Data Centre Infrastructure News & Trends

R&M introduces radio-based access control for racks

R&M, a Swiss developer and provider of infrastructure for data and communications networks, is introducing radio-based access control for data centres. The core product is an electromechanical door handle for the racks of the BladeShelter and Freenet families from R&M. Technicians can only open the door handles with authorised transponder cards, while administrators can control them remotely via encrypted radio connections and data networks. R&M says it is thus integrating high-security digital protection into its "holistic infrastructure solutions" for data centres. Package details One installation comprises up to 1,200 door handles for server and network racks, as well as radio and control modules for computer rooms. The door handles do not require any wiring in the racks. Their electronics are powered by batteries whose power is sufficient for three years of operation or 30,000 locking cycles. The personalised transponder cards communicate with the door handles via RFID antennas. In addition, there is software to manage users, access rights, the transponder cards, and racks. The software creates protocols, visualises alarm states, and supports other functions. It can be operated remotely and integrated into superordinate systems such as data centre infrastructure management (DCIM). The new offer is the result of the collaboration with German manufacturer EMKA, being based on the company's 'Agent E', an intelligent locking system. The R&M offering aims to integrate complementary systems from selected manufacturers into infrastructure for data centres. In Europe, R&M notes it is already working with several independent partner companies that pursue comparable medium-sized business models and sustainability goals. For more from R&M, click here.

Why cooling design is critical to the cloud

In this article for DCNN, Ross Waite, Export Sales Manager at Balmoral Tanks, examines how design decisions today will shape sustainable and resilient cooling infrastructure for decades to come: Running hot and running dry? Driven by the surge in AI and cloud computing, new data centres are appearing at pace across Europe, North America, and beyond. Much of the debate has focused on how we power sites, yet there is another side to the story, one that determines whether those billions invested in servers actually deliver: cooling. Servers run hot, 24/7, and without reliable water systems to manage that heat, even the best-connected facilities cannot operate as intended. In fact, cooling is fast becoming the next frontier in data centre design and the decisions made today will echo for decades. A growing thirst Data centres are rapidly emerging as one of the most significant commercial water consumers worldwide. Current global estimates suggest that facilities already use over 560 billion litres of water annually, with that figure set to more than double to 1,200 billion litres by 2030 as AI workloads intensify. The numbers at an individual site are equally stark. A single 100 MW hyperscale centre can use up to 2.5 billion litres per year - enough to supply a city of 80,000 people. Google has reported daily use of more than 2.1 million litres at some sites, while Microsoft’s 2023 global consumption rose 34% year-on-year to reach 6.4 million cubic metres. Meta reported 95% of its 2023 water use - some 3.1 billion litres - came from data centres. The majority of this is consumed in evaporative cooling systems, where 80% of drawn water is lost to evaporation and just 20% returns for treatment. While some operators are trialling reclaimed or non-potable sources, these currently make up less than 5% of total supply. The headline numbers can sound bleak, but water use is not inherently unsustainable. Increasingly, facilities are moving towards closed-loop cooling systems that recycle water for six to eight months at a time, reducing continuous draw from mains supply. These systems require bulk storage capacity, both for the initial fill and for holding treated water ready for reuse. Designing resilience into water systems This is where design choices made early in a project pay dividends. Consultants working on new builds are specifying not only the volume of water storage or the type of system that should be used but also the standards to which they are built. Tanks that support fire suppression, potable water, and process cooling need to meet stringent criteria, often set by insurers as well as regulators. Selecting materials and coatings that deliver 30-50 years of service life can prevent expensive retrofits and reassure both clients and communities that these systems are designed to last. Smart water management, in other words, begins not onsite, but on the drawing board. For consultants who are designing the build specifications for data centres, water is more than a technical input; it is a reputational risk. Once a specification is signed off and issued to tender, it is rarely altered. Getting it right first time is essential. That means selecting partners who can provide not just tanks, but expertise: helping ensure that water systems meet performance, safety, and sustainability criteria across decades of operation. The payback is twofold. First, consultants safeguard their client’s investment by embedding resilience from the start. Second, they position themselves as trusted advisors in one of the most scrutinised aspects of data centre development. In a sector where projects often run to tens or hundreds of millions of pounds, this credibility matters. Power may dominate the headlines, but cooling - and by extension water - is the silent foundation of the digital economy. Without it, AI models do not train, cloud services do not scale, and data stops flowing. The future of data centres will be judged not only on how much power they consume, but on how intelligently they use water - and that judgement begins with design. If data centres are the beating heart of the modern economy, then water is the life force that keeps them alive. Cooling the cloud is not an afterthought; it is the future.

