Data Centre Infrastructure News & Trends

ESA funds €1.5m automated satellite backup for subsea cables

The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected multi-orbit satellite communications specialist neXat to lead a €1.5 million (£1.2 million) project developing automated satellite backup for submarine fibre networks. neXat will work with satellite operator Telesat and telecoms infrastructure provider Colt Technology Services Belgium to develop and demonstrate CableShield, a system designed to detect submarine cable interruptions and automatically reroute affected traffic through satellite connectivity. Submarine cables carry an estimated 99% of intercontinental data traffic, whilst around 30% of tracked cables experience at least one fault each year. Repairs can take 10 to 20 days, potentially leaving critical services without their normal connectivity. CableShield automates traffic failover CableShield will use multiple satellite providers through a ‘Pooling and Sharing’ model. When a cable interruption is detected, the platform will select the required satellite capacity and reroute a controllable proportion of traffic, with routing and prioritisation protocols used to establish an end-to-end connection. The system will combine detection and decision-making with terrestrial and satellite control layers through a common orchestration framework. These layers will communicate using APIs defined through ESA’s Pooling and Sharing Interface Definitions, enabling multi-vendor, multi-orbit systems to exchange data and manage shared capacity. Caroline De Vos, COO of neXat, explains, “Submarine cables carry an estimated 99% of global connectivity, so when they go down, entire regions can lose access instantly, disrupting business, public services, and other critical communications. “Satellite provides the lifeline that keeps essential services online when their primary connectivity is gone.” The project will run for 18 months of development and validation, with commercial launch targeted for 2028 alongside the planned entry into service of Telesat’s Lightspeed constellation.

AVK launches capital business for on-site data centre power

AVK, a provider of power systems and electrical infrastructure for data centres, has launched AVK Capital, a funding entity that will finance and own on-site power infrastructure for data centres, with customers accessing the capacity through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs). The business houses investment secured by AVK from Partners Group in August 2026. The model is intended to give data centre developers access to on-site power without carrying the infrastructure costs on their own balance sheets. Under the model, AVK selects and engineers the power infrastructure for each site, whilst AVK Capital funds and owns the assets. The customer then pays for the power as an operating cost rather than making the upfront capital investment. The infrastructure can incorporate microgrids, AVK PowerPods, fuel cells, renewable energy, and standby generation. AVK will remain responsible for the delivery, commissioning, operation, and maintenance throughout the asset’s operating life. Funding aims to accelerate power delivery AVK says the model addresses two barriers facing data centre development: constrained grid capacity and the capital cost of providing on-site generation. Ben Pritchard, Chief Executive Officer at AVK, explains, “Access to power is the single biggest constraint on data centre development in Europe, and the cost of solving it is the second. AVK Capital takes both off the table. “We already design, build, operate, and maintain on-site power at commercial scale, and being able to fund and own it as well means a developer can contract for power in the same way they contract for any other service.” AVK Capital will sit alongside AVK’s existing business, which will continue to deliver standby, prime, and modular power infrastructure for customers that choose to fund projects themselves. Bob Downing, VP of Sales, Energy Solutions at AVK, suggests that bringing financing and engineering together can reduce the number of handovers during a project. He notes, “We can sit down with a developer, agree what the site needs, agree how it is paid for, and then go and build it, without a chain of handovers in between.” AVK Capital is set to be introduced to the market this month. For more from AVK, click here.

Aggreko achieves grid code compliance across Europe

Aggreko, a British multinational temporary power generation company, has achieved grid code compliance for its 1.5MW generator fleet across 11 European countries, allowing the company to support data centres and other large power projects facing grid capacity constraints. The certification covers the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Romania, and Czechia. It allows Aggreko’s generators to integrate with public electricity networks for applications including additional generation capacity, peak demand management, exporting power to the grid, and grid balancing. Aggreko says the certification can also help accelerate large-scale power projects, with gas-powered generation of more than 50MW potentially deployed within months while longer-term grid infrastructure is developed. Generation supports grid capacity The company says decentralised generation can help address capacity shortfalls, support renewable energy integration, and reduce pressure on electricity networks. Aggreko has previously supplied 43MW of power to Romania’s national grid over four years, using a combined heat and power system while providing grid balancing services. Connor Docherty, Head of Product for Gas at Aggreko, suggests, “Decentralised energy will have a critical role to play during this critical period, which is where grid code compliance comes into play. “With the ability to integrate with grid infrastructure, we can support grid operators and high energy users alike through decentralised energy generation. This will help to balance the grid, make up capacity shortfalls to ensure that large power projects can go ahead, assist increased renewable integration, and avoid blackouts.” Aggreko says that its fleet also incorporates remote monitoring and control systems for equipment diagnostics and plant-level analytics. For more from Aggreko, click here.

