News

Deep Green partners with Zendo on renewable data centres

British digital infrastructure company Deep Green has partnered with Zendo Energy, a London-based startup building an AI-powered energy management platform, to support a "new generation" of AI-ready data centres powered by renewable energy and energy management technology. The partnership begins at Deep Green’s 400kW site in Urmston, Greater Manchester, where Zendo has secured a renewable energy supply contract for the facility. Designed for high-performance computing and AI workloads, the Urmston site supports rack densities of up to 150kW. Waste heat generated by the servers is captured and reused to heat the swimming pool at Trafford Leisure Centre. According to Deep Green, the heat reuse system is expected to save the leisure centre around £80,000 annually while reducing carbon emissions. The company’s approach centres on deploying modular data centres close to facilities that can use recovered heat, including swimming pools, district heating networks, and public buildings. Renewable energy aiding modular data centre expansion Deep Green says demand for AI infrastructure continues to increase, while grid limitations and planning delays remain challenges for UK data centre developments. The company says its modular deployment model allows new capacity to be brought online more quickly than traditional developments. Through the partnership, Zendo will provide energy monitoring, forecasting, and capacity optimisation using its Energy OS platform. Renewable power for the Urmston facility, in particular, will be supplied by ENGIE. Hazel Lim, Chief Financial Officer at Deep Green, says, “Zendo has been a strong partner in shaping our power procurement strategy for our data centres. "We are excited to draw on their expertise to develop a highly efficient, cost-effective approach that maximises value for our colocation clients by fully capturing the advantages of heat reuse.” Drew Barrett, COO and co-founder of Zendo Energy, adds, “Deep Green has an ambitious vision to accelerate data centre deployments at pace, and we're proud to be the energy technology partner making sure energy is never the bottleneck. “The flexibility we've built into this contract is designed to grow alongside their trajectory, and we see this as a blueprint for what the next generation of data centres should look like: flexible, sustainable, and built for scale.” For more from Deep Green, click here.

IREN acquires Nostrum Group for European AI expansion

IREN, an Australian AI cloud infrastructure provider, has agreed to acquire Spanish data centre developer Nostrum Group as part of its expansion into the European AI infrastructure market. The deal adds around 490MW of secured grid-connected capacity in Spain, alongside an additional development pipeline, strengthening IREN’s AI cloud platform in Europe. Nostrum Group, formerly Ingenostrum, was founded in 2009 and has operated across renewable energy and digital infrastructure development. The company rebranded in 2025 as part of a strategy focused on data centre development, construction, and operations. IREN says Spain offers favourable conditions for large-scale AI data centre development due to renewable energy availability, connectivity, and regulatory support. Acquisition expands AI data centre capabilities The acquisition also brings Nostrum’s local development, engineering, construction, and operations teams into IREN’s business. Daniel Roberts, founder and Co-CEO of IREN, says, “This acquisition establishes a strategic platform in Europe for IREN. Nostrum adds high-quality sites, an experienced local team, and a leading position in an attractive market for AI infrastructure.” Guy Auger, Partner at Andera Partners, adds, “This divestment perfectly illustrates the thesis of Andera Smart Infra 1: supporting entrepreneurs in the acceleration phase of deploying their energy infrastructure assets. “By backing Nostrum Group’s strategic pivot towards renewable-powered data centres, we have helped build a first-tier player in one of Europe’s most dynamic markets.” Gabriel Nebreda, CEO of Nostrum Group, comments, “We are proud to join IREN to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure in Europe. “The acquisition of Nostrum Group highlights the enormous potential of Spain as a Southern European digital hub, as well as our team’s ability to lead the emerging market for next-generation digital infrastructure.” Advisers to the transaction included Linklaters and EY for IREN, and BBVA, White & Case, Montero Aramburu and Gómez-Villares Atencia, and Piedmont Advisors for Andera Partners and Nostrum Group. For more from Nostrum Group, click here.

