Data Centre Infrastructure News & Trends

How 5G-A GigaUplink kept a robot half-marathon on track

Chinese telecommunications operator China Unicom and Chinese multinational technology company Huawei's landmark deployment at the 2026 Beijing E-Town event demonstrates what high-uplink network architecture can deliver when the stakes - and the robot runners - are at full sprint. When 21 humanoid robots lined up alongside human runners at the 2026 Beijing E-Town Half-Marathon on 19 April, the spectacle represented far more than a novelty sporting occasion. Behind the scenes, a sophisticated 5G-A network was working hard to ensure that each machine could navigate, sense its environment, and communicate in real time - all while travelling at speeds of up to 10 metres per second. The event, held at Tongming Lake Park and Nanhaizi Park in Beijing's E-Town (Yizhuang) district, marked a genuine global first: human runners and humanoid robots competing simultaneously on the same course. It also served as a compelling proof of concept for how high-uplink 5G-A connectivity can solve some of the most demanding real-world engineering challenges in embodied AI. The engineering challenge Running a humanoid robot half-marathon is not simply a mechanical feat. Each robot must receive and transmit a continuous stream of HD video, environmental sensor data, and positioning information. Remote-control robots require stable, low-latency command links, while the autonomous navigation group demands even more: real-time decision-making support, precise positioning to sub-decimetre accuracy, and dynamic obstacle avoidance - all at pace, over a 21km course, in a densely populated public space. Add to that the media requirements - 4K and 8K live broadcasting, real-time data feeds, and tens of thousands of spectators uploading content simultaneously - and the uplink demands become extraordinary. Each robot alone requires approximately 10 Mbps of sustained uplink bandwidth, and the network must support more than 40 concurrent service scenarios without degradation. In short, this was not a use case that a conventional network architecture was built to handle. The network solution China Unicom Beijing, supported by Huawei's radio access technology, deployed a 5G-A premium network along the full length of the course. The solution centres on 5G-A three-component carrier (3CC) aggregation across 3.5GHz and 2.1GHz bands, using Huawei's Extended Large Aperture Array (ELAA) technology. This combination delivers a peak uplink speed of 677 Mbps and an average of 155 Mbps, with end-to-end latency averaging just 30 ms. Crucially, uplink speeds of 20 Mbps or above were maintained more than 99.6% of the time - a figure that underlines the reliability required for safety-critical autonomous systems operating at speed. Dedicated uplink network slices were reserved along the course to prioritise robot connectivity and guarantee positioning accuracy to sub-decimetre level. At the high-density start and finish areas, carrier priority technology ensured that robot and media traffic was not crowded out by spectator demand. The result was consistent, stable connectivity for both the autonomous navigation robots and the remote-control group throughout the full 21km route. Underpinning the physical network is an intelligent operations and maintenance (O&M) platform, which uses AI algorithms to monitor equipment remotely, predict faults at millisecond timescales, and optimise resource allocation dynamically. By combining dynamic and static management, the system enables continuous, unattended operation and real-time adaptation to shifting traffic patterns across the course. China Unicom has built this into a broader ICT-integrated smart operations architecture - one that gives the network, as the company puts it, a "smart brain". What it delivered The results speak clearly to what a well-engineered, high-uplink network can achieve. Robots in the autonomous navigation group executed precise perception and rapid decision-making throughout the course, supported by sub-decimetre positioning accuracy and guaranteed low-latency data paths. Live broadcast teams delivered 4K and 8K feeds without interruption, and spectators experienced consistently smooth connectivity despite the event's scale. Field testing recorded a peak uplink speed of 677 Mbps, while the 99.6% fulfilment rate at 20 Mbps confirmed that the headline performance figures translated into reliable real-world delivery. The network also supported innovative spectator applications, including AR and VR viewing modes that allowed fans to experience the marathon from the robots' own perspectives - all enabled by the same high-uplink infrastructure. In their own words Qin Yang, Deputy General Manager of China Unicom in Beijing, spoke proudly of the excellent connections his company provided for the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games, as a global strategic partner, and for the 2026 Beijing E-Town Half-Marathon event, as the exclusive official communications sponsor. He said, "5G-A and AI are essential digital infrastructure, enabling us to bring embodied AI to sports. Given the new dynamics of AI development, we will double down on our priorities over connectivity, computing power, services, and security to sharpen our competitive edges as a preferred telecom partner for intelligent sports and a core enabler for intelligent industry transformation. "Moving forward, we will accelerate our innovation-driven push to strengthen our digital infrastructure and drive the high-quality growth of embodied AI in China and beyond." Samuel Chen, Vice President of Huawei's Wireless Network Business Marketing, added that this humanoid robot half-marathon offers a good example of deepening integration between mobile technology and embodied intelligence. He commented, "Beyond redefining connectivity for sports, it has shown us what intelligent production and life will look like in future. We are always dedicated to building excellent 5G-A networks together with operators based on user-centred innovation to ensure GigaUplink, low latency, and high reliability for differentiated mobile AI services. This will enable us to continuously drive the high-quality growth of the digital economy." The broader picture The Beijing event is significant not only as a spectacle, but as an indicator of where network engineering is heading. The shift from downlink-dominant 5G towards symmetrical, high-uplink architectures reflects a fundamental change in how AI-driven applications interact with mobile infrastructure. Embodied AI, industrial data backhaul, and immersive real-time services all place enormous demands on uplink capacity - demands that traditional LTE and early 5G networks were not designed to meet. The 5G-A GigaUplink standard, with its target of ubiquitous 20Mbps uplink availability, positions the technology as a credible foundation for the next generation of intelligent applications. China Unicom's deployment at the E-Town marathon demonstrates that this is not merely theoretical; with the right network architecture, AI-powered autonomous systems can operate reliably at scale in complex, real-world environments. For network engineers and infrastructure professionals, the lesson from Beijing is clear: As embodied AI moves from the laboratory to the streets, connectivity infrastructure must evolve to match - and the 5G-A deployment at the E-Town marathon offers a practical, field-tested blueprint for how that evolution can be achieved. For more from Huawei, click here.