Circular thinking: A new imperative for data centre cooling

In this article for DCNN, Todd Scheving, Business Development Director – Global Data Center at A-Gas, outlines why a circular approach to refrigerant management is becoming increasingly important as data centre operators balance cooling requirements with sustainability and supply considerations: The AI revolution has sparked heated debate about data centre cooling. Refrigerant decisions are emerging earlier in the value chain, spurring pressing procurement and sustainability conversations. This is for good reason: the choices operators make today will shape emission footprints for the next decade. Maintaining a circular approach to data centre cooling is more important than ever. The industry is feeling the effects. Firms are engaging with refrigerant suppliers far earlier in the planning process, integrating their sustainability teams. Questions about supply security and reclaim options are now a fixture in project conversations. In short, sustainability targets are turning refrigerants into strategic assets that must be managed. This reclassification from commodity to asset matters. Managing refrigerants holistically reveals hidden problems. Often, the solutions involve maintaining a circular approach to cooling: recover, reclaim, and destroy only what cannot be restored to spec. Reclaimed refrigerants have a significantly lower carbon footprint than virgin alternatives because the molecules already exist. Rather than venting (which is illegal across North America and the European Union) or leaving them in storage, the goal is to keep refrigerants in circulation. Circular thinking is the environmentally responsible path and, increasingly, the economically rational one. End-of-life handling is responsible for much of the industry's emission problem. Unfortunately, despite it being illegal, venting is often a by-product of strict time constraints during decommissioning or servicing. The solution is to engage dedicated, high-speed refrigerant recovery teams to recover refrigerants and deliver them to reclaimers for reprocessing for future reuse. Recovery is the future of cooling. There are enough HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) already installed today to meet industry needs for the foreseeable future, provided they are managed responsibly. The infrastructure exists; operators must now partner with recovery teams to treat refrigerants like the strategic assets they were always meant to be. For more from A-Gas, click here.

STULZ introduces fourth-generation cooling units

STULZ, a manufacturer of mission-critical air conditioning technology, has introduced the fourth generation of its TelAir and WallAir cooling series for edge, 5G, and critical infrastructure applications. The TelAir 4 and WallAir 4 units use R454C refrigerant, integrated free cooling, and an EN 378-compliant safety architecture. They are designed for edge data centres, telecommunications containers, shelters, and radio stations. The units are available with two installation concepts: TelAir 4 is designed for indoor installation, whilst WallAir 4 can be mounted externally on a container wall. Anika Do, Global Product Manager at STULZ, explains that, "Both are available in two standard enclosure sizes and four cooling capacity classes, ranging from 6–17kW." The units are designed to address increasing thermal densities and the requirements of the amended European F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573. Free cooling cuts energy use STULZ says the units can reduce operating costs by up to 80% when using combined free cooling and mixed-mode operation. The electronically commutated (EC) fans also comply with the requirements of the upcoming ErP 2027 Ecodesign Directive. Both models operate from -20°C to +54°C, while an optional winter kit can extend operation down to -40°C. Customers can choose between on/off systems with a thermostatic expansion valve, or continuously modulating EC inverter compressors paired with an electronic expansion valve. Both configurations have hermetically sealed refrigeration circuits. The units also feature a multi-stage safety architecture designed for A2L refrigerants such as R454C. In the event of a refrigerant leak, the evaporator fan can increase to maximum speed to dilute and extract refrigerant gases. A two-stage sensor system activates maximum fan speed and shuts down other power consumers at 10% of the lower flammability limit (LFL). At 20% LFL, the unit is fully disconnected from the power supply. Meanwhile, an enclosed IP54 control cabinet is designed to eliminate potential ignition sources. TelAir 4 supports downflow and displacement airflow concepts, with optional adjustable outlet grilles for horizontal or vertical air distribution. WallAir 4 uses displacement cooling to provide direct cold air stratification within the room. Additionally, TelAir 4 specifically can be installed within a wall, providing protection against weather and vandalism, whilst also reducing noise emissions for use in residential and mixed-use areas. Both units use the E² BASIC controller, which includes an ethernet interface, Modbus, and multiple inputs and outputs for integration with building management and data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) systems. Password-protected access levels are included, alongside inputs for monitoring fire, smoke, and intrusion alarms. Anika continues, "For the fourth generation of the TelAir and WallAir cooling series, we set out to create two distinct cooling solutions that deliver outstanding flexibility across a wide range of edge, 5G, and critical infrastructure applications. "By combining cutting edge technology with modern design, ease of use, energy efficiency and reliability, we have achieved that goal. The new units are available to order immediately, with STULZ account managers able to provide further information and tailored advice." For more from STULZ, click here.

