Data Centre Infrastructure News & Trends

'We used to consume energy; today, we manage it'

For 40 years, Janitza has helped shape the evolution of modern power infrastructure. Today, digitalisation, electrification, and increasingly volatile power grids are fundamentally changing requirements for visibility, availability, and power quality. In this interview, Alexander Veidt (pictured above), CEO at Janitza, explains the challenges arising from these developments and how the company is positioning itself for the energy infrastructure of the future: DCNN: Power infrastructure worldwide is becoming increasingly complex, dynamic, and data driven. Which trends are driving this transformation the most? Alexander: I see three key developments. First, we are seeing large-scale electrification of industry, buildings, transportation, and heating systems. Second, there is increasing decentralisation and volatility driven by renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and flexible loads. Third, there is a growing need for transparency because energy is no longer just a cost factor; it has become a strategic business resource. All of this is leading to a fundamental shift. We used to consume energy; today, we manage it. We need to know where the energy comes from, when it is available, and how we can control it, store it, or send it back to the grid. DCNN: Electrification is pushing power grids to their limits in many parts of the world. Is the key question ultimately whether enough energy is available? Alexander: That is certainly a central question. Equally important, however, is the question of power quality. We have been focused on power quality for 40 years, and one thing is becoming increasingly clear: power quality is deteriorating. DCNN: What specific issues are you seeing? Alexander: One example is grid frequency. Conventional power plants create a physically stable and inert grid through their rotating masses. Today, many renewable energy sources feed power into the grid through power electronics and inverter technologies. As a result, grid behaviour is changing compared to traditional systems based on large rotating generators. DCNN: How are AI data centres intensifying these challenges? Alexander: At the end of the day, data centres are major energy consumers. However, when it comes to AI data centres, a new question is emerging: Do we have the right power quality, at the right time, in the right place, and can we control it reliably? In addition, we should not overlook the fact that data centres also influence the power grid itself. During AI training runs or sudden demand spikes, significant and rapid changes in power demand can place considerable stress on the electrical network. DCNN: Janitza has been developing solutions for its customers for 40 years. How is the company evolving its products to address these new requirements?Alexander: Our UMG 512-PRO Power Quality Analyzer is a comprehensive solution with a strong track record in the market. Additionally, we are preparing to launch the next generation of our measurement devices, designed specifically to address the issues we have just discussed. What’s more, this applies across all voltage levels. For each level, we offer dedicated product families capable of detecting these issues, processing the data, and helping customers manage them while addressing the specific characteristics of each grid environment. DCNN: We have talked about AI in data centres. What role will AI play in Janitza’s portfolio in the coming years? Alexander: AI will play a major role. One of our advantages is that Janitza solutions generate data, and data is the foundation for training AI models. Only then can large volumes of data be used effectively for monitoring, control, optimisation, and automation. We are already implementing AI applications, including within GridVis (our energy monitoring and power quality analysis software) and in planning tools for electrical infrastructure. Janitza has made energy data visible to its customers across every generation of our products. Access to data is not the issue; AI takes the analysis of these vast volumes of measurement data to an entirely new level and makes that information significantly more actionable. DCNN: As power grids become more complex, companies around the world are also facing increasing regulatory pressure. Which issues are currently top of mind for your customers? Alexander: I see two primary issues. The first is sustainability: reducing CO₂ emissions and lowering energy consumption, driven by regulatory requirements and compliance deadlines. The second is the growing international influence of regulatory frameworks. Today, we can clearly see how regulations established in one region increasingly affect companies in other parts of the world. DCNN: In this dynamic environment, where do you see the greatest growth opportunities for Janitza over the next several years, particularly on an international level? Alexander: Everywhere electrical infrastructure is critical, complex, and closely tied to economic growth. That includes data centres, industrial facilities, energy infrastructure, healthcare, and large commercial buildings. North America will remain one of our most important strategic markets, particularly because it is home to the world's largest data centre ecosystem. At the same time, we will continue to diversify our business and expand into new industries. Each region we are targeting faces its own challenges. We understand those challenges and know how to address them in different ways. That positions us well for continued growth. DCNN: Janitza celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026. What can customers continue to expect from Janitza in the years ahead? Alexander: For us, Janitza’s 40th anniversary is both an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved and a starting point for the next stage of our development. Over the years, we have built a strong commitment to quality and innovation that our customers can continue to rely on. At the same time, we are investing heavily to ensure that we remain among the technology leaders in our industry. Our customers can count on Janitza to remain the innovative specialist in energy measurement technology. This is our passion. For more from Janitza, cick here. This article is sponsored by Janitza