ABB supplies power tech for Applied Digital's AI factory

ABB, a multinational corporation specialising in industrial automation and electrification products, has expanded its collaboration with Applied Digital, an operator of high-performance data centres, to supply power infrastructure for the company’s second AI factory campus in North Dakota, USA. The latest order, booked in late 2025, covers new medium-voltage electrical architecture designed to support the rising power demands of AI workloads. Financial terms have not been disclosed. Powering the AI factory Applied Digital’s Polaris Forge 2 campus, located near Harwood, North Dakota, is planned to deliver 300 MW of capacity across two buildings due to enter operation in 2026 and 2027. The site is being developed with scope for further expansion. ABB will provide both low- and medium-voltage electrical systems intended to help the facility achieve high efficiency levels and a low projected PUE. Todd Gale, Chief Development Officer at Applied Digital, says, “Our partnership with ABB reflects Applied Digital’s commitment to redefining what is possible in data centre scale and performance. “Polaris Forge 2 represents the next evolution of our AI factory model - beginning with two 150-megawatt buildings with the ability to scale - solidifying our position as a leader in delivering high-performance, energy-efficient AI infrastructure.” ABB Smart Power President Massimiliano Cifalitti comments, “As AI reshapes data centres, ABB is working with leading digital infrastructure innovators to introduce a new generation of advanced power system solutions. “The medium voltage architecture developed with Applied Digital is a big step forward for large-scale AI facilities. Working together closely from the start enabled both teams to identify opportunities to drive higher efficiency, performance, and reliability, along with lower costs and faster time to market.” Applied Digital has reported that the first 200 MW of capacity at Polaris Forge 2 will be leased to a US-based hyperscaler. The companies’ partnership began in June 2025 with the development of Applied Digital’s first 400 MW AI campus, Polaris Forge 1, in Ellendale, North Dakota. Both campuses use ABB’s HiPerGuard medium-voltage UPS and medium-voltage switchgear. Moving power distribution to medium voltage using this approach is intended to increase power density, improve efficiency, and support scaling in larger blocks, while also reducing cabling requirements. For more from ABB, click here.

BAC releases upgraded immersion cooling tanks

Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC), a provider of data centre cooling equipment, has introduced an updated immersion cooling tank for high-performance data centres, incorporating its CorTex technology to improve reliability, efficiency, and support for high-density computing environments. The company says the latest tank has been engineered to provide consistent performance with minimal maintenance, noting its sealed design has no penetrations below the fluid level, helping maintain fluid integrity and reduce leakage risks. Dual pumps are included for redundancy and the filter-free configuration removes the need for routine filter replacement. Design improvements for reliability and ease of operation The tanks are available in four sizes - 16RU, 32RU, 38RU, and 48RU - allowing operators to accommodate a range of immersion-ready servers. Air-cooled servers can also be adapted for immersion use. Each unit supports server widths of 19 and 21 inches (~48 cm and ~53 cm) and depths up to 1,200 mm, enabling higher rack densities within a smaller footprint than traditional air-cooled systems. BAC states that the design can support power usage effectiveness levels of up to 1.05, depending on the wider installation. The system uses dielectric fluid to transfer heat from servers to the internal heat exchanger, while external circuits can run on water or water-glycol mixtures. Cable entry points, the lid, and heat-exchanger connections are fluid-tight to help prevent contamination. The immersion tank forms the indoor component of BAC’s Cobalt system, which combines indoor and outdoor cooling technologies for high-density computing. The system can be paired with BAC’s evaporative, hybrid, adiabatic, or dry outdoor equipment to create a complete cooling configuration for data centres managing higher-powered servers and AI-driven workloads. For more from BAC, click here.