Wärtsilä secures 790MW Texas data centre deal

Wärtsilä, a Finnish technology company that manufactures and services power systems, has secured an order to supply a 790MW off-grid power system for a data centre under construction in Texas, USA. The project will use 42 Wärtsilä 50SG gas engines operating on natural gas to provide primary power for the facility. The order was recorded in the company’s Q2 2026 intake and represents its first data centre-related project in Texas. The deployment reflects growing demand for power in regions where grid capacity is constrained, particularly as large-scale AI and cloud infrastructure continues to expand. Wärtsilä’s engine-based system is designed to deliver continuous power without reliance on the grid, supporting early-stage operations while grid connections are developed or where capacity is limited. Engine-based power for off-grid deployment The selected engines are capable of operating at full output in high temperatures, which is a key consideration for projects in Texas. The system is also designed to support efficiency and emissions requirements, with a heat rate of approximately 6,800 Btu/kWh. The modular configuration allows capacity to be scaled as demand increases, while also enabling integration with renewable energy sources where available. Anders Lindberg, President of Wärtsilä Energy and Executive Vice President of Wärtsilä, comments, “Wärtsilä’s primary power solutions offer significant benefits to data centre developers by providing continuous, reliable primary power while using significantly less water and fuel than traditional alternatives. "Also, our power solutions ramp up quickly and offer a dependable and sustainable foundation for delivering power availability, which is vital for AI and cloud operators. "Our modular engine power plants allow easy capacity scale-ups, making them an ideal choice for the fast-growing data centre market.” Texas continues to attract data centre development due to its access to natural gas resources, established energy infrastructure, and growing renewable generation capacity. Engine-based systems can also be used to support grid balancing once a facility is connected. Equipment delivery for the project is scheduled for 2028, with full operations expected by late 2029. Wärtsilä has now supplied more than 2.4GW of power capacity to data centre projects across the United States.