Rimac, Ecoblox develop AI data centre power systems

Rimac Technology, a Croatian supplier of electric vehicle batteries, powertrains, and software, and Ecoblox, a provider of modular data centres for AI and high-performance computing, have signed a joint development agreement to develop a modular data centre incorporating battery storage and power electronics technology for AI infrastructure. As demand for AI and high-performance computing increases, the availability of power, cooling capacity, and suitable deployment space is becoming an increasingly important consideration for data centre development. The companies say they aim to address these requirements through an integrated modular design for high-density workloads. The modular data centre will incorporate Rimac Technology’s UNI battery modules, alongside a battery management system (BMS) that provides real-time monitoring and control. Telemetry will feed into Ecoblox’s data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) platform, providing centralised monitoring, alarms, and analytics. The design also integrates power conversion, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, precision cooling, and IT infrastructure within a single modular footprint. The companies say the battery system is intended to improve serviceability and extend backup power duration for critical computing equipment. Battery technology integrated into modular infrastructure Rimac Technology’s battery modules were developed for automotive applications and incorporate thermal management and safety features. The companies are now applying the technology to AI infrastructure, where power density, thermal management, and reliability are key considerations. Ecoblox, an NVIDIA Preferred Partner, provides modular data centres and GPU infrastructure integration, including cluster design, procurement, installation, and managed services. Its offering includes prefabricated air- and liquid-cooled enclosures, DCIM software, and high-performance computing and GPU-as-a-service platforms. Ecoblox says its infrastructure can be deployed in six to eight months, allowing cloud providers, enterprises, and sovereign computing projects to establish capacity close to available power sources. Doug Makishima, CEO at Ecoblox, comments, "Partnering with Rimac Technology allows us to redefine high-density power delivery for the next generation of AI compute. "By integrating automotive-grade energy storage and power electronics directly into our modular data centre architecture, we are removing grid constraints and enabling cloud providers and enterprise customers to deploy scalable, power-resilient AI clusters faster and more efficiently than ever before." Nurdin Pitarevic, CEO of Rimac Technology, adds, "Our battery and power electronics technologies have been developed and industrialised to meet some of the most demanding requirements in the automotive industry. "The same capabilities are increasingly relevant to high-power AI infrastructure, where power density, thermal management, safety, and reliability are critical. "Together with Ecoblox, we are applying these technologies to a new high-power application and bringing automotive-grade technology to AI data centres." The companies plan to install the modular data centre at Rimac Campus in November 2026. It will serve as a live demonstration of the joint system for customers and partners.

Supporting decommissioning through refrigerant recovery

As demand for AI, cloud-based services, and high-performance computing continues to grow, the UK data centre landscape is changing rapidly. Larger, more energy-intensive facilities are being developed to meet future digital infrastructure requirements, while some older and smaller data centres are being decommissioned, repurposed, or replaced. As part of a wider demolition project linked to the closure of a data centre, A‑Gas Rapid Recovery was appointed to safely recover refrigerant from cooling equipment before the site was stripped out, preventing the release of high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants into the atmosphere and keeping valuable product in circulation. The challenge Data centres rely on cooling systems to maintain critical operating conditions. When these systems are decommissioned, refrigerant must be recovered safely, efficiently, and in line with F-Gas requirements. Releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere is not only harmful to the environment but also represents the loss of a valuable resource that can be reclaimed and reused. In this case, the project formed part of a broader demolition programme following the planned closure of the data centre. The customer required a specialist recovery partner capable of working safely within a complex site environment whilst helping ensure that high GWP refrigerants were captured and managed responsibly. The solution A-Gas Rapid Recovery provided an on-site refrigerant recovery solution, using specialist equipment and experienced engineers to recover refrigerant from the data centre’s cooling systems. By carrying out the recovery work ahead of demolition, A-Gas helped ensure that the refrigerant was removed safely and that the customer could progress the wider site closure project with confidence. The recovered refrigerant was managed in line with A-Gas’s Lifecycle Refrigerant Management (LRM) philosophy, which focuses on recovering, reclaiming, and repurposing refrigerant wherever possible. This approach helps reduce the need for virgin product, supports circularity, and ensures refrigerants are kept in use for as long as possible. The results • Recovered over one tonne of high-GWP refrigerants from the data centre site• Prevented refrigerant from being released into the atmosphere• Supported the wider demolition programme by enabling the safe decommissioning of cooling equipment• Kept valuable refrigerant product in circulation through responsible recovery and onward lifecycle management• Demonstrated how data centre closure projects can support both compliance and circular economy goals Jake Matthews, Head of Gas Acquisition at A-Gas, says, “Recovering refrigerant is critical to reducing emissions and protecting valuable resources. Every kilogram we recover is a kilogram prevented from being released into the atmosphere, helping our customers meet their environmental responsibilities while supporting a more circular approach to refrigerant management.” Why it matters The growth of AI and cloud-based services is increasing demand for modern data centre infrastructure. As the market evolves, older facilities may be closed, replaced, or upgraded to meet new requirements around capacity, power density, and efficiency. These transition points create an important opportunity to recover refrigerants responsibly and reduce the environmental impact of decommissioning activity. By partnering with A-Gas Rapid Recovery, customers can ensure that refrigerants are captured efficiently, handled compliantly, and directed into appropriate recovery, reclamation, or reuse pathways. For more from A-Gas, click here.

