Innovations in Data Center Power and Cooling Solutions

SPAL targets data centre cooling needs

SPAL Automotive, an Italian manufacturer of electric cooling fans and blowers, traditionally for automotive and industrial applications, is preparing to showcase its cooling technology at Data Centre World in London in March 2026, with a particular focus on brushless drive water pumps used in data centre thermal management. The pumps are designed for stationary applications where cooling demand is continuous and high. They feature software control compatibility - including CAN, PWM, and LIN - supporting precise regulation of coolant flow and temperature. The company says the pumps consume less power than mechanically driven units and use IP6K9K-rated brushless systems intended to mitigate issues such as overload, reverse polarity, and overvoltage. The role of cooling components in data centres Alongside its pumps, SPAL will display its wider cooling portfolio, which includes fans and blowers designed for controlled airflow and heat dissipation. The company plans to highlight the use of matched replacement components, particularly for systems that rely on coordinated assemblies of fans, pumps, and related controls. James Bowett, General Manager at SPAL UK, says, “In a world where costs are constantly under pressure, it’s false economy to opt for cheaper parts as this will not only affect the performance of the component itself, but the entire suite of parts within a system. "The only way to ensure effective, reliable, long-life operation is to replicate the set up installed at the point of manufacture. That means choosing the best calibre parts throughout.” SPAL states that its products are supplied with a four-year manufacturer’s warranty and are used to help maintain stable conditions for sensitive electronics. The company highlights that the growth of data centres linked to AI and cloud services is increasing demand for equipment designed specifically for energy efficiency, water use, and controlled cooling. SPAL will exhibit at Data Centre World on Stand F15, held at ExCeL London on 4–5 March 2026.

Jabil acquires Hanley Energy Group

Jabil, a US provider of electronics manufacturing and supply chain services, has completed the acquisition of Hanley Energy Group, a provider of energy management and critical power systems for the data centre infrastructure market. The transaction was completed on 2 January 2026 and was valued at approximately $725 million (£536 million), with contingent consideration of up to $58 million (£42.8 million) linked to future revenue targets. The acquisition was completed as an all-cash transaction. TM Capital acted as exclusive financial adviser to Hanley Energy Group, while UBS Investment Bank advised Jabil. A focus on data centre power management Jabil says the acquisition is intended to strengthen its capabilities in data centre power management, particularly as demand increases from artificial intelligence workloads. Hanley Energy Group operates across 13 locations globally - with headquarters in Stamullen, Ireland, and in Ashburn, Virginia, USA - employing around 850 staff. Founded in 2009, Hanley Energy Group works across the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of power and energy management systems, supporting infrastructure from the grid through to the data centre rack. The company also provides lifecycle services, including maintenance and operational support. Matt Crowley, Executive Vice President of Global Business Units, Intelligent Infrastructure at Jabil, comments, “We're excited to welcome Hanley Energy Group and their extensive expertise in power systems and energy optimisation to the Jabil team. "Their know-how and capabilities complement Jabil’s existing power management solutions for data centres and will help us deploy and service them down to the rack level.” Ed Bailey, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Intelligent Infrastructure at Jabil, adds, “Data centre power management will only become more critical as hyperscalers ramp the availability of their AI technologies. "This acquisition of Hanley Energy Group, coupled with our growing thermal management capabilities, aligns well with Jabil’s strategy to deliver custom solutions for the world’s AI leaders across the data centre lifecycle.” Clive Gilmore, CEO of Hanley Energy Group, notes, “Joining forces with Jabil will supercharge our ability to deliver end-to-end, scalable, and energy-efficient solutions for the world’s most demanding data centre environments. "Our customers will benefit from the expanded reach of Jabil’s global manufacturing footprint and supply chain, access to broader capabilities across the data centre lifecycle, and opportunities for sustainable growth to meet the evolving needs of AI hyperscalers.” Dennis Nordon, Managing Director at Hanley Energy Group, concludes, “This is more than an acquisition; it’s a catalyst for the future of data centre power management. By joining with Jabil, we are positioned to lead the charge in delivering intelligent, sustainable solutions that empower hyperscalers to unlock the full potential of AI.”