Neterra adds fourth Sofia–Frankfurt data route

Neterra, an independent Bulgarian global telecommunications provider, has launched a fourth independent data transmission route between Sofia and Frankfurt, expanding capacity and network resilience. The company states it is the only provider in the region operating four separate and geographically diverse routes between the two locations. The infrastructure is supported by its NetIX internet exchange platform. The additional route has been introduced in response to increasing disruption across international networks. Recent outages have shown that multiple routes can be affected at the same time, impacting services across major platforms. Dean Belev (pictured above), Senior Product Manager for Connectivity and NetIX at Neterra, says, “When external interruptions occurred in international infrastructure, we saw that even three routes were not always enough to guarantee the quality we strive for. “That is why we initiated the construction of a fourth line based on our specific requirements. Now, all four routes are completely independent, not only in their physical paths, but also in terms of operators and equipment used. This represents the highest level of protection we can offer our customers.” The new route is already supporting several hundred customers using data transmission, internet access, and NetIX platform services in the region. Capacity upgrade planned across all routes Alongside the new route, Neterra plans to increase capacity across its Sofia–Frankfurt network. The company will upgrade from N × 100Gbps to N × 400Gbps across all four routes. The upgrade reportedly follows continued growth in demand and the expansion of NetIX, which currently operates at around 7Tbps capacity. The combined expansion is intended to improve both performance and resilience across one of Europe’s key data connectivity corridors. For more from Neterra, click here.

