Innovations in Data Center Power and Cooling Solutions

Power equipment shortages threaten Scotland DC growth

A shortage of critical power equipment could become one of the biggest barriers to delivering Scotland's planned data centre expansion, according to Opna, a London-based critical power supply market infrastructure company. The comments follow reports that an £8.2 billion AI data centre project in Lanarkshire, led by CoreWeave and DataVita, is unlikely to meet its original target of being operational by 2030. While discussion around Scotland's data centre growth has largely focused on renewable energy generation and grid connections, Opna argues that shortages of transformers, switchgear, cables, and other electrical equipment present an equally significant challenge. According to Montel's curtailment report, Scottish wind farms received around £343 million in payments to switch off in 2025. At the same time, Wood Mackenzie reports average transformer lead times have reached 128 weeks, with some orders extending beyond four years, while prices have increased by 77% since 2019. Grid upgrades and data centres compete for equipment Shilpika Gautam, founder and CEO of Opna, says, "The massive investment in grid upgrades to support Scotland’s data centres is being hindered by a shortage of critical power equipment: transformers, cables, switchgear, etc. Network operators, who buy in bulk and have long-term agreements with manufacturers, get priority for these supplies. "As a result, when a data centre orders equipment, it’s pushed to the back of a four-year waitlist. Grid expansion and data centre development compete for the same resources, while only network operators have reliable access to manufacturers. "Connecting to the grid is the bottleneck, but procuring critical power equipment is the bottleneck of the bottleneck; few are addressing it." Opna points to the scale of electricity network investment already under way in Scotland. SP Energy Networks began a £12 billion programme of grid upgrades across central and southern Scotland in April, including 12 new substations and a supply chain framework worth up to £5.4 billion over 10 years. Meanwhile, SSEN Transmission is investing at least £22 billion in northern Scotland by 2031 and recently announced a further £7.4 billion supply chain framework. Shilpika continues, "The tens of billions of pounds of grid upgrades meant to unblock Scotland’s data centres are being bought from the same transformer and switchgear order books those data centres need. Network operators are bulk buyers with multi-year framework agreements; manufacturers allocate scarce production slots to them first. "A single data centre project arriving with a one-off order goes to the back of a four-year book. [As mentioned,] grid expansion and data centre growth are now competing for the same equipment, and only one side of that competition has a standing seat at the manufacturers’ table." For more from Opna, click here.

AVK to open UK PowerPods manufacturing facility

AVK, a provider of power systems and electrical infrastructure for data centres, has announced plans to open its first standalone UK manufacturing facility in Haydock, supporting production of modular power systems for data centres and AI infrastructure. The site, located in the Liverpool City Region, will assemble the company's modular low- and medium-voltage (LV/MV) PowerPods, which provide pre-engineered power infrastructure for data centres. AVK says the facility represents an initial investment of £3 million and forms part of its UK manufacturing strategy. The company expects the facility to create a range of skilled jobs during its first year, with further recruitment planned as production increases. Roles will include electrical and mechanical installation engineers, plant movement operatives, warehousing staff, graduate positions, and apprenticeships. AVK has also partnered with St Helens College to deliver work placements and Level 3 engineering apprenticeships. The programme will include electrical and mechanical training, with progression routes into higher engineering qualifications. Haydock was selected for its engineering heritage and transport links, with the site located close to Junction 23 of the M6 to support distribution across the UK and Europe. Facility investment brings manufacturing and engineering roles AVK says the new facility reflects increasing investment in the infrastructure required to support AI and hyperscale data centres. Simon Davis, Head of Production Modular Services at AVK, notes, "PowerPods complete our proposition to the data centre market, and Haydock gives us the dedicated home to build them at scale. This is a British business investing in British manufacturing and British skills, in a region with a proud industrial heritage. "The facility will strengthen the UK's ability to power the AI economy while creating real opportunities for local people, apprentices, and graduates for years to come." Lord Stockwood, Minister for Investment, adds, "AVK-SEG’s investment in Haydock is a strong vote of confidence in UK advanced manufacturing and the Liverpool City Region, creating skilled jobs, boosting apprenticeships, and strengthening our role in powering the AI economy." George Woodward, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, similarly states that the investment demonstrates confidence in the borough's engineering heritage and will help create skilled employment while strengthening links between industry and education. For more from AVK, click here.