aquatherm blue powers cooling at Novva’s data centre

At the hyperscale Novva data centre near Salt Lake City, USA, the operator’s cooling strategy is designed for maximum reliability and future orientation. The core of the waterless cooling concept is the PP‑RCT piping system aquatherm blue, which circulates the cooling medium in a closed loop and makes traditional evaporation cooling – and its high water consumption – unnecessary. Corrosion- and incrustation-free pipes ensure stable flow rates over the long term and significantly reduce leakage risks – a key factor for protecting critical IT infrastructure. Thanks to their low weight and welded joints, aquatherm blue could be integrated into the extensive underfloor construction. To learn more about the project at Novva data centre, click here. For more from aquatherm, click here.

Telxius boosts Caribbean connectivity with Cancun facility

Telxius, a Spanish operator of submarine cable networks and telecommunications infrastructure, has opened a carrier-neutral landing gateway and edge data centre in Cancun, Mexico, strengthening connectivity between the Caribbean, USA, Latin America, and Europe. The facility serves as a landing point for Tikal, a submarine cable connecting Puerto Barrios in Guatemala with Boca Raton in the US. Due to launch in the first half of 2027, Tikal is expected to provide an initial capacity of 380Tbps on its main trunk. Integrated into Telxius’s global network, the Cancun facility combines subsea connectivity, terrestrial networks, and edge computing. It is designed to support data-intensive and latency-sensitive workloads, including cloud, content, AI, and CDN deployments. Edge facility adds network resilience The Tier III facility incorporates N+1 and 2N redundancy across critical power and cooling systems, alongside physical and network security measures. Its carrier-neutral design allows customers to interconnect with multiple networks, cloud providers, and digital platforms. The facility also provides an alternative route to Santiago de Querétaro, expanding Telxius’s network presence in Mexico and adding route diversity for customers. Mónica Martínez, CMO at Telxius, says, “We’re excited to expand our network footprint in Mexico with our new facility in Cancun. It truly reflects the convergence of subsea connectivity, terrestrial networks, and edge infrastructure to create a unique digital hub for the Caribbean and the Americas. “By bringing connectivity and computing resources closer to where demand is growing, we enable lower latency, greater resilience, and faster access to cloud, content, and AI-driven services for customers across the region.” The Cancun development follows Telxius’s recent network expansion in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and adds to its existing infrastructure in the Caribbean and Mexico. For more from Telxius, click here.

iPronics raises $125m for AI optical networking

iPronics, a developer of silicon photonics-based optical circuit switching, has raised $125 million (£92.6 million) in Series B funding to scale its programmable optical networking technology for AI data centres. The round was co-led by Maverick Silicon and Light Street Capital, with NVIDIA and other new and existing investors also participating. The funding brings iPronics’s total investment to $177 million (£131 million). The company develops silicon photonics-based optical circuit switching (OCS) technology for AI infrastructure. It says the growth of AI clusters is increasing demand for optical connectivity as networks move beyond the limitations of copper in high-performance environments. Funding supports commercial deployment iPronics says the funding will be used to expand operations, accelerate commercial deployments, and meet demand for its Optical Networking Engine, a rack-mounted optical switch designed for AI applications. Christian Dupont, CEO of iPronics, comments, “With this investment, we can significantly accelerate our commercialisation, delivering the scale our customers need to drive broad adoption and ensuring data centres can fully utilise their GPUs without compromising performance.” The company notes that it has also opened an office in Santa Clara, California, as it expands its US presence and works to increase customer deployments and AI infrastructure partnerships.