How to ensure your infrastructure complies with DORA

In this exclusive article for DCNN, Chris Noon, Director of Solution Engineering, International at Alkira, outlines how financial institutions must embed security, resilience, and transparency into their network infrastructure to meet the demands of DORA: Rethinking network infrastructure The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) marks a major change in how the European financial sector manages technology risk. Instead of focusing only on solvency, DORA emphasises keeping digital services running smoothly. For enterprise organisations, this means every part of the technology stack, especially the network infrastructure connecting cloud environments and data centres, must be reviewed with operational resilience and security in mind. With this new framework, financial institutions are ultimately responsible for their digital resilience, even as they rely more on a complex network of ICT third-party service providers. To manage this, IT and compliance teams need to shift from reactive security to building systems where resilience is built in from the start. The core pillars of DORA compliance DORA requires financial organisations to have a complete strategy for managing ICT risks. This strategy should address five main areas: ICT risk management, incident reporting, operational resilience testing, third-party risk management, and information sharing. From an infrastructure point of view, the regulation says organisations must treat their network and cloud providers as essential parts of service delivery. IT teams should make sure providers go beyond just offering a service-level agreement and also give clear information about how their systems are built, managed, and secured. Security by design in network infrastructure To build security by design, start by choosing infrastructure platforms that follow well-known industry standards. When reviewing a network provider, IT teams should look for signs of a "born-in-the-cloud" or "security-first" approach. This shows the platform was built to work in high-risk, tightly regulated settings. Key indicators of a security-by-design approach include: • Identity and access governance — Providers should have strong identity and access management (IAM) features, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA); detailed, role-based access control (RBAC); and Policy Based Access Control (PBAC). This helps make sure only authorised people can change important network settings. • Encrypted connectivity — Security by design means data must be protected both while moving and when stored. Network providers should make it easy to use encryption across multi-cloud and hybrid setups without making operations more complicated. • Independent validation — Security claims need to be supported by third-party audits. Certifications like SOC 2 Type II, which cover security, availability, and confidentiality, are important standards. These reports give the proof needed for the due diligence required by DORA. Building for operational resilience Operational resilience means a company can handle, respond to, and recover from technology problems. For DORA, this means the network should not have a single point of failure. A resilient setup is usually spread out so if one part fails, traffic is rerouted to keep services running. IT teams should choose providers that focus on high availability as a key part of their services. This means having constant monitoring and alerts to catch problems early. The provider should also have a clear and tested incident response plan. DORA requires financial institutions to report major ICT incidents to regulators quickly, so the network provider must be able to supply the needed data and logs for fast investigation and reporting. Managing third-party risk and oversight A major challenge with DORA is the extra oversight of third-party providers. Financial organisations now have to include clear contract terms about oversight and audit rights. This need for transparency can be hard for some traditional technology providers to handle. When choosing an infrastructure partner, organisations should pick providers with clear processes for handling compliance questions. This means they can share security policies, operational procedures, and proof of regular penetration testing under non-disclosure agreements. The provider should act as a partner, helping the customer meet regulatory requirements, not just supplying a technical service. The role of Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) As financial institutions update their networks, many are choosing Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) models to handle the complexity of multi-cloud environments. These platforms connect on-premises data centres with different cloud service providers, acting as the system’s central hub. To meet DORA requirements, an IaaS platform must show it does not create new risks. It should be built on a well-known cloud infrastructure that already meets strong security standards. Using a resilient IaaS model helps IT teams see their whole network clearly, making risk management and compliance easier. Practical steps for IT teams To get ready for DORA, IT and risk management teams should take these practical steps with their network providers: 1. Conduct comprehensive due diligence — Check current and potential providers to make sure they meet DORA’s rules for security controls, incident response, and resilience testing. 2. Audit contractual arrangements — Make sure contracts clearly state audit rights, service levels, and the provider’s duty to help during a regulatory inquiry. 3. Evaluate multi-cloud strategy — Check if your current network setup allows you to quickly move workloads between cloud providers if one goes down. 4. Establish clear reporting lines — Decide how the network provider will communicate during an incident and what information they will give to support your reporting needs. Looking forward DORA is an ongoing operational process, not a one-off project. As regulations change, the need for operational resilience will only grow. Financial institutions that focus on security by design and pick infrastructure partners who value transparency and reliability will be better prepared for these changes. In the end, resilience is something everyone shares. The financial organisation is still responsible to the regulator, but its compliance success depends on its technology providers. By choosing providers who see compliance as a key part of their design, organisations can build a digital foundation that meets DORA and supports the future of digital finance.

FTTH Conference 2026 highlights Europe’s fibre momentum

The FTTH Conference 2026 has successfully concluded, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to assess progress and priorities for Europe’s fibre future. Discussions confirmed steady momentum in fibre rollout, alongside a growing focus on adoption, investment sustainability, and enabling regulatory frameworks. Key topics included the strategic role of fibre as backbone infrastructure for data centres interconnectivity, network resilience and cybersecurity, cloud applications, and technologies of the future like artificial intelligence (AI). The event also provided the stage to recognise excellence across the sector through the FTTH Awards and FTTH Innovation Awards 2026. FTTH Awards 2026 winners: • Individual Award — Trevor Linney, Network Technology Director at Openreach• Operator Award — Netomnia (United Kingdom)• Champion of Diversity Award — SIRO (Ireland) FTTH Innovation Awards 2026 winners: • Passive Infrastructure — Homes Passed+Featuring FiberMag by Emtelle• Active Infrastructure Central Network — Multi-PON line card LLLT-A by Nokia• Active Infrastructure Home Network — SDG 8000 and 9000 Series mesh Wi-Fi solutions by Adtran• Planning, Workflow, Mapping/GIS Software — NET Scan by TKI• Installation Equipment, Tools, Test & Measurement — FTB-Lite Series by EXFO• Artificial Intelligence & Software — Mosaic One Clarity by Adtran FTTH Council Europe President Francesco Nonno comments, “The FTTH Conference 2026 confirms that Europe is facing the last phase of fibre coverage and of migration from copper to fibre, which is proving difficult in a number of countries. "Policy choices, such as copper switch off, are much welcomed to accelerate this process, while the focus is clearly shifting towards building resilient, future-proof networks that will underpin Europe’s digital decade.” The FTTH Council Europe says it now looks ahead to the next edition of the event, FTTH Conference 2027, taking place from 16–18 March 2027 at MiCo Milan in Italy, where the industry will continue to shape the future of fibre connectivity. For more from FTTH, click here.