Durata launches modular power infrastructure system

Durata, a critical power and modular data centre infrastructure provider, has introduced PowerCore, a factory-built power infrastructure system designed to simplify the deployment of data centres and other critical infrastructure projects. The modular system integrates power distribution equipment into a single factory-assembled unit, reducing the need to source and coordinate multiple suppliers before installation on site. According to Durata, the launch comes as demand for AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure continues to increase, placing greater pressure on operators to bring new capacity online more quickly. PowerCore combines ring main units (RMUs), transformers, switchgear, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and busbar infrastructure into a single integrated system manufactured at the company's 80,000ft² (7,432m²) facility in the North East of England. Factory-built approach targets faster deployment Durata says PowerCore is designed, fabricated, and assembled in-house before delivery, reducing on-site construction work and simplifying project management. The company estimates the approach can reduce deployment times by up to 60% while improving quality control and programme certainty. PowerCore is designed to work with equipment from a range of manufacturers, supporting UPS, generator, switchgear, and battery technologies. Durata says the platform can be configured in stacked, linear, or side-by-side layouts to suit individual site requirements and support future expansion. The system is intended for deployments ranging from 10kW to 150kW per rack, making it suitable for hyperscale, colocation, enterprise, edge, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing environments. Lewis Cobb, Global Director of AI Factories and Modular Data Centres at Durata, comments, "The biggest challenge facing many critical infrastructure projects today is getting power infrastructure at scale delivered quickly enough. "Operators are often managing multiple suppliers, competing lead times, and complex on-site integration programmes. Our PowerCore solution removes that complexity by delivering the complete power stack as a single coordinated system, configured to the customer's requirements and ready for rapid deployment. "By designing, fabricating, and integrating the solution in-house, we can provide greater control over quality, delivery, and programme timelines while giving customers a faster route to deployment. "Data centre operators increasingly need a strategic delivery partner rather than a collection of individual suppliers. We take responsibility for the engineering, fabrication, integration, logistics, and delivery of the entire power infrastructure package. "That reduces project complexity, mitigates risk, and helps customers bring critical infrastructure online faster and with greater confidence." For more from Durata, click here.

Shell renews renewable energy supply deal with Kao Data

Shell Energy UK, a supplier of gas, electricity, and broadband services, has renewed its renewable electricity supply agreement with Kao Data, a data centre developer and operator, extending its partnership with the data centre developer as demand for AI infrastructure continues to grow. Since 2022, Shell Energy has supplied Kao Data with around 140GWh of electricity each year, matched with generation from UK renewable energy assets. From 2025, the agreement has also included electricity generated by the Dogger Bank offshore wind farm, from which Shell Energy Europe offtakes around 20% of the project's total output. According to the companies, the agreement is intended to support the continued development of AI and advanced computing infrastructure while matching electricity consumption with UK-based renewable generation. Kao Data says its data centres are designed for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads, incorporating technologies including direct-to-chip liquid cooling. The company also states that it was the first data centre operator in Europe to transition its backup generators to hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), which can reduce lifecycle emissions compared with conventional diesel. Partnership continues focus on renewable energy James Lewis, Investment Director at Kao Data, comments, "At Kao Data, sustainability is embedded in everything we do, and developing strategic relationships remains critical to help us achieve our goals. "Our collaboration with Shell Energy has been instrumental in shaping our long-term energy management and decarbonisation strategy. Extending this relationship enables our customers' electricity demand to be matched with certified renewable generation from UK-based sources, reinforcing our commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030." Greg Kavanagh, Head of Industrial & Commercial Sales at Shell Energy, adds, "Shell Energy is delighted to strengthen our collaboration with Kao Data. Our long-standing relationship reflects the alignment between our teams and a shared focus on innovation and sustainability. "By supplying electricity backed by asset-specific renewable certificates, we're supporting Kao Data's pioneering AI infrastructure and its broader efforts to reduce emissions and progress towards net zero emissions. "Together, we're helping to set a benchmark for how energy and technology companies can enable a low-carbon digital future." For more from Kao Data, click here.

