now underpins predictive maintenance, capacity planning, and revenue optimisation in modern data centres. Janitza says operators who capture and analyse detailed power and power‑quality data can detect emerging faults earlier, extend the lifetime of critical components, and avoid unplanned downtime. As rack power densities rise towards 40–120 kW and AI models continue to grow, the study finds that comprehensive monitoring across the entire power chain, from grid connection to individual racks, is becoming a decisive competitive factor. For more from Janitza, cick here.

DSE delivers data centre energy resilience

Deep Sea Electronics (DSE), a UK-based manufacturer with over 50 years of engineering expertise, delivers advanced paralleling and ATS controllers ideally suited to the demanding requirements of modern data centre environments. In facilities where uptime is critical and resilience is non-negotiable, DSE solutions provide precise control, seamless synchronisation, and dependable automatic transfer between mains and standby power sources. Designed and manufactured in the UK, DSE’s advanced paralleling controllers enable reliable load sharing, complex multi set configurations, and fast, stable response to load changes. Complementing this, its ATS controllers ensure smooth and accurate mains failure detection and transfer, minimising risk and protecting critical infrastructure. With robust monitoring, clear diagnostics, and flexible communications integration, DSE systems support full visibility and control across standby power architectures. Backed by global technical support and long-term product availability, DSE provides data centre operators with trusted technology that strengthens energy resilience and safeguards operational continuity.

Keysight expands validation for 1.6T AI DC interconnects

Keysight Technologies, a manufacturer of electronic test and measurement equipment and software, has introduced the Functional Interconnect Test Solutions (FITS) portfolio, alongside the first product in the range, FITS-8CH, designed to validate digital-layer error performance for high-speed optical and copper interconnects used in network infrastructure. The platform provides bit error ratio (BER) and forward error correction (FEC) validation for interconnect technologies supporting modern ethernet architectures, including 400GE, 800GE, and emerging 1.6T deployments. As interconnect speeds increase and designs become more complex, manufacturers of chips, interconnects, and networking equipment face greater pressure to ensure reliability before mass production and during manufacturing. While traditional physical-layer test tools validate electrical lanes against industry specifications, system-level testing provides additional insight into how fully integrated interconnect assemblies perform under operational conditions. Digital-layer testing for high-speed interconnects The FITS-8CH platform provides multi-lane error performance validation at the digital layer, supporting PAM4 signalling speeds from 53Gb/s to 212.5Gb/s. The system enables simultaneous bi-directional testing across eight transmit and eight receive channels, allowing complete optical or copper interconnect assemblies to be validated during development, manufacturing, and system-level qualification. The platform also integrates with Keysight’s physical-layer testing systems, enabling validation across a broader range of network configurations and topologies. According to the company, the platform includes automated lane-by-lane tuning to optimise PAM4 signal output and improve measurement consistency. This capability can help identify potential manufacturing or configuration issues earlier in the process, including mechanical misalignment, thermal failures, or incorrect digital signal processor settings. Keysight says the FITS portfolio is intended to support testing requirements across the full product lifecycle, from research and development through to production and deployment in large-scale network environments. For more from Keysight, click here.