ZutaCore unveils waterless end-of-row CDUs

ZutaCore, a developer of liquid cooling technology, has introduced a new family of waterless end-of-row (EOR) coolant distribution units (CDUs) designed for high-density artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) environments. The units are available in 1.2 MW and 2 MW configurations and form part of the company’s direct-to-chip, two-phase liquid cooling portfolio. According to ZutaCore, the EOR CDU range is intended to support multiple server racks from a single unit while maintaining rack-level monitoring and control. The company states that this centralised design reduces duplicated infrastructure and enables waterless operation inside the white space, addressing energy-efficiency and sustainability requirements in modern data centres. The cooling approach uses ZutaCore’s two-phase, direct-to-chip technology and a low-global warming potential dielectric fluid. Heat is rejected into the facility without water inside the server hall, aiming to reduce condensation and leak risk while improving thermal efficiency. My Truong, Chief Technology Officer at ZutaCore, says, “AI data centres demand reliable, scalable thermal management that provides rapid insights to operate at full potential. Our new end-of-row CDU family gives operators the control, intelligence, and reliability required to scale sustainably. "By integrating advanced cooling physics with modern RESTful APIs for remote monitoring and management, we’re enabling data centres to unlock new performance levels without compromising uptime or efficiency.” Centralised cooling and deployment models ZutaCore states that the systems are designed to support varying availability requirements, with hot-swappable components for continuous operation. Deployment options include a single-unit configuration for cost-effective scaling or an active-standby arrangement for enterprise environments that require higher redundancy levels. The company adds that the units offer encrypted connectivity and real-time monitoring through RESTful APIs, aimed at supporting operational visibility across multiple cooling units. The EOR CDU platform is set to be used in EGIL Wings’ 15 MW AI Vault facility, as part of a combined approach to sustainable, high-density compute infrastructure. Leland Sparks, President of EGIL Wings, claims, “ZutaCore’s end-of-row CDUs are exactly the kind of innovation needed to meet the energy and thermal challenges of AI-scale compute. "By pairing ZutaCore’s waterless cooling with our sustainable power systems, we can deliver data centres that are faster to deploy, more energy-efficient, and ready for the global scale of AI.” ZutaCore notes that its cooling technology has been deployed across more than forty global sites over the past four years, with users including Equinix, SoftBank, and the University of Münster. The company says it continues to expand through partnerships with organisations such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Carrier, and ASRock Rack, including work on systems designed for next-generation AI servers.

National Grid upgrading Oxfordshire substation to connect DCs

National Grid, the UK’s largest electricity distribution network, has started work to upgrade its Didcot substation in Oxfordshire, a key infrastructure development that will connect data centres and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to the electricity transmission network. Situated next to the former Didcot A coal power station and just two miles from the UK’s first AI Growth Zone at Culham, the upgraded substation is aimed at supporting Britain’s digital ambitions while boosting grid capacity for future projects to plug in. Alongside new data centres, 650MW of battery schemes will connect through the extended facility, completing a transition from ‘coal to clean’ at the site and helping to meet growing demand for flexible, zero carbon power in the region. Details of the upgrades The upgrade will see the existing 400kV outdoor air-insulated substation extended with three bays and three supergrid transformers, while a new 132kV indoor gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) facility will be built next door, minimising the footprint of the development and its impact on the environment. The new GIS facility will feature Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ switchgear technology, a sustainable alternative to sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) - a greenhouse gas commonly used as an electrical insulator - marking another step in National Grid’s commitment to reduce SF6 emissions from its network by 50% by 2030. Linxon has been appointed as principal contractor to deliver the substation upgrades, building on its collaboration with National Grid on projects such as London Power Tunnels, which will see the UK’s first SF6-free GIS substation at Bengeworth Road. Work at Didcot comes just months after construction commenced on National Grid’s new Uxbridge Moor substation in neighbouring Buckinghamshire, which is due to connect over a dozen new data centres and which will also use SF6-free switchgear. Peter Hancock, Project Director at National Grid Electricity Transmission, says, “Our Didcot substation extension marks another step forward in powering the UK’s digital future. "By enabling new data centres and battery storage systems to connect to the grid, we’re supporting both the energy transition and the growth of the digital economy regionally and nationally. “With SF6-free technology at its heart, this project reflects our commitment to building a cleaner, greener electricity network for generations to come.” Angel Guijarro, Managing Director of Linxon Europe, adds, “Linxon’s appointment to this project is a testament to our strong partnership with National Grid and our shared vision for a sustainable energy future. "We are committed to delivering a turnkey solution that will enhance the reliability and efficiency of Didcot substation, benefitting both local and national communities.” Electricity demand in Britain is expected to double by 2050, with demand from data centres alone set to triple from 3% of the country’s total in 2025 to 9% by 2035. For more from National Grid, click here.