Ingeteam supplies BESS for Dublin data centre microgrid

Ingeteam, a Spanish manufacturer of power electronics, has supplied the battery energy storage system (BESS) for a microgrid at Pure Data Centres Group (Pure DC)'s Dublin campus, supporting what is described as Europe's first microgrid designed to power a data centre. The project forms part of the Orion Phase 1 development and includes a 10MW/20MWh BESS, alongside a power plant controller (PPC) and SCADA system. The battery system has been commissioned and integrated with the site's power stations and energy management system. The installation is Ingeteam's third energy storage project in Ireland since the company entered the market in 2020. During construction, the campus had been supported by a temporary 10MW energy centre. The project also incorporates Ingeteam's liquid-cooled INGECON SUN STORAGE C Series technology, creating a 10MVA grid-forming system without power derating. The permanent microgrid will combine three energy centres with on-site battery storage, increasing the campus's total installed capacity to 110MW. A microgrid designed to support future growth The system has been designed to operate independently of the national electricity grid while retaining the ability to connect once additional grid capacity becomes available. Located at the Pure DC campus in Dublin, the on-site energy infrastructure provides dispatchable capacity during the site's initial development phase. It is expected to eventually transition to a hybrid configuration that combines grid electricity with on-site energy generation and storage. As grid capacity becomes an increasing constraint on digital infrastructure projects, particularly those supporting AI and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads, microgrids are expected to play a growing role in enabling new data centre developments across Europe.

Janitza marks 40 years of growth

Janitza, a German manufacturer of energy measurement and power quality monitoring equipment, is marking its 40th anniversary as demand for power quality and energy monitoring continues to grow across sectors including data centres, industry, and critical infrastructure. The company says it is continuing to expand its international operations, with investment in local subsidiaries and customer support capabilities in markets including the UK, North America, and Australia. Founded in Germany in 1986, Janitza now operates in more than 90 countries, supplying energy monitoring and power quality technologies for applications where resilient electrical infrastructure is essential. Markus Janitza, founder and CEO of Janitza, notes, "The requirements for modern energy infrastructure have changed dramatically over recent decades. "As power grids become more dynamic and energy systems more complex, transparency and power quality are becoming increasingly critical, particularly in sectors such as data centres, industry, and critical infrastructure. "This is exactly where we continue to support our customers globally with precise measurement and monitoring technologies." International expansion continues Janitza says it has grown from a regional manufacturer with around 30 employees into an international supplier serving customers across a range of industries. The company states that it will continue investing in engineering and manufacturing at its German headquarters while expanding its international sales and customer support network. Alexander Veidt, CEO at Janitza, comments, "Over the years, Janitza has always identified technological developments at an early stage and translated them into practical solutions for customers. We will continue to follow this path consistently in the years ahead." Janitza remains a family-owned business and says it expects demand for energy transparency, resilient electrical infrastructure, and power quality technologies to continue increasing as energy systems become more complex. The company also formally celebrated its 40th anniversary with an industry event at its headquarters in Germany on 19 June 2026. For more from Janitza, cick here.