Huber+Suhner expands Microsoft Azure fibre collaboration

Huber+Suhner, a Swiss fibre optic cable manufacturer, has strengthened its collaboration with Microsoft Azure to support the wider deployment of hollow core fibre (HCF) connectivity across the Azure network. The company plans further investment in production capabilities to increase manufacturing volumes as Microsoft expands the use of HCF across additional Azure regions. The collaboration is focused on supporting cloud and AI infrastructure requirements. Huber+Suhner has worked with Microsoft’s Azure fibre team in Romsey, UK, since 2017, following the acquisition of Lumenisity, a University of Southampton spin-out. Together, the organisations have developed HCF cable and connector technologies which are already deployed within the Azure network. Higher-capacity variants are also in development to support future infrastructure growth. The two companies have jointly developed and qualified a range of outside plant (OSP) and inside plant (ISP) cable designs for field deployment. Work is also ongoing to develop higher-density HCF cable designs for future network requirements. At Huber+Suhner’s manufacturing facility in Herisau, Switzerland, dedicated processes have been introduced to integrate HCF into multi-fibre loose-tube cables, with scope to increase capacity as demand grows. Connector development supporting HCF deployment Alongside cable development, Huber+Suhner has developed a mode-converting HCF connector designed for hyperscale and metro optical environments. These connectors are manufactured at the company’s Cube Optics facility in Mainz, Germany, with further investment planned to expand production capacity. With both HCF cable and connector designs qualified, Huber+Suhner says it is extending its portfolio to support end-to-end fibre connectivity across cloud infrastructure. Jürgen Walter, COO Communication Segment at Huber+Suhner, comments, “Huber+Suhner is proud to support Microsoft as HCF connectivity solutions move to deployment at scale. "Building on our foundations of innovation and quality, we can expect further advances in our HCF connectivity portfolio as the pace of adoption accelerates. Together, we look forward to shaping the future of cloud connectivity and unlocking the full potential of HCF.” Colin Wallace, GM Cloud Network Engineering at Microsoft Azure, adds, “We value our long-standing collaboration with Huber+Suhner, which has helped us transition HCF technology from advanced research into operational deployment in the Microsoft Azure network. "These HCF cable and connector technologies are already deployed and carrying live traffic over Azure HCF links today, and this integrated capability will help us rapidly co-design and scale connectivity solutions for the future of cloud and AI network infrastructure.” The relevance of HCF HCF technology enables data to be transmitted through air rather than glass, allowing for significantly lower latency in optical networks. Microsoft’s Double-Nested Anti-Resonant Nodeless Fibre design also supports lower signal loss and higher launch powers compared to standard single-mode fibre, reducing the need for optical amplification in some metro networks. The use of HCF in data centre environments is expected to support greater flexibility in site location, as well as improved efficiency in distributed AI workloads by reducing latency between compute clusters. However, wider deployment presents technical challenges, including the need for robust cable designs and compatible termination methods. Huber+Suhner says its HCF connectors are designed to interface with standard single-mode fibre systems while protecting the hollow core structure and maintaining performance in operational environments. For more from Huber+Suhner, click here.