Ireland’s first liquid-cooled AI supercomputer

CloudCIX, an Irish provider of open-source cloud computing platforms and data centre services, and AlloComp, an Irish provider of AI infrastructure and sustainable computing solutions, have announced the deployment of Ireland’s first liquid-cooled NVIDIA HGX-based supercomputer at CloudCIX’s facility in Cork, marking a development in the country’s AI and high performance computing (HPC) infrastructure. Delivered recently and scheduled to go live in the coming weeks, the system is based on NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture and supplied through Dell Technologies. It represents an upgrade to the Boole Supercomputer and is among the first liquid-cooled installations of this class in Europe. The upgraded system is intended to support industry users, startups, applied research teams, and academic spin-outs that require high performance, sovereign compute capacity within Ireland. Installation and infrastructure requirements The system stands more than 2.5 metres tall and weighs close to one tonne, requiring structural modifications during installation. Costellos Engineering carried out the building works and precision placement, including the creation of a new access point to accommodate the liquid-cooled rack. Jerry Sweeney, Managing Director of CloudCIX, says, “More and more Irish companies are working with AI models that demand extreme performance and tight control over data. This upgrade gives industry, startups, and applied researchers a world-class compute platform here in Ireland, close to their teams, their systems, and their customers.” The project was led by AlloComp, CloudCIX’s AI infrastructure partner, which supported system selection, supply coordination, and technical deployment. AlloComp co-founder Niall Smith comments, “[The] Boole Supercomputer upgrade represents a major step forward in what’s possible with AI, but it also marks a fundamental shift in the infrastructure required to power it. "Traditional data centres average roughly 8 kW per rack; today’s advanced AI systems are already at [an] unprecedented 120 kW per rack, and the next generation is forecast to reach 600 kW. Liquid cooling is no longer optional; it is the only way to deliver the density, efficiency, and performance for demanding AI workloads.” Kasia Zabinska, co-founder of AlloComp, adds, “Supporting CloudCIX in delivering Ireland’s first liquid-cooled system of this type is an important milestone. The result is a high-density platform designed to give Irish teams the performance, control, and sustainability they need to develop and deploy AI.” The system is expected to support larger model training, advanced simulation, and other compute-intensive workloads across sectors including medtech, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, robotics, and computer vision. CloudCIX says it will begin onboarding customers as part of its sovereign AI infrastructure offering in the near term. To mark the deployment, CloudCIX and AlloComp plan to host a national event in January 2026, focused on supercomputing and next-generation AI infrastructure. The event will bring together industry, research, and policy stakeholders to discuss the role of sovereign and energy-efficient compute in Ireland’s AI development.

Motivair by Schneider Electric introduces new CDUs

Motivair, a US provider of liquid cooling solutions for data centres and AI computing, owned by Schneider Electric, has introduced a new range of coolant distribution units (CDUs) designed to address the increasing thermal requirements of high performance computing and AI workloads. The new units are designed for installation in utility corridors rather than within the white space, reflecting changes in how liquid cooling infrastructure is being deployed in modern data centres. According to the company, this approach is intended to provide operators with greater flexibility when integrating cooling systems into different facility layouts. The CDUs will be available globally, with manufacturing scheduled to increase from early 2026. Motivair states that the range supports a broader set of operating conditions, allowing data centre operators to use a wider range of chilled water temperatures when planning and operating liquid cooled environments. The additions expand the company’s existing liquid cooling portfolio, which includes floor-mounted and in-rack units for use across hyperscale, colocation, edge, and retrofit sites. Cooling design flexibility for AI infrastructure Motivair says the new CDUs reflect changes in infrastructure design as compute densities increase and AI workloads become more prevalent. The company notes that operators are increasingly placing CDUs outside traditional IT spaces to improve layout flexibility and maintenance access, as having multiple CDU deployment options allows cooling approaches to be aligned more closely with specific data centre designs and workload requirements. The company highlights space efficiency, broader operating ranges, easier access for maintenance, and closer integration with chiller plant infrastructure as key considerations for operators planning liquid cooling systems. Andrew Bradner, Senior Vice President, Cooling Business at Schneider Electric, says, “When it comes to data centre liquid cooling, flexibility is the key with customers demanding a more diverse and larger portfolio of end-to-end solutions. "Our new CDUs allow customers to match deployment strategies to a wider range of accelerated computing applications while leveraging decades of specialised cooling experience to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and future-readiness.” The launch marks the first new product range from Motivair since Schneider Electric acquired the company in February 2025. Rich Whitmore, CEO of Motivair, comments, “Motivair is a trusted partner for advanced liquid cooling solutions and our new range of technologies enables data centre operators to navigate the AI era with confidence. "Together with Schneider Electric, our goal is to deliver next-generation cooling solutions that adapt to any HPC, AI, or advanced data centre deployment to deliver seamless scalability, performance, and reliability when it matters most.” For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