BCS Consultancy launches data centre power division

BCS Consultancy, a global data centre consultancy, has launched a new Power Infrastructure division to help investors, developers, and operators address power requirements for data centre developments. Formerly operating as BCS’s Utilities team, the division reflects changes in the scale and complexity of power requirements as data centre development increases, driven in part by AI and more power-intensive workloads. Electricity network capacity, grid connection times, planning requirements, and infrastructure delivery are increasingly influencing whether proposed data centre developments can progress from the pipeline to operational capacity. BCS’s Data Centre Truths 2026 research found that 93% of industry respondents expect demand to continue rising, despite power supply becoming harder to secure. The consultancy says power availability is increasingly influencing site selection and investment decisions, with grid access alone no longer sufficient. Developers also need to establish whether power can be delivered to a site within a commercially viable timeframe. The Power Infrastructure division builds on more than 50 power infrastructure projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as other regions. Its work covers power strategy and grid connections through to substations, cable routes, microgrids, and other power infrastructure. Led by Cameron Thompson (pictured above), previously Head of Utilities and now Head of Power Infrastructure at BCS Consultancy, the team will work with investors, landowners, developers, and operators from early-stage power planning through to infrastructure delivery. With some grid connection offers now extending into the 2030s, BCS is also working on alternative and transitional power strategies, including combinations of on-site generation, solar, and battery storage alongside longer-term grid connections. Power planning moves earlier in development Cameron Thompson, Head of Power Infrastructure at BCS Consultancy, says, “Power has always been fundamental to data centre development, but the conversation has shifted. Clients are coming to us much earlier, asking how they can make sites viable within the timeframes they need. “Power Infrastructure reflects that shift. By bringing strategy and delivery together, we can give clients a clear route to power, from early planning through to an energised site.” The division will coordinate power programmes across network operators, designers, original equipment manufacturers, contractors, land and planning teams, and other stakeholders. BCS says this coordination is becoming more important as power programmes increase in complexity, with delays often arising at the interfaces between grid connections and delivery. These can include design approvals, cable routes and land rights, long-lead equipment, civil engineering readiness, commissioning, and network witnessing. Chris Coward, COO of BCS Consultancy, comments, “Power increasingly determines where and when data centre projects can happen and, ultimately, whether they are commercially viable. "As the market shifts from announcing capacity to proving what can actually be delivered, clients need much greater certainty earlier in the development process. “Expanding our Power Infrastructure capability is a direct response to that shift. By combining specialist power strategy with our data centre land intelligence and delivery expertise, we can help clients make better decisions from the outset and support them all the way through to delivery and energisation.” For more from BCS Consultancy, click here.