Pure DC, AVK deploy 'Europe’s first' data centre microgrid

Pure Data Centres Group (Pure DC), a designer, developer, and operator of hyperscale data centres, together with AVK, a provider of power systems and electrical infrastructure for data centres, have announced the launch of what they describe as Europe’s first, large-scale, 110MW on-site microgrid, developed to support early‑phase site operational resilience. Located within Pure DC’s Dublin campus, the on‑site energy system provides the opportunity for dispatchable capacity to support data centre operations during initial development phases, prior to full integration with the national electricity system as grid connection capacity becomes available. Over time, the campus is intended to operate as part of a hybrid energy configuration, combining grid‑supplied electricity with on‑site infrastructure designed to enhance flexibility, resilience, and system stability. What AVK describes as a "first-of-its-kind deployment in Europe" showcases the ability to use its microgrid technology for on-site power generation, and the transitional and complementary role it can play in supporting the delivery of strategically important digital infrastructure. This is particularly relevant for regions where grid reinforcement and renewable generation are being delivered on a phased basis under national planning frameworks. A replicable model The microgrid also represents a blueprint for energy generation and showcases how large-scale microgrids can be replicated across Europe - with Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK having been identified as key target markets for the technology. The Mayor of Fingal County Council, Councillor Tom O'Leary, comments, “Fingal wants to remain a champion for breakthrough technologies, but we also understand that progress must be delivered in a way that is climate friendly, resilient, and aligned with Ireland’s energy transition. That’s why this project is so important. "A microgrid that can generate and manage its own power supports future integration into the national grid, integrates renewable energy, enables storage, and trials new low‑carbon fuels like biomethane. This is innovation with purpose.” Gary Wojtaszek, Pure DC’s Executive Chairman and interim CEO, notes, “The biggest barrier to deploying AI infrastructure in Europe today isn’t technology; it’s power. This microgrid proves that even the most constrained markets can unlock new digital capacity, giving Ireland the opportunity to lead Europe’s next chapter of AI infrastructure. "The future of AI infrastructure will be built where energy and compute come together, and that’s exactly what we’re building at Pure.” Speaking about the project, Ben Pritchard, CEO of AVK-SEG, adds, “We are delighted to have worked with Pure DC to deliver this groundbreaking project. While several microgrids are already in operation in the US, until today there were none of these deployments in Europe. This project demonstrates how carefully designed onsite energy infrastructure can complement national energy planning frameworks. “This recognises that power is now the new differentiator for data centres, and that energy has shifted from being a utility to a strategic asset - shaping the location, design, economics, and competitiveness for operators. "The first of many in Europe, this microgrid has the capability to revolutionise the data centre power race as we know it, providing a complementary solution that will ease gridlock and pave the way for greater take-up of AI and cloud.” Powering the digital economy Pure DC’s microgrid is comprised of three, interconnected energy centres, with each building generating up to 30 MW of power. Energy Centre 1 (EC1) and EC2 will be fully operational by the end of 2026 and will be followed by EC3 at a later stage. The design includes combined heat and power (CHP) capability, with infrastructure in place to enable heat recovery and potential future connection to district heating networks, subject to third‑party demand and regulatory approvals. Waste heat recovery systems are also used to improve operational efficiency within the energy centres. Future water management measures include rainwater harvesting and on‑site treatment, reducing reliance on mains water for engine‑related processes. The system is engineered to accommodate incremental changes in fuel composition - including hydrogen blending - supporting future decarbonisation of the gas network in line with national policy developments. Pure DC’s battery energy storage system (BESS) is integrated to manage load fluctuations and enhance operational efficiency, improving response times and enabling more optimal engine operation. The BESS is designed to support future renewable energy integration as part of a broader transition pathway. For more from Pure DC, click here, and for more from AVK, click here.

Legrand's UPS wins Data Centre World award

French multinational infrastructure products manufacturer Legrand’s Keor FLEX modular uninterruptible power supply (UPS) has won the Best Reuse or Recycling of Products, Energy, or Data Centre Infrastructure category at the Data Centre World Awards 2026. The award was presented during Data Centre World London, held on 4–5 March at ExCel London, and recognises projects and technologies that support resource reuse, waste reduction, and improved sustainability across the data centre sector. Keor FLEX was recognised for its modular architecture and design approach aimed at extending the operational lifespan of critical power infrastructure. Modular design focused on lifecycle extension Unlike traditional UPS systems that require replacement of the entire unit at the end of its lifecycle, the Keor FLEX system allows individual power or bypass modules to be replaced or refurbished independently. The system uses a hot-swappable modular design, allowing capacity to be expanded or maintained without taking the entire system offline. According to Legrand, the system achieves 98.6% efficiency in online double conversion mode and more than 99% efficiency in ECO mode. It also has an 85% recyclability rate under IEC/TR 62635, with more than 69% recyclable metal content and packaging that includes 50% recycled material. The UPS integrates silicon carbide technology and a low-impedance internal busbar architecture, designed to reduce thermal stress on components and extend the lifespan of power modules. Keor FLEX also supports a universal battery interface that allows existing VRLA, lithium-ion, or nickel-zinc battery systems to be retained during upgrades. Marc Marazzi, Vice President at Legrand Data Center Solutions Europe, says, “Data centres are under pressure to deliver more compute power while reducing environmental impact. “Keor FLEX proves that sustainability and performance are not mutually exclusive. By designing circularity into the core architecture, we’ve created a UPS platform that extends asset life, reduces waste, lowers energy consumption, and supports evolving AI workloads - all while improving total cost of ownership. This reflects Legrand’s broader sustainability commitments, including being awarded an ‘A’ rating by CDP for the second consecutive year.” The system is designed to scale from 100kW to 1.2MW per frame, with up to 4.8MW available in parallel configurations for larger data centre environments. For more from Legrand, click here.