ABB, Ark deploy medium voltage UPS in UK

ABB, a multinational corporation specialising in industrial automation and electrification products, has completed what it describes as the UK’s first deployment of a medium voltage uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system at Ark Data Centres’ Surrey campus. The installation, with a capacity of 25MVA, is intended to support rising demand for high-density AI computing and large-scale digital workloads. Ark Data Centres is among the early adopters of ABB’s medium voltage power architecture, which combines grid connection and UPS at the same voltage level to accommodate the growing electrical requirements of AI hardware. The project was delivered in partnership with ABB and JCA. The installation forms part of Ark’s ongoing expansion, including electrical capacity for next-generation GPUs used in AI training and inference. These systems support high-throughput computing across sectors such as research, healthcare, finance, media, and entertainment, and require stable, scalable power infrastructure. Medium voltage architecture for AI workloads Andy Garvin, Chief Operating Officer at Ark Data Centres, comments, “AI is accelerating data centre growth and intensifying the pressure to deliver capacity that is efficient, resilient, and sustainable. With ABB, we’ve delivered a first-of-its-kind solution that positions Ark to meet these challenges while supporting the UK’s digital future.” Stephen Gibbs, UK Distribution Solutions Marketing and Sales Director at ABB Electrification, adds, “We’re helping data centres design from day one for emerging AI workloads. Our medium voltage UPS technology is AI-ready and a critical step in meeting the power demands of future high-density racks. Delivered as a single solution, we are supporting today’s latest technology and futureproofing for tomorrow’s megawatt-powered servers. "ABB’s new medium voltage data centre architecture integrates HiPerGuard, the industry’s first solid-state medium voltage UPS, with its UniGear MV switchgear and Zenon ZEE600 control system into a single, end-to-end system. This approach eliminates interface risks and streamlines coordination across design, installation, and commissioning.” Steve Hill, Divisional Contracts Director at JCA, says, “Delivering a project of this scale brings challenges. Having one partner responsible for the switchgear, UPS, and controls reduced complexity and helped keep the programme on track. "Working alongside ABB, we were able to coordinate the installation and commissioning effectively so that Ark could benefit from the new system without delays or risks.” The system reportedly provides up to 25MVA of conditioned power, achieving 98% efficiency under heavy load and freeing floor space for AI computing equipment. Stabilising power at medium voltage should also reduce generator intervention and energy losses. For more from ABB, click here.

Siemens, nVent develop reference design for AI DCs

German multinational technology company Siemens and nVent, a US manufacturer of electrical connection and protection systems, are collaborating on a liquid cooling and power reference architecture intended for hyperscale AI environments. The design aims to support operators facing rising power densities, more demanding compute loads, and the need for modular infrastructure that maintains uptime and operational resilience. The joint reference architecture is being developed for 100MW-scale AI data centres using liquid-cooled infrastructure such as the NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD with GB200 systems. It combines Siemens’ electrical and automation technology with NVIDIA’s reference design framework and nVent’s liquid cooling capabilities. The companies state that the architecture is structured to be compatible with Tier III design requirements. Reference model for power and cooling integration “We have decades of expertise supporting customers’ next-generation computing infrastructure needs,” says Sara Zawoyski, President of Systems Protection at nVent. “This collaboration with Siemens underscores that commitment. "The joint reference architecture will help data centre managers deploy our cutting-edge cooling infrastructure to support the AI buildout.” Ciaran Flanagan, Global Head of Data Center Solutions at Siemens, adds, “This reference architecture accelerates time-to-compute and maximises tokens-per-watt, which is the measure of AI output per unit of energy. “It’s a blueprint for scale: modular, fault-tolerant, and energy-efficient. Together with nVent and our broader ecosystem of partners, we’re connecting the dots across the value chain to drive innovation, interoperability, and sustainability, helping operators build future-ready data centres that unlock AI’s full potential.” Reference architectures are increasingly used by data centre operators to support rapid deployment and consistent interface standards. They are particularly relevant as facilities adapt to higher rack-level densities and more intensive computing requirements. Siemens says it contributes its experience in industrial electrical systems and automation, ranging from medium- and low-voltage distribution to energy management software. nVent adds that it brings expertise in liquid cooling, working with chip manufacturers, original equipment makers, and hyperscale operators. For more from Siemens, click here.