STL launches Neuralis US data centre platform

STL, an optical and digital systems company, has launched its Neuralis data centre connectivity portfolio in the United States, targeting infrastructure designed for artificial intelligence and high-density computing environments. The announcement was made by STL Optical Connectivity NA, the company’s US subsidiary, at Data Center World 2026 in Washington, D.C. Neuralis is designed to support evolving data centre requirements, particularly the shift towards AI workloads, hyperscale computing, and edge deployments. These trends are increasing demand for high-speed, high-density connectivity within and between facilities. The portfolio focuses on managing the transition from traditional north–south traffic flows to more intensive east–west traffic, driven by GPU-based architectures and AI training processes. Designed for high-density AI infrastructure The Neuralis portfolio is structured around two main areas: The first focuses on maximising data centre space through the use of high-density, pre-terminated fibre cabling. This approach moves connection work into manufacturing environments, reducing on-site installation time and complexity. The second area addresses data centre interconnect (DCI), supporting large-scale data transfer between sites. This includes fibre infrastructure designed for high-capacity environments, with cables capable of supporting large fibre counts for AI deployments. STL has developed the portfolio through collaboration with customers, with a focus on addressing space, density, and deployment challenges in modern data centres. The company’s manufacturing process covers the full fibre lifecycle, including preform production, fibre drawing, cabling, and connector integration. Production for the US market is supported by STL’s facility in Lugoff, South Carolina. Ankit Agarwal, Managing Director of STL, notes, "AI demands a level of precision and density that traditional cabling simply cannot meet. "With STL Neuralis, we are providing the high-speed, low-latency foundation that allows GPU clusters to perform at their peak, moving complexity out of the field and into a controlled, high-precision factory environment." The launch reflects increasing demand for infrastructure capable of supporting AI-driven workloads, as operators continue to scale data centre capacity across North America. For more from STL, click here.

DE-CIX, Ooredoo link Doha IX to Marseille

Internet exchange (IX) operator DE-CIX and Qatari telecommunications company Ooredoo have connected Doha IX to DE-CIX Marseille, expanding international interconnection for networks in Qatar. The link connects Qatar’s first commercial internet exchange with a wider European ecosystem, enabling direct access to networks in Marseille and remote connectivity to those linked via DE-CIX Frankfurt. Doha IX is operated by Ooredoo under the DE-CIX-as-a-Service model and is hosted in one of the company’s data centres. The interconnection is intended to improve access to cloud platforms and digital services not currently available locally. The connection allows networks in Qatar to exchange data directly with almost 120 networks in Marseille, as well as access a broader pool of networks connected through Frankfurt, one of Europe’s largest internet exchanges. This supports lower-latency connectivity and provides additional resilience for cloud and content delivery. It also enables access to major cloud providers through dedicated and private connections, alongside tools designed to support hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Expanding low-latency access to global networks Since its launch in October, Doha IX has developed as a carrier-neutral interconnection hub, supporting local and international data exchange. The platform also offers services including cloud connectivity, IP transit, hosting, and colocation. Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX, says, “The direct interconnection between the IXs in Doha and Marseille brings the world closer together. “By providing even better performance and user experience for internet-based content and applications, our collaboration with Ooredoo opens up new opportunities for Qatar’s digital economy. "Enhanced connectivity will further strengthen the digital ecosystem in the GCC, supporting economic growth and innovation while paving the way for the amazing digital decades ahead of us.” Hassan Ismail Al Emadi, Chief Business Officer at Ooredoo Qatar, adds, “The direct interconnection between Doha IX and DE-CIX Marseille represents a strategic expansion of Qatar’s global digital reach. “By linking our national interconnection platform with one of Europe’s leading internet exchange ecosystems, we are enabling differentiated digital performance through lower latency, enhanced resilience, and secure, seamless access to global cloud and content networks. "This collaboration reinforces Qatar’s position as a regional digital gateway and enables enterprises to operate with greater performance, reach, and competitiveness, accelerating digital transformation across Qatar and the wider GCC.” The companies say the development reflects continued investment in interconnection infrastructure to support growing demand for cloud services and international data exchange. For more from DE-CIX, click here.