Why water hygiene is key to data centre efficiency

AI is driving higher rack densities and increasing thermal loads, placing unprecedented demands on cooling infrastructure. In this exclusive article for DCNN, Gary Nicholls (pictured above), Managing Director of Swiftclean, discusses how proactive water quality management can help data centres maximise the efficient life of critical assets whilst improving operational resilience: According to the Uptime Institute, average rack power density increased by 38% between 2022 and 2024, largely down to the launch of generative AI to a mainstream audience. We are now on an irreversible trajectory that will continue to compound thermal and energy pressures on data centres and the systems that keep them cool. As the margin for error shrinks, cooling infrastructure must be managed with the same focus on reliability and resilience as other mission-critical systems. Many data centres are moving to liquid-based cooling systems that can manage rising thermal loads, so water quality plays a fundamental role in maintaining performance and reliability. With 40% of power usage in a data centre going towards cooling on average, and with water increasingly becoming the primary means of achieving appropriate temperatures, water hygiene is essential and can have a significant impact on operational efficiency and cost. Water quality: The hidden performance factor Closed-loop water systems are a critical part of many data centre cooling infrastructures, circulating treated water through chillers, heat exchangers, cooling distribution units, and associated pipework. Although these systems are designed to operate continuously for long periods, they remain vulnerable to gradual deterioration. Oxygen ingress, depleted corrosion inhibitors, microbiological activity, and the accumulation of suspended solids can all affect water quality over time. The result is a gradual decline in system performance, with corrosion, scale, and fouling reducing heat transfer efficiency and increasing the workload placed on pumps and other components. Equally as important, poor water hygiene can also affect system reliability. Corrosion and contamination can contribute to component degradation, increasing the potential for leaks, equipment damage, and unplanned downtime. Investing in advanced cooling technology is one part of the solution, but it does not guarantee long-term performance alone. Protecting both efficiency and reliability requires ongoing water testing and treatment to maintain the condition of the water circulating through the system. Why water sampling matters Because closed-loop cooling systems often operate quietly in the background, changes in water condition can go unnoticed until cooling performance begins to decline. By this stage, deterioration may already be affecting heat transfer efficiency or the condition of critical components. Regular water testing for microbial activity provides operators with visibility into system health, allowing changes in water quality to be identified before they become operational issues. Samples can be analysed for key indicators including poor water chemistry and a range of different bacteria. Water treatment is a lifecycle process Water Treatment for Closed Heating and Cooling Systems (BG 50/2021) provides best practice guidance for monitoring and maintaining closed circuits, including chilled water systems and closed condenser water systems. The guidance highlights the importance of corrosion control, pH management, dissolved gases, suspended solids, filtration, and microbiological control in maintaining system performance. BG 50 also reinforces that water treatment is not a one-off activity but a lifecycle process involving commissioning, testing, monitoring, and adjustment throughout the operational life of the system. For mission-critical environments such as data centres, this proactive approach supports equipment protection, energy efficiency, and operational resilience. Specialist expertise in mission-critical environments The increasing complexity of data centre infrastructure also places greater demands on those responsible for maintaining cooling systems. In high-security facilities, access to critical infrastructure is tightly controlled and maintenance windows are often limited. Specialist contractors must, therefore, combine technical expertise with robust security procedures and careful planning to ensure essential water treatment and testing activities can be completed efficiently without affecting site security or operational continuity. As AI continues to increase the demands placed on data centre cooling systems, water hygiene should be treated as an operational risk control measure rather than a routine maintenance activity. Through regular water testing, effective treatment strategies, and proactive maintenance, operators can preserve thermal performance, extend equipment life, and reduce the likelihood of cooling-related downtime.

Navitas, Microchip develop 800V reference design

Navitas Semiconductor, a US maker of gallium nitride and silicon carbide power chips for AI data centres, and semiconductor manufacturer Microchip Technology have collaborated on an 800V DC-to-6V DC reference design for AI data centre rack power applications. As AI data centres scale to support high-power GPU clusters, the industry is moving towards 800V DC rack power architectures to improve distribution efficiency, increase power density, and support higher-power server designs. The reference design combines Microchip’s digital power control and security technologies with Navitas’s gallium nitride (GaN) power devices. The companies say it provides developers with a route to implementing power conversion aligned with the Open Compute Project (OCP) 800V DC standard. The reference platform includes hardware, software, and design documentation intended to support the development of 800V DC power conversion systems. Joe Thomsen, Corporate Vice President of Microchip's Digital Signal Controller Business Unit, says, "AI infrastructure optimisation is driving one of the most significant power architecture transitions the data centre industry has experienced in decades. "As the ecosystem moves towards higher-voltage rack power systems, developers need proven building blocks that help reduce design risk and accelerate innovation. "Our collaboration with Navitas brings together complementary technologies to help customers navigate this transition and bring next-generation power solutions to market more quickly." Direct 800V-to-6V conversion The reference platform uses Microchip’s digital signal controllers and hardware security technology alongside Navitas’s GaN power devices. The primary side uses 16 GaN FETs in a stacked half-bridge topology. The dual-side-cooled package is designed to reduce thermal resistance, supporting higher continuous power operation. The power delivery board targets peak efficiency of up to 96% at full load, with a switching frequency of 1MHz and a power density of 2,100W/in³. The low-profile design is intended to enable close integration with GPU boards, supporting transient performance and power distribution efficiency. The design uses direct conversion from 800V DC to 6V DC, combining the 800V DC-to-50V DC and 50V DC-to-6V DC conversion stages into a single converter. The reference design also incorporates Microchip’s hardware-based security technology to support authentication and protection within power infrastructure. The technology supports functions including secure boot, Message Authentication Code generation, trusted firmware updates, key management protocols including Transport Layer Security (TLS), and other root-of-trust operations. It will be showcased at Microchip’s OCP Event in San Jose, California, USA, from 12–15 October 2026, and a reference board, software, and supporting documentation will also be provided to help developers evaluate 800V DC power conversion systems for AI data centre applications.