Schneider upgrades NHS Trust's critical infrastructure

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has completed a power infrastructure modernisation project using Schneider Electric technology to improve monitoring, visibility, and management of critical systems across its estate. The project was delivered with Schneider Electric, alongside EcoXpert partner RMD and technology provider XMA, and included the deployment of EcoStruxure monitoring software and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) equipment across multiple sites. The Trust provides healthcare services to more than 500,000 people across Northumberland and North Tyneside in the UK, with its IT infrastructure supporting electronic patient records, clinical systems, administration, access control, and CCTV. According to the Trust, a mix of legacy UPS systems from different manufacturers had created challenges around maintenance, monitoring, and service continuity. Mathew Burns, Operational Infrastructure Manager at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, says, "With the UPS and network infrastructure, our ultimate goal is to improve service as it underpins everything the hospital does. "It's not only about looking at new technologies and different ways of working, but extracting more value from what we already have. In terms of meeting Service Level Agreements (SLAs), the key challenge is achieving 100% uptime, ensuring systems are always available across multiple sites over a very large geographical area." Creating a unified view across multiple sites To address these challenges, the Trust implemented EcoStruxure to provide centralised monitoring of UPS infrastructure across its facilities. The deployment includes Smart-UPS systems, network management cards, NetBotz cameras and sensors, and EcoStruxure IT Expert software for monitoring and reporting across 175 nodes. Ross Higgins, Senior Technical Specialist at RMD, explains, "We discussed the Trust's key issues such as the runtime needed for its data centres. It was clear that a centralised monitoring system was needed for its infrastructure." Bob Beckwith, Infrastructure Innovation and Transformation Manager at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, notes, "Adoption of EcoStruxure is developing well. It provides reassurance that our UPS equipment on each site is reliable and 'fit for purpose'. "The Trust views its digital infrastructure as a pyramid, with power as the foundation and maintenance support at the top. We placed RMD, XMA, and Schneider Electric solutions at the base to create a really solid foundation." Supporting future infrastructure planning Following the deployment, the Trust reports complete visibility across its UPS infrastructure, alongside improved benchmarking of energy efficiency and equipment lifecycle status. The organisation says the data generated through EcoStruxure supports budgeting, maintenance forecasting, replacement planning, and future data centre consolidation projects. Mathew Burns continues, "Today, in terms of operations, our UPS estate state is healthy, with a reassuring healthy report from EcoStruxure. "This is a significant investment for the Trust, and we didn't want to put all the new equipment in without having the confidence to know that everything underpinning it was okay. EcoStruxure gives us that confidence." The project represents an investment of approximately £1 million. Under a five-year agreement, the Trust plans to continue upgrading UPS infrastructure, consolidate data centre operations, and maintain ongoing support services through RMD and Schneider Electric. Matthew Baynes, Vice President, Secure Power and Data Centre division at Schneider Electric UK & Ireland, concludes, "Projects like this demonstrate how resilient, connected power infrastructure underpins critical public services. "By modernising and standardising its UPS infrastructure, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has created a highly resilient digital foundation that supports operational continuity, enhances visibility across its estate, and ensures healthcare teams can continue delivering outstanding patient care with confidence." For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Why the UK’s AI ambitions demand a new power paradigm