Carrier opens €12m Montluel HVAC testing facility

Carrier, a manufacturer of HVAC, refrigeration, and fire and security equipment, has opened a new testing facility at its European Centre of Excellence in Montluel, France, to support the development of cooling and heating technologies for data centres, industry, and large commercial buildings. The €12 million (£10.4 million) investment expands the company’s research and development capacity, with a focus on high-performance systems aligned with electrification trends and the use of lower-impact refrigerants. Testing at the site follows Eurovent-certified performance methodologies. The expansion comes as demand for data centre infrastructure continues to grow across Europe. According to JLL’s 2026 Global Data Center Outlook, the EMEA region is expected to add 13GW of new capacity by 2030, driven by hyperscale deployments and artificial intelligence workloads, particularly in markets such as London, Frankfurt, and Paris. Increased capacity for HVAC system testing The new laboratory is designed to support testing across a wide range of operating conditions. It enables evaluation of air-cooled chillers up to 3,200kW, air-source heat pumps up to 1,500kW, and water-source systems up to 6,000kW. The facility can simulate temperatures ranging from −20°C to +60°C, with humidity control, and supports water flow rates of up to 1,600m³/h. This allows for testing under varied and demanding conditions relevant to real-world applications. Bertrand Rotagnon, Executive Director, Commercial Business Line and Data Centres Europe at Carrier, comments, “With these new test laboratory facilities, we’re raising the bar on how we support customers and partners in Europe. “The combination of higher test capacity and advanced environmental control lets us validate performance with zero tolerance, earlier, and bring solutions to market faster, giving customers the confidence to move ahead on high-efficiency cooling and heating for data centres, industry, and district heating.” Nicolas Fonte, Director, Systems Engineering at Carrier Climate Solutions Europe, adds, “The new testing facility expands our engineering team's ability to test and validate chillers and heat pumps for very wide and [the] most critical operating conditions. “This new equipment enables us to validate performance, with high precision, of next-generation chillers and large heat pump platforms supporting [increasing] customers' requests for future infrastructures.” The development forms part of the company's stated ongoing investment in HVAC technologies to meet increasing performance, efficiency, and regulatory requirements across European markets. For more from Carrier, click here.

EPRI, OCP aim to advance DCs as flexible grid resources

EPRI (the Electric Power Research Institute), an independent, non-profit energy research and development organisation, and the Open Compute Project (OCP), a non-profit organisation that develops and shares open hardware standards and designs for data centre infrastructure, have announced a collaboration focused on developing data centres as flexible resources for power systems. The initiative aims to support digital infrastructure growth while improving how data centres interact with electricity networks, particularly as demand increases from artificial intelligence and other compute-intensive workloads. By working together, the organisations intend to support improved integration between data centres and power systems while developing technical frameworks to enable more flexible operation. Arshad Mansoor, President and CEO of EPRI, comments, “We’re in the midst of an energy revolution, and it must be smart, flexible, and innovative to keep rates affordable for customers across the globe. “Through this collaboration with OCP, EPRI is combining rigorous power system science with open, scalable data centre innovation to advance practical solutions that enable data centres to operate as flexible, grid-supporting resources - strengthening reliability and affordability for all.” Developing flexible data centre energy models The collaboration brings together stakeholders across the energy and data centre sectors, including a European group involving DCFlex, National Grid, NESO, PPC, RTE, and RWE. This group is working to develop frameworks that reflect operational requirements, with a focus on improving resilience and scalability as data centre capacity expands. Activities include work on shared standards, testing environments, and implementation guidance for flexible data centre operations. Zane Ball, Chief Technology Officer at OCP, notes, “With a growing member base and top-tier data centre expertise coming together with a single vision, our collaboration creates opportunities for harmonised standards, shared testing environments, and coordinated guidance for implementing flexible, resilient, and affordable data centre solutions.” EPRI says it is also supporting the work through field demonstrations at data centres in Europe and the United States, exploring flexible load approaches that could support grid stability and reduce barriers to connection.