Capacity Europe 2025 notes record attendance

The 24th edition of Capacity Europe, an event for global digital infrastructure and connectivity, wrapped up last week after three packed days and record-breaking attendance, cementing its status as a major event for the global connectivity ecosystem. Hosted by provider of digital infrastructure events techoraco at the InterContinental London – The O2, the event brought together over 3,600 senior leaders from more than 100 countries, marking the largest turnout in its history. Discussions around a changing landscape This year’s event showcased the industry’s rapid transformation, fuelled by advances in AI and the expansion of data infrastructure, reshaping the telecommunications and digital infrastructure landscape. With a focus on innovation, investment, and next-generation network strategy, Capacity Europe 2025 placed a spotlight firmly on the evolving digital ecosystem. Opening the show was the keynote panel 'Disrupt to Lead: The New Telco Mindset'. The session explored how next-generation infrastructure is reshaping the telecom industry and driving operators toward new business models. Panellists examined the evolution from traditional carriers to "techcos", blending infrastructure with value-added services and platform-based offerings that deliver on-demand, flexible experiences for enterprise customers. Moderated by Silvia Peneva, Managing Director of GLF & ITW at techoraco, the panel featured industry figures including Annette Murphy (CCO, Colt Technology Services), Enrico Bagnasco (CEO, Sparkle), Dimitrios Rizoulis (SVP Global Connectivity, T Wholesale), Fánan Henriques (Director of Product & International Business, Vodafone Business), Valerie Cussac (CEO, Orange Wholesale International), and Mohammed Al-Abbadi (Group Chief Carrier & Wholesale Officer, STC). “Capacity Europe 2025 has been our most impactful year yet,” notes Liss Boot-Handford, Product Director at Capacity Media, techoraco. “The energy, collaboration, and level of deal-making we’ve seen this year demonstrates how vital this event is to the industry’s future.” Key milestones • More than 3,600 senior leaders from over 100 countries• Upwards of 80 keynote sessions and panels• Over 250 exhibitors and sponsors• Record number of partnership deals signed on site Across its keynote sessions and panel discussions, the event delivered insights from leaders across telecoms, cloud, edge, investment, and AI infrastructure. Highlights included explorations of the global dynamics redefining connectivity and the race to expand digital capacity to meet AI-driven demand. As Capacity Europe looks ahead to its milestone 25th anniversary in 2026, this year’s success sets the stage for another chapter in the evolution of global digital connectivity. The 2026 edition will return to the InterContinental London – The O2, from 13-16 October 2026. For more on Capacity Europe, click here.

Vertiv to supply Digital Realty's new Italy campus

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure, today announced it will supply infrastructure for ROM1, Digital Realty's first data centre in Italy and which has a planned capacity exceeding 3 MW. The agreement extends the suite of Vertiv systems and existing technology implementations with Digital Realty across European locations, including Paris, Madrid, and Amsterdam. The ROM1 facility will feature advanced cooling and power infrastructure designed specifically for high-performance computing (HPC) environments. The technology implementation includes free-cooling systems that leverage Rome's climate conditions and energy-efficient power management systems designed to support high-density workloads. The ROM1 project The project will be implemented in phases, with the facility planned to begin operations in 2027. ROM1 will serve as a carrier-neutral facility optimised for AI and machine learning workloads. Its strategic location aims to establish Rome as a key digital hub, connecting to major Mediterranean cities through fibre networks and submarine cables. Expansion plans also include connectivity in Barcelona, launching in early 2026. The new facility will support the company’s growth in the Mediterranean, complementing its existing data centres in Marseille, Athens, and Crete. Alessandro Talotta, Managing Director, Italy at Digital Realty, says, "Rome is emerging as a crucial gateway for digital infrastructure between Europe and the Mediterranean. "The cutting-edge technologies selected for ROM1 will help establish it as a strategic AI hub, setting new benchmarks for energy efficiency and performance in high-performance computing." Karsten Winther, President for EMEA at Vertiv, adds, "The growing adoption of AI applications is driving the need for more sophisticated data centre infrastructure. "Our cooling and power solutions are built on decades of experience in supporting the most demanding applications and are designed for projected scalability while helping customers meet their efficiency objectives." Technical details of ROM1 include AI-ready cooling systems that, Vertiv says, adapt to varying workload demands, as well as high-efficiency power distribution designed for intensive computing. The facility incorporates smart environmental controls that respond to real-time conditions and are integrated with alternative energy sources. The two companies say these technological choices reflect their joint focus on supporting advanced computing needs while minimising energy consumption and environmental impact. For more from Vertiv, click here.