In this exclusive article for DCNN, Javier Cavada (pictured above), President & CEO EMEA at Mitsubishi Power, considers how private power networks and on-site generation could help data centre operators overcome grid constraints while supporting the UK's AI ambitions: Decoupling digital growth In the UK, expanding digital and AI infrastructure is a strategic priority. The Government has indicated that the country will need at least 6GW of AI-capable data centre capacity by 2030 to support this ambition. However, this digital growth is outpacing the capacity of the UK’s physical energy infrastructure, resulting in a growing mismatch between the country’s AI ambitions and the systems needed to support AI-powered data centres. Electricity demand from data centres is already significant, at a time when the wider economy - indeed, society as a whole - is rapidly electrifying. Currently, data centres account for around 6% of UK electricity consumption, and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) projects that this could increase to 8.8% by 2030 as AI adoption accelerates. At the same time, grid connection requests for demand-side projects have surged from around 41GW in late 2024 to 125GW by mid-2025, with approximately 50GW linked to data centre developments. This rapid build-up in the connection queue is creating significant congestion, with some large, high-capacity projects now facing delays of up to a decade. All of this has prompted regulatory intervention, with NESO moving away from the previous “first come, first served” approach towards a more selective “first ready, first served” model for prioritising connection requests. While this shift is welcome, it will take time to translate into tangible improvements on the ground. In the meantime, the key takeaway for developers is clear: securing a guaranteed power connection has become a far more significant constraint on new data centre development than access to land. More broadly, the structural limitations of the UK’s centralised and ageing grid are emerging as a major barrier to delivering on the country’s AI and digital infrastructure ambitions. The grid bottleneck and the competitiveness risk The reality is that to ensure operational uptime from day one, operators can no longer rely solely on the UK’s national grid. Instead, delivering the power required to build and operate this critical infrastructure will increasingly depend on on-site energy parks and dedicated private-wire networks. This challenge extends well beyond a single industry; it is fundamental to the UK’s ability to sustain a dynamic, modern economy. AI, cloud computing, and high-performance computing (HPC) have become core drivers of global competitiveness, and, in turn, access to reliable power is a decisive factor in where hyperscalers and technology firms choose to deploy capital. These decisions shape long-term job creation and regional economic growth. Without sufficient power availability, the UK risks losing major digital investments - as well as the high-skilled employment they bring - to leading European markets. Competitors in the Netherlands, Ireland, and the Nordics are gaining ground by offering faster access to power - a trend already evident in the Slough/M4 corridor, where connection moratoriums have pushed operators to look beyond traditional hubs simply to keep pace with demand. One response is the deployment of high-efficiency gas turbine systems to help bridge this capacity and infrastructure gap. Gas turbines provide a practical interim solution, delivering reliable, dispatchable power at scale today while offering a pathway to lower-carbon operation as hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels mature. Why private power models are becoming essential By connecting dedicated power assets directly to the data campus via private-wire networks, operators can bypass multi-year utility queues, significantly compress construction timelines, and secure a predictable envelope of capacity. Operating behind the meter also provides a critical commercial advantage, shielding multi-million-pound infrastructure investments from volatile wholesale market prices and localised grid congestion, as well as enabling greater long-term cost certainty. However, access to power alone does not fully resolve the challenge. AI workloads require continuous, 24/7 baseload stability - something intermittent renewables cannot deliver in isolation. As the UK continues to scale wind and solar generation, managing intermittency becomes an increasing constraint, reinforcing the role of on-site gas turbines in providing immediate, dispatchable power to stabilise private networks. Crucially, deploying on-site gas generation does not mean abandoning sustainability goals. Instead, it offers a pragmatic bridge to net zero. The industry is already shifting towards flexible thermal infrastructure that can meet current demand using natural gas, while remaining compatible with lower-carbon fuels. Modern high-efficiency gas turbines, for example, can already operate on a 30% hydrogen blend, with engineered pathways to 50% and ultimately 100% hydrogen capability from around 2030 onwards, as technology and fuel supplies mature. This ensures that assets deployed today remain viable in a decarbonised future. Embracing a new model of infrastructure self reliance The UK cannot become a global AI leader if its data centres remain dependent on an increasingly constrained public grid. Colocated energy parks represent a shift from grid dependency to infrastructure self-reliance. By deploying on-site generation, operators can decouple build timelines from grid constraints while laying the foundations for a more resilient, future-ready, low-carbon digital economy. In this context, digital sovereignty cannot wait for grid reinforcement. The sector is moving towards a model in which operators take greater control of their energy supply, ensuring both immediate resilience and long-term strategic flexibility. For more from Mitsubishi, click here.