STMicroelectronics begins silicon photonics production for AI

STMicroelectronics (ST), a Swiss-Italian semiconductor manufacturer, has begun high-volume production of its silicon photonics platform designed for optical interconnects in data centres and artificial intelligence infrastructure. The company’s PIC100 platform is used in optical transceivers deployed by hyperscale operators to support high-speed connectivity within data centres and AI clusters. The 800G and 1.6T transceivers are intended to support increasing bandwidth requirements while reducing latency and energy consumption. Production is being carried out on 300mm semiconductor manufacturing lines, which the company says allow the platform to be produced at scale as demand for AI infrastructure grows. Fabio Gualandris, President of Quality, Manufacturing and Technology at STMicroelectronics, says, “Following the announcement of its new silicon photonics technology in February 2025, ST is now entering high-volume production for leading hyperscalers. "The combination of our technology platform and the superior scale of our 300mm manufacturing lines gives us a unique competitive advantage to support the AI infrastructure super-cycle. “Looking ahead, we are planning and executing on capacity expansions to enable more than quadrupling of production by 2027. This fast expansion is fully underpinned by customers’ long-term capacity reservation commitments.” Silicon photonics technology for optical interconnects Silicon photonics technology combines optical and electronic components to enable high-speed data transmission between servers, switches, and other computing infrastructure. According to market research firm LightCounting, the data centre pluggable optics market reached $15.5 billion (£11.5 billion) in 2025 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 17% between 2025 and 2030. Vladimir Kozlov, CEO and Chief Analyst at LightCounting, says, “The data centre pluggable optics market continues to expand strongly, reaching $15.5 billion (£11.5 billion) in 2025. We expect the market to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17% from 2025 through 2030, surpassing $34 billion (£25.3 billion) by the end of the forecast period. In addition, co-packaged optics (CPO) will emerge as a rapidly growing segment, contributing more than $9 billion (£6.7 billion) in revenue by 2030. Over the same period, the share of transceivers incorporating silicon photonics modulators is projected to increase from 43% in 2025 to 76% by 2030. “ST’s leading silicon photonics platform coupled with its aggressive capacity expansion plan illustrates its capabilities to provide hyperscalers with secure, long-term supply, predictable quality, and manufacturing resilience.” STMicroelectronics is also developing the next stage of its silicon photonics roadmap with the PIC100 TSV platform. This technology will integrate through-silicon via connections to increase optical connectivity density, improve module integration, and support system-level thermal efficiency. The platform is designed to support emerging architectures such as near packaged optics and co-packaged optics, which aim to bring optical connectivity closer to processing hardware within large-scale computing systems. The company will present further updates on its silicon photonics technology at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference in Los Angeles, USA, between 15 and 19 March 2026.

Tecnair launches new CDUs for data centre cooling

Tecnair, a manufacturer of close control air conditioning units for data centres and a Panasonic company, has introduced a new range of coolant distribution units (CDUs) designed for high-density artificial intelligence and high-performance computing (HPC) data centres. The systems were presented at Data Centre World London 2026, held on 4–5 March, and are intended to support liquid cooling deployments as computing densities increase. Rising AI workloads are pushing rack densities beyond levels typically supported by traditional air cooling. The CDU range has been developed to support liquid cooling architectures, including direct-to-chip and immersion cooling, helping data centre operators manage higher thermal loads. The units are designed for environments where rack densities regularly exceed 50kW and are approaching 100kW. Liquid cooling for high-density infrastructure The CDU range is available in capacities of 400kW and 800kW and can be deployed across a range of environments, from edge facilities to hyperscale data centres. The systems include redundant components such as pumps, power supplies, and sensors to support continuous operation in mission-critical environments. A failover capability is also included to maintain cooling during maintenance or component failure. According to Tecnair, the units can achieve partial power usage effectiveness (pPUE) values as low as 1.02 through the use of free-cooling coils and micro-channel heat exchanger technology. Monitoring functions are integrated through Modbus building management system connectivity, enabling real-time visibility of parameters including temperature, pressure, flow rate, water level, and leak detection. The CDU range is designed to integrate with Panasonic cooling systems, including free-cooling chillers using R1234ze refrigerant with a low global warming potential. These chillers use outside air temperatures, down to -10°C, to generate chilled water through a free-cooling function, supporting improved energy efficiency in suitable climates. For more from Tecnair, click here.