BAC immersion cooling tank gains Intel certification

BAC (Baltimore Aircoil Company), a provider of data centre cooling equipment, has received certification for its immersion cooling tank as part of the Intel Data Center Certified Solution for Immersion Cooling, covering fourth- and fifth-generation Xeon processors. The programme aims to validate immersion technologies that meet the efficiency and sustainability requirements of modern data centres. The Intel certification process involved extensive testing of immersion tanks, cooling fluids, and IT hardware. It was developed collaboratively by BAC, Intel, ExxonMobil, Hypertec, and Micron. The programme also enables Intel to offer a warranty rider for single-phase immersion-cooled Xeon processors, providing assurance on durability and hardware compatibility. Testing was carried out at Intel’s Advanced Data Center Development Lab in Hillsboro, Oregon. BAC’s immersion cooling tanks, including its CorTex technology, were used to validate performance, reliability, and integration between cooling fluid and IT components. “Immersion cooling represents a critical advancement in data centre thermal management, and this certification is a powerful validation of that progress,” says Jan Tysebeart, BAC’s General Manager of Data Centers. “Our immersion cooling tanks are engineered for the highest levels of efficiency and reliability. "By participating in this collaborative certification effort, we’re helping to ensure a trusted, seamless, and superior experience for our customers worldwide.” Joint testing to support industry adoption The certification builds on BAC’s work in high-efficiency cooling design. Its Cobalt immersion system, which combines an indoor immersion tank with an outdoor heat-rejection unit, is designed to support low Power Usage Effectiveness values while improving uptime and sustainability. Jan continues, “Through rigorous joint testing and validation by Intel, we’ve proven that immersion cooling can bridge IT hardware and facility infrastructure more efficiently than ever before. “Certification programmes like this one are key to accelerating industry adoption by ensuring every element - tank, fluid, processor, and memory - meets the same high standards of reliability and performance.” For more from BAC, click here.

Aggreko expands liquid-cooled load banks for AI DCs

Aggreko, a British multinational temporary power generation and temperature control company, has expanded its liquid-cooled load bank fleet by 120MW to meet rising global demand for commissioning equipment used in high-density data centres. The company plans to double this capacity in 2026, supporting deployments across North America, Europe, and Asia, as operators transition to liquid cooling to manage the growth of AI and high-performance computing. Increasing rack densities, now reaching between 300kW and 500kW in some environments, have pushed conventional air-cooling systems to their limits. Liquid cooling is becoming the standard approach, offering far greater heat removal efficiency and significantly lower power consumption. As these systems mature, accurate simulation of thermal and electrical loads has become essential during commissioning to minimise downtime and protect equipment. The expanded fleet enables Aggreko to provide contractors and commissioning teams with equipment capable of testing both primary and secondary cooling loops, including chiller lines and coolant distribution units. The load banks also simulate electrical demand during integrated systems testing. Billy Durie, Global Sector Head – Data Centres at Aggreko, says, “The data centre market is growing fast, and with that speed comes the need to adopt energy efficient cooling systems. With this comes challenges that demand innovative testing solutions. “Our multi-million-pound investment in liquid-cooled load banks enables our partners - including those investing in hyperscale data centre delivery - to commission their facilities faster, reduce risks, and achieve ambitious energy efficiency goals.” Supporting commissioning and sustainability targets Liquid-cooled load banks replicate the heat output of IT hardware, enabling operators to validate cooling performance before systems go live. This approach can improve Power Usage Effectiveness and Water Usage Effectiveness while reducing the likelihood of early operational issues. Manufactured with corrosion-resistant materials and advanced control features, the equipment is designed for use in environments where reliability is critical. Remote operation capabilities and simplified installation procedures are also intended to reduce commissioning timelines. With global data centre power demand projected to rise significantly by 2030, driven by AI and high-performance computing, the ability to validate cooling systems efficiently is increasingly important. Aggreko says it also provides commissioning support as part of project delivery, working with data centre teams to develop testing programmes suited to each site. Billy continues, “Our teams work closely with our customers to understand their infrastructure, challenges, and goals, developing tailored testing solutions that scale with each project’s complexity. "We’re always learning from projects, refining our design and delivery to respond to emerging market needs such as system cleanliness, water quality management, and bespoke, end-to-end project support.” Aggreko states that the latest investment strengthens its ability to support high-density data centre construction and aligns with wider moves towards more efficient and sustainable operations. Billy adds, “The volume of data centre delivery required is unprecedented. By expanding our liquid-cooled load bank fleet, we’re scaling to meet immediate market demand and to help our customers deliver their data centres on time. "This is about providing the right tools to enable innovation and growth in an era defined by AI.” For more from Aggreko, click here.