ABB, VoltaGrid to strengthen power stability for AI expansion

ABB, a multinational corporation specialising in industrial automation and electrification products, has secured three new orders from VoltaGrid, a Texas-based microgrid power generation company, to provide grid stabilisation technology supporting data centres across the United States. The projects will supply stable and reliable electricity to facilities currently under construction for AI infrastructure. The contracts were booked during the first three quarters of 2025; financial details were not disclosed. Strengthening grid resilience for AI-driven demand To meet the growing power needs of data centres, ABB will deliver a package of 27 synchronous condensers with flywheels and prefabricated eHouse units. These include power control, automation, and excitation systems integrated into the synchronous condenser panels. The units deliver instantaneous inertia, support short-circuit faults, and regulate network voltage by supplying or absorbing reactive power, helping maintain grid stability as electricity demand increases. VoltaGrid will provide its natural-gas-fuelled power systems, designed for rapid deployment and to meet the specific power requirements of hyperscale data centres. Project delivery will begin in December 2025, with the first systems expected to be operational by April 2026. Nathan Ough, CEO of VoltaGrid, claims, “ABB’s synchronous condensers are vital for meeting the energy demands of next-generation technologies like AI data centres, thanks to their proven ability to ensure grid stability and enhance overall power system resilience. "Partnering with ABB allows us to accelerate project execution and meet the growing performance demands of AI operations.” Supporting the evolving data centre power ecosystem According to recent estimates, data centres accounted for around 1.5% of global electricity consumption in 2024, with the United States responsible for 45% of that total. By 2030, US data centre power use is projected to represent almost half of the country’s total growth in electricity demand. Analysts predict that, by the same year, the US will consume more electricity for data processing than for manufacturing energy-intensive materials such as aluminium, steel, cement, and chemicals. As global demand for AI and cloud computing accelerates, ABB says it continues to provide electrification, automation, and digital technologies to "ensure secure and efficient energy systems for data centre operators." Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division, says, “ABB is proud to partner with VoltaGrid and support the evolving energy ecosystem in the US. "Data centres have become critical national infrastructure and maintaining grid stability has moved from being optional to essential. Reliable, efficient power generation is key to enabling their continued growth.” Kristina Carlquist, Head of the Synchronous Condenser Product Line at ABB’s Motion High Power division, adds, “Although synchronous condensers resemble large motors or generators, their real strength lies in grid support. "As data centres expand, these machines are becoming increasingly important for providing inertia and short-circuit strength. For VoltaGrid, they will help ensure stable and resilient microgrid operation.” For more from ABB, click here.

CEL Critical Power opens $40m US manufacturing facility

CEL Critical Power, an Ireland-based manufacturer of switchgear and power equipment for the global data centre industry, has opened its first large-scale manufacturing facility in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA. The new 400,000-square-foot (37,161-square-metre) plant, operational since June, represents a $40 million (£30.3 million) investment and a major step in CEL Critical Power’s international expansion. The facility increases the company’s manufacturing footprint in the United States - the world’s largest and fastest-growing market for AI and cloud infrastructure - while strengthening its ability to serve key data centre clients. Strengthening US presence and creating skilled jobs The Virginia expansion is intended to generate more than 250 skilled roles within the next year, rising to 500 by 2030 across engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, logistics, and site services. The facility forms part of CEL Critical Power’s strategy to reach $500 million (£379.5 million) in annual revenue by 2030, supported by its existing operations in Ireland. Together, its global production capacity now exceeds 500,000 square feet (46,451 square metres). A key component of the project is CEL Critical Power’s collaboration with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and its registration with the US Department of Defense 'SkillBridge' programme. Through partnerships with Naval Station Norfolk and regional alliances, the initiative offers active-duty service members and military veterans opportunities to transition into civilian technical careers. Manufacturing data centre power CEL Critical Power designs and manufactures power distribution units (PDUs), remote power panels (RPPs), and switchgear systems for data centre environments. The company says its engineering approach emphasises reliability, efficiency, and short production cycles, developed through close collaboration with customers from concept through to deployment. Niall McFadden, Group CEO of CEL Critical Power, comments, “The opening of our first US manufacturing facility marks an important step in CEL Critical Power’s growth strategy. "We have listened closely to our customers and recognise their need for trusted partners who can scale alongside them in the United States. This $40 million investment reflects our long-term commitment to supporting those customers in a rapidly expanding market. “Thanks to the support of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and our collaboration with the Department of Defense SkillBridge programme and Naval Station Norfolk, we plan to create up to 500 skilled jobs in Virginia by 2030." Alan McCartney, Chief Sales Officer at CEL Critical Power, adds, “As a manufacturer of custom power systems for the global data centre industry, we are expanding our capacity to meet growing demand from customers investing in AI and cloud infrastructure. “Our design-for-manufacture approach allows us to address specific technical and scheduling requirements and to deliver custom-built systems at scale. Our products are designed to support the next generation of AI workloads and the emerging Neo-Cloud sector.” Graham Carr, Vice President of Sales, North America, CEL Critical Power, says, “CEL Critical Power is proud to invest in Virginia, working with VEDP, the DoD SkillBridge programme, and Naval Station Norfolk to create meaningful career pathways for veterans while supporting the state’s growing technology sector. "Virginia offers a strong supply chain, excellent infrastructure, and a deep pool of technical talent.”