AI boom drives global power demand

Artificial intelligence and data centre expansion are reshaping global power markets, creating infrastructure constraints and changing investment priorities, according to global commercial real estate and investment management company JLL. North American data centre capacity is projected to nearly double from 57GW to 109GW by 2030, with hyperscalers expected to spend $200 billion (£148 billion) on capital expenditure in 2026, a 51% increase on 2025. JLL’s global Energy & Infrastructure Advisory platform says securing reliable power infrastructure has consequently become a key constraint for the AI economy. Transmission infrastructure, originally designed around large, centralised power stations, is also facing pressure from the growth of renewable energy sources. This has contributed to grid congestion across major markets in the USA, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Interconnection queues for new renewable projects now extend to four years or more in some regions, while some areas have paused new connections entirely. The impact varies between markets. In the USA, interconnection reform and exposure to merchant power are influencing deal structures. European regulatory frameworks are changing at different rates between member states, whilst data centre construction is outpacing grid planning in several Asia Pacific markets. "We've seen a generational shift in power demand as a result of data centres and AI," says Steven Jack, Head of Energy & Infrastructure Advisory, EMEA at JLL. "This was not on the radar until very recently. Utilities that were forecasting modest growth are now grappling with figures nearly double their previous estimates. "For any energy developer, without a grid connection, you don't have a project. For investors, this grid congestion translates directly into risk, but it also creates a scarcity premium for assets that provide or secure grid access. "In a world of geopolitical uncertainty, generating your own power is about energy sovereignty or energy autonomy and it's simply the cheapest way to produce power today." Battery storage gains importance Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are emerging as key infrastructure for managing grid constraints and renewable energy intermittency. "Batteries are a very important component and asset in that balancing act," notes Matt Eastwick, Group Head and Senior Managing Director, Energy & Infrastructure Advisory, US at JLL. "They act as shock absorbers for constrained grids, charging when power is cheap and abundant, then discharging when demand and price are high. "We're in a brave new world. Power demand is rising faster than grids were built to handle. Capital is available, but certainty is harder to find. In this environment, winners will be those who factor grid constraints and power availability into their investment decisions from day one." Grid access challenges are also prompting close partnerships between energy developers and data centre operators. Technology companies are increasingly becoming direct participants in energy markets, including through the acquisition of operating renewable assets to secure power supplies. James Cameron, Head of Energy & Infrastructure, APAC, JLL, explains, "In liberalised markets in Asia Pacific (such as Australia, India, Japan, and the Philippines), status and location of grid connection is the first question for investors and has the largest valuation impact for development assets. "In Australia, where legislation is expected to require that data centre developers ensure new renewable power generation matches additional capacity, we're seeing a range of innovative models, from joint ventures to [the] inclusion of batteries in data centre design to facilitate grid connection. "While the solution will differ depending on circumstances, it is clear we will see many more partnership opportunities and innovative solutions between data centre and energy clients across the region." JLL says power access has increasingly become a factor in the viability and valuation of data centre and energy assets, with investors looking beyond conventional power generation to assets that can provide greater flexibility and certainty in constrained markets. For more from JLL, click here.

New ProLabs transceivers extend network reach to 2,400km

ProLabs, a provider of optical connectivity and networking equipment, has introduced two QSFP-DD transceivers designed to extend the reach of coherent optical networks to distances of up to 2,400km. The QSFP-DD 800G ZR LH and QSFP-DD 400G ZR ULH transceivers are designed for carriers, service providers, and large-scale backbone networks requiring ultra-long-haul transmission. The products are intended to extend 400G and 800G network capacity across national and cross-continental infrastructure, while making greater use of existing long-haul fibre networks. “We are delighted to have expanded our range of ultra-long-haul transceivers ahead of Connected Britain,” says Stefan Löhmann, EMEA Sales Director at ProLabs. “Our solutions will enable national operators to deliver new and efficient long-haul services, making it easier to deliver high-bandwidth connectivity between cities, across countries, and over subsea links.” With network operators facing increasing traffic demands, the transceivers are designed to extend the usable reach of existing fibre infrastructure without requiring additional network infrastructure. Transceivers support up to 30 repeater hops While standard 400G products support around six repeater hops, the new transceivers are designed to support coherent optical transmission across up to 30 repeater hops, equating to approximately 2,400km. Stefan continues, "By reducing the need for additional infrastructure while still maintaining long-distance performance, we're helping operators lower both capital and operational expenditure. "Combined with our commitment to interoperability and availability, these new transceivers provide operators with an open, standards-based alternative to proprietary optical networking solutions." The transceivers are compatible with standard QSFP-DD ports, allowing them to be deployed on existing platforms without significant changes to hardware. Both products use modulation techniques and integrated digital signal processing (DSP) to compensate for laser detuning at each repeater and chromatic dispersion over extended distances. The 400G and 800G transceivers will be available for the first time at Connected Britain 2026 on ProLabs Stand D75. For more from ProLabs, click here.