Power Electronics reaches 170GW installed capacity

Power Electronics, a global manufacturer of energy storage and solar inverters, has announced that it has reached 170GW of installed AC power worldwide, up from 150GW at the end of 2025. The company says the increase reflects growth across a number of international markets, particularly within the energy storage sector. Power Electronics reports continued expansion in markets including the United States, Australia, and the UK, alongside growth across the EU in countries such as Spain, Italy, Lithuania, and Poland. Its latest developments focus on energy storage, solar power, and data centre infrastructure, with an emphasis on grid stability, energy resilience, and operational efficiency. Energy storage and data centre infrastructure In the energy storage sector, Power Electronics is highlighting its PCSM and Multi PCSM battery inverters, designed for utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. The company says the products support direct connection to medium-voltage networks and can operate in both grid-following and grid-forming modes. Their modular design is intended to support scalability, availability, and maintenance requirements. Power Electronics is also showcasing its Freesun DC/DC converter, which is designed for DC-coupled solar and storage installations. According to the company, the technology enables direct connection between photovoltaic systems and battery storage while supporting grid-forming operation. The manufacturer says it has gained significant experience with grid-forming technologies in markets including Australia, where such systems are increasingly being deployed to support grid stability and renewable energy integration. It is also increasing its focus on data centres, driven by growing demand associated with artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. Power Electronics' portfolio includes the AIPCS-integrated medium-voltage to 800VDC power supply, designed for high-density data centre environments. The company says the system is intended to improve efficiency and reduce energy losses. The offering is supported by the PCSM and Multi PCSM battery inverters, alongside the XMV670 medium-voltage drive, which is designed to provide control of cooling systems and support energy efficiency. According to Power Electronics, the combined technologies are intended to support scalable data centre infrastructure capable of operating under varying load conditions. Solar technologies for utility-scale projects Within its solar portfolio, the company is highlighting the HEM solar inverter and the Freemaq DC/DC converter. It says the HEM integrates medium-voltage equipment within a single enclosure, simplifying installation and reducing connection requirements. The inverter is also designed to support hybrid solar and storage configurations. The Freemaq converter is intended for hybrid renewable energy projects and supports functions including energy shifting, frequency response, ramp-rate control, and clipping energy recovery. Power Electronics says the technology is compatible with multiple battery technologies and can be configured for a range of project requirements. At The smarter E Europe 2026, the company also highlighted its European manufacturing operations, supply chain capabilities, cyber security measures, and after-sales support services. Raúl Padierna, CSO at Power Electronics, comments, "Reaching 170 GW of installed AC power is the result of accelerated growth over the past months and reflects the trust our customers place in our technology globally. "This momentum, especially in markets such as Europe, the US, and Australia, positions us strongly to continue scaling our solutions and supporting the next generation of energy systems."

Opna named World Economic Forum 'Technology Pioneer'

London-based Opna has been named a 2026 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum (WEF), joining the organisation's annual list of 100 companies recognised for developing technologies with the potential to influence industries and markets. The company, which focuses on the procurement and financing of critical power equipment, will participate in the Technology Pioneers programme, with the first meeting of the 2026 cohort scheduled to take place in China later this month. Opna works with data centre operators, renewable energy developers, and industrial organisations across Europe, helping them source and finance equipment including transformers, switchgear, high-voltage cables, and generators. According to the company, its platform combines equipment verification, supplier matching, and financing through a single data platform designed to improve visibility of manufacturing capacity and procurement options. Focus on power equipment supply chains The announcement coincides with the publication of a new industry blueprint from Opna founder and CEO Shilpika Gautam, which examines challenges affecting the supply of critical power infrastructure across Europe. The report argues that growing demand from sectors including data centres, renewable energy, and grid infrastructure is placing increasing pressure on power equipment supply chains. Opna identifies four key challenges affecting project delivery: differences between manufacturing and project timelines, payment structures that require significant upfront deposits, mismatches between available manufacturing capacity and changing demand patterns, and repeated verification processes for equipment suppliers. The company argues that improved coordination between manufacturers, developers, financiers, and infrastructure operators could help address these issues. Shilpika says, “More factories are coming, and that is a good thing, but they will not start delivering in time to close the power equipment supply squeeze that everyone from data centres to renewable developers and critical facilities [...] are facing. “We face a very real and worsening risk of funded projects stalling, clean energy generation not making it onto the grid, and the window to ramp off fossil fuels, electrify our economies, and create growth, resilience, and security across Europe narrowing. “I see a clear solution: we need a coordination layer for the industry, not just new physical supply - a foundational backbone that holds verification, matching, and financing on the same data, built with the visibility, financing depth, and platform capability that can turn this industry into a healthy market.” The blueprint includes commentary from a number of energy and infrastructure specialists, including representatives from Ember, Ørsted, Power System Partners, and other organisations involved in energy systems and grid infrastructure. Growing demand for grid infrastructure Opna says increasing demand for electricity infrastructure is being driven by data centre growth, electrification projects, renewable energy deployment, and wider grid modernisation efforts. The company cites long lead times for high-voltage power equipment and increasing pressure on manufacturing capacity as key challenges facing developers and infrastructure operators. According to Opna, its platform is designed to help organisations access qualified suppliers, secure manufacturing capacity, and align financing arrangements with project delivery schedules. The company says regulatory developments in the UK, EU (including Ireland), and the United States are placing greater emphasis on demonstrating access to equipment supply as part of infrastructure development and grid connection processes.