Schneider Electric appoints new SVP in Europe

Global energy technology company Schneider Electric has appointed Damien Dhellemmes as Senior Vice President of its Secure Power and Data Center business in Europe. Damien has more than 30 years of experience at Schneider Electric, including senior operational and supply chain roles in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Schneider Electric’s Digital Energy business globally, where he worked on digital transformation through software, automation, and energy management. During his time in Digital Energy, the business saw reported growth and demand across areas including healthcare, public administration, real estate, and data centres. Having recently relocated to Paris, Damien will lead Schneider Electric’s Secure Power and Data Center business across Europe, working with customers, partners, and regional teams as demand for AI infrastructure continues to grow. His responsibilities will include Schneider Electric’s prefabricated power and three-phase UPS technologies, its EcoStruxure Data Center portfolio, Motivair by Schneider Electric liquid cooling systems, and EcoStruxure Software and Services. He will also work with the company’s existing AI ecosystem partnerships, including NVIDIA and AMD. New appointment for data centre growth Damien comments, "The data centre industry has entered one of the most exciting and demanding periods in its history and Europe has a unique opportunity to lead the next wave of AI leadership. "As the global energy technology partner for data centres and AI, Schneider Electric is perfectly positioned to help partners and customers capture demand. By combining our expertise across power, cooling, software, and services with our longstanding ecosystem partnerships, our customers can build infrastructure that is not only faster and more resilient from inception, but more efficient and sustainable.” Schneider Electric says Damien's operational and customer experience will support its work with customers deploying AI infrastructure, including efforts to reduce project risk and integrate power, cooling, software, and services. His tenure as Senior Vice President, Secure Power and Data Centers for Europe begins with immediate effect. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Epsilon, Megaport expand North American network reach

Epsilon Telecommunications, a global connectivity provider offering network, cloud, and colocation services, and Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) provider Megaport have partnered to expand Epsilon’s network footprint in North America. The partnership allows customers to access Megaport’s compute, network, and storage infrastructure across the USA and Canada through Epsilon, with software-defined connectivity to data centre, cloud, and internet exchange hubs across the region. North America is expected to account for 43% of a global addressable IT market worth more than $6 trillion (£4.5 trillion) in 2026, according to Omdia. The companies say their partnership provides on-demand connectivity across their software-defined networks, in response to demand for connectivity between key markets in the USA and Canada. Customers can access additional destinations through a single connectivity service, whether expanding within North America or entering the region from international markets. Warren Aw, Chief Commercial Officer at Epsilon, comments, “North America is a key market for our customers, with growing demand for high-performance access to cloud, data centres, and digital infrastructure across the region. “By partnering with Megaport, we’re simplifying how our customers can connect and accelerate their growth in the United States and Canada. Together, we’re hugely expanding the opportunities available to our customers and making global connectivity more seamless than ever.” Connectivity across North America The partnership enables cloud access across North America, bringing applications closer to customers and their users, whilst allowing cloud regions to be connected on demand. It also supports content delivery across markets and business continuity through geographically redundant backup environments. Misha Cetrone, Executive VP, NAM & Global Alliances at Megaport, says, “Our collaboration with Epsilon brings together two complementary platforms to give customers more choice in how and where they connect. “We’re combining our strengths for unparalleled global connectivity, while creating new compute, network, and storage possibilities for businesses around the world. We’re excited to help more customers connect and grow across North America with our automated, globally connected infrastructure platform.” Epsilon and Megaport say organisations in Europe, Asia Pacific, and other international markets can also use the connectivity service to expand into North America and scale workloads across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. For more from Epsilon, click here.