Vertiv launches DC power system for networks in EMEA

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure, has introduced the Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy, a hybrid-ready DC power platform designed to support next-generation telecom and edge networks across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The system is engineered to strengthen power stability in environments ranging from robust grid connections to remote or off-grid locations while supporting operators’ wider energy transition strategies. The PowerDirect 7100 Energy provides up to 52 kW of scalable 48 V DC power and reportedly achieves efficiencies of up to 98%. Built on Vertiv’s fourth-generation hybrid architecture, it can integrate inputs from grid, generators, and alternative energy sources including solar, wind, or fuel-cell systems. Intelligent power management for diverse deployments At the core of the platform are Vertiv solar converters and modular rectifiers, managed by the Vertiv NetSure Control Unit. This combination enables remote monitoring, advanced load control, and energy scheduling to optimise system performance and extend equipment lifespan. Dave Wilson, Director of Global Hybrid Solutions at Vertiv, comments, “The world expects energy efficiency and flexibility with the growth of communications such as 5G and edge connectivity. "The Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy gives operators a single, intelligent platform capable of adapting to any grid condition, delivering reliable power while supporting the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy strategies.” Built for harsh and space-constrained sites The system is available in 500 A, 750 A, and 1000 A configurations for telecom and edge data racks. A front-access layout simplifies installation and servicing, while an operating range of –40°C to +65°C allows for deployment in challenging or remote locations. The PowerDirect 7100 Energy joins Vertiv’s wider portfolio of Vertiv NetSure systems and hybrid-energy platforms within the company’s power-train architecture. Paired with Vertiv thermal management, IT management, and lifecycle support services, it seeks to provide operators with a foundation for resilient and efficient digital infrastructure. For more from Vertiv, click here.

Terra Innovatum, Uvation agree micro-modular nuclear pilot

Terra Innovatum Global, a developer of micro-modular nuclear reactors, and Uvation, an integrated technology provider, have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to launch a 1MWe pilot programme of Terra Innovatum’s micro-modular nuclear technology, with an option to scale up to 100MWe. The pilot is intended to support Uvation’s growing requirements for high-density AI and modular data centre infrastructure. Terra Innovatum develops micro-modular nuclear reactors, while Uvation focuses on technology platforms designed for large-scale, performance-intensive AI workloads. The companies state that behind-the-meter nuclear generation could provide a resilient and scalable alternative to grid-dependent power for data centre development. Alessandro Petruzzi, co-founder and CEO at Terra Innovatum, comments, “Uvation’s data centre expansion requires infrastructure that is not only scalable, but fundamentally resilient. "By integrating Terra Innovatum’s SOLO micro-modular reactor, we will offer a behind-the-meter energy source capable of delivering safe, stable, high-density power that traditional grids cannot guarantee. "SOLO adds built-in safety and provides redundancy - important for data centres, de-risking energy deployment during maintenance or shutdowns, ensuring continuity independent of power shortages, and enhancing cybersecurity protection. "This enables next-generation, high-performance modular data centres powered by a clean, uninterrupted energy backbone - unlocking new possibilities for AI, HPC, and mission-critical workloads.” Nuclear as an alternative pathway for energy-constrained AI projects Giordano Morichi, Founding Partner, Chief Business Development Officer and Investor Relations, adds, “As AI infrastructure outpaces today’s grid, the constraint is no longer processing power; it’s reliable, cost-effective power. Uvation’s future commitment to behind-the-meter nuclear reflects a broader market reality: energy security now defines the speed at which AI can scale. "SOLO fast-tracks AI commercialisation by providing near-instant, CO₂-free, revenue-generating power while sidestepping the delays and CapEx overruns inherent to traditional grid-dependent solutions. "This agreement also strengthens our commercial deployment and positions nuclear as the most viable path to support Uvation’s planned multi-gigawatt growth in the AI and data centre sector.” Reen Singh, CEO of Uvation, notes, “Global demand for AI, driven by the US, and the need for sovereign cloud infrastructure is accelerating far faster than the available power to support it. Some of our off-takers forecast demand exceeding 1GW, yet current infrastructure and lack of readily available access to energy limit the scale of deployments. “Power shortages have been major forces in this industry’s project delays. By integrating Terra Innovatum’s SOLO reactor into our future roadmap, we will look to secure immediate power along with a reliable, behind-the-meter energy source that enables scalable AI, inference, and edge deployments. "Our future 1MWe SOLO pilot program represents a critical first step, with a path to expand to 100 MWe across multiple sites and potentially several megawatt-scale installations throughout the US.” The companies intend the pilot to act as a foundation for potential multi-site expansion, citing accelerating power demand and increasing constraints on conventional grid-connected data centre projects.