GreenScale publishes data centre grid design guidance

GreenScale, a developer of hyperscale data centre campuses, has published open-source design requirements to help data centre operators adapt mechanical and electrical (M&E) infrastructure to variable AI loads and evolving grid codes. The document, Grid & AI Load Compatibility: System Design Requirements for AI Load, Grid Code & Fault Ride-Through, was developed with contributions from vendors, partners, and independent experts. It outlines considerations for managing variable AI power demand, meeting grid connection requirements, complying with fault ride-through rules, supporting demand response, and adapting to future changes in grid codes and tenant load profiles. GreenScale says the guidance is intended to give operators a practical starting point for developing their own designs, reducing duplicated work and helping the industry progress towards compliance. Fault ride-through requirements are emerging as data centres become more significant participants in the electricity system, where grid stability is a shared objective. However, grid codes vary by region and continue to evolve, leaving no widely adopted common specification for data centre power systems to be designed and tested against. Liam Newcombe, SVP Product, Energy Strategy and Innovation at GreenScale, notes, “The deployment of AI requires data centres to move from being simple customers of the electricity grid to participants in the grid. "Data centres as a class are now large enough to impact grid stability, which means facilities need to adapt, incorporating capabilities such as fault ride-through to ensure this impact is positive, resulting in a resilient, stable grid. "The task is no longer simply to protect the IT equipment from the grid, but to meet the combined requirements of the IT equipment, data centre infrastructure, and electricity grid. “This document is published as a work in progress. It provides an initial approach that we hope others in the industry will test, challenge, and improve. By publishing it open-source, we hope to provide a useful starting point for others, sharing our learnings both direct and from our contributors.” Addressing evolving grid requirements The guidance promotes a base system design that accounts for foreseeable operating conditions, including load- and site-specific constraints that affect design, equipment selection, and specification. Examples include specifying uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems with fault ride-through capabilities and mechanical equipment able to operate across required voltage and frequency ranges. Liam says adaptability was a central principle, as AI load profiles, grid codes, and flexibility requirements continue to develop. The guidance aims to help project teams make proportionate decisions now and reduce the risk of costly equipment changes later. GreenScale suggests that modelling, technical data, and design knowledge developed through early projects could also be transferable to future data centre developments. The document is released under a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) licence, allowing companies and individuals to use and build upon it under the licence terms. GreenScale is inviting data centre operators, designers, engineering consultants, utilities, technology providers, and independent experts to review and reuse the document, as well as to contribute to further industry discussion. For more from GreenScale, click here.

Schneider Electric unveils software-defined MV switchgear

Global energy technology company Schneider Electric has unveiled what it describes as the world's first fully software-defined medium-voltage (MV) switchgear, designed to change how electrical distribution systems are deployed and operated for AI factories and other applications. Announced at YOTTA 2026 in Las Vegas, USA, the equipment forms part of Schneider Electric's Software Defined Energy approach, which separates system intelligence from hardware and uses software to add functionality and performance updates. Traditional MV systems often rely on engineered-to-order designs, which can result in longer lead times and complex procurement. Schneider Electric's software-defined approach uses standardised hardware platforms and over-the-air software updates, allowing functionality to be changed without physical modifications. The company says the modular architecture can reduce system complexity, with less wiring and fewer components. Based on Schneider Electric's studies and estimates, the approach can deliver up to three times faster ordering and manufacturing, whilst digital commissioning processes can enable up to twice as fast commissioning and on-site acceptance testing. Software-defined approach to medium-voltage equipment The equipment includes connectivity and analytics for real-time system monitoring, alongside AI-powered predictive maintenance through EcoCare Services. Schneider Electric says this can provide greater visibility into system performance and help reduce unplanned downtime. Melton Chang, Executive Vice President, Power Systems Division at Schneider Electric, notes, “Data centres are being asked to build faster than traditional power infrastructure can move. “With Software Defined MV switchgear, we are bringing the logic of software to medium-voltage equipment so customers can deploy in a fraction of the time, standardise across regions, and add new capabilities with zero downtime.” The equipment has already been deployed through a pilot with Equinix in a live colocation data centre environment. Greg Metcalf, Senior Director, Global Data Center Design and Innovation at Equinix, comments, “Software Defined MV Equipment transform the way we design, procure, build, and operate MV switchgear, allowing increased standardisation for multiple use cases whilst maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and reliability. “We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Schneider Electric as we continue to innovate and scale for the future.” Schneider Electric plans to extend the software-defined MV architecture across its medium-voltage portfolio and, progressively, other parts of the powertrain. Pilot programmes are expected to continue through 2027, with broader availability planned from 2028. The company says the approach is intended to support faster project execution, greater operational visibility, and lifecycle-based service models for electrical infrastructure. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.