Data Centre Energy Summit to focus on AI power demands

The Data Centre Energy Summit (DCES) 2026 will bring together representatives from the UK’s energy and digital infrastructure sectors to examine the growing energy demands associated with artificial intelligence and large-scale data centre development. Taking place at the Storey Club Paddington in London, the event will focus on how the energy sector can respond to increasing demand from hyperscale computing, cloud expansion, and AI infrastructure. Organisers say the summit will address issues including grid constraints, planning delays, water usage, energy strategy, and rising infrastructure costs, with discussions centred on practical approaches to delivering data centre capacity within energy-constrained environments. Sessions throughout the event will examine topics including onsite power generation, grid integration, engineering design, microgrids, and energy campus models. Financial and regulatory considerations, including ESG reporting and planning frameworks, will also form part of the programme. Industry leaders to discuss energy infrastructure challenges Confirmed participants include Paul Stein, CEO of Floral Energy; Katie Davies, Head of Energy & Infrastructure Policy at TechUK; and Jonathan Clark, Associate Director at Gleeds, alongside a broader cohort of industry figures involved in shaping the future of power and connectivity. Eric Lewis, Managing Director of Foresight Industries, says, “We have deliberately chosen to approach this summit from the perspective of the energy sector looking at data centres, rather than the other way around. "This perspective allows us to better understand how different parts of the energy sector can respond to one of the fastest-growing challenges in infrastructure today.” According to the organisers, the event is intended to encourage earlier collaboration between energy providers, infrastructure developers, policymakers, investors, and engineering teams as pressure on power networks continues to increase. The summit will also explore how cooling systems, heat reuse, and high-density computing requirements are shaping future infrastructure planning and investment decisions. To find out more about the summit, click here.

Gardner Engineering expands data centre security range

Gardner Engineering, a security products manufacturer, has launched a new range of products for data centres, digital infrastructure, and access control environments, as demand for physical resilience in AI and cloud infrastructure continues to grow. The Lancashire-based manufacturer produces precision-machined security mounts, components, and CCTV brackets, and says it is seeing increased demand linked to data infrastructure security. The latest additions include a 3U rack mount access control drawer, designed to house multiple control PCBs within standard 19-inch cabinets. According to the company, the unit is intended to improve cable management and simplify servicing through a sliding access design. Gardner Engineering has also introduced a 6U wall-mounted 19-inch rack enclosure for environments where floor space is limited. The enclosure is designed for the vertical installation of networking, surveillance, and access control hardware. New tools target infrastructure deployment challenges Alongside the hardware launches, Gardner Engineering is expanding its digital sales support with an online product selector and configurator. The tool is already available through the company’s website and is being developed as a white-label platform for distributors and partners. The configurator is intended to help users manage product selection and specification more efficiently, including options such as height, finish, mounting plates, and bespoke requirements. Matt Phillip, CEO of Gardner Engineering, comments, “As digital infrastructure expands, customers are looking for products that solve practical problems around space, organisation, security, and deployment. "Our focus is not just on launching more hardware; it is about making specification easier as well. The white-label configurator is an important step because it gives partners a practical tool they can place directly on their own websites, linked to the Gardner products they actually sell.” The wider Q2 2026 launch programme also includes a surface mount lock cassette kit for Assa Abloy EL160 and EL560 applications, an expanded access control and vehicle posts range, and integrated entrance control bases developed with ZKTeco. Gardner Engineering says the new products reflect growing demand for physical infrastructure that supports resilience, deployment efficiency, and channel integration.

nLighten appoints new CEO and CFO

European data centre operator nLighten has appointed Dame Dawn Childs as Chief Executive Officer and Matthew Harris as Chief Financial Officer, as demand for edge data centres increases across Europe. Dawn joins from Pure Data Centres Group, where she spent nearly five years, initially as Chief Operating Officer before becoming Chief Executive Officer in May 2023. She will continue as a non-executive director at Pure Data Centres during the transition. Prior to this, she led a multi-billion-pound transformation programme at National Grid, covering gas and electricity transmission. Earlier roles include Group Engineering Director at Merlin Entertainments, Head of Engineering at Gatwick Airport, and 23 years as an Engineering Officer in the Royal Air Force. Matthew brings more than 15 years’ experience across private equity-backed and listed businesses in digital infrastructure, technology, and investment. He joins from Kao Data, where he was a founding board member, investor director, and Chief Financial Officer from 2021. Before that, he was CFO at Goldacre Ventures, where he supported growth and secured more than £250 million in funding for portfolio companies. The appointments come as demand for distributed digital infrastructure grows, driven by artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity, and high-bandwidth applications. nLighten says it is continuing its expansion across European markets, including through acquisitions and investment in infrastructure. Nick Read, Chairman of nLighten, comments, "We are delighted to welcome Dawn and Matthew to nLighten. Dawn’s deep experience leading complex, mission-critical infrastructure businesses makes her exceptionally well suited to guide the company’s continued growth, while Matthew’s strong financial and strategic expertise will be invaluable as we scale the platform. "As AI drives unprecedented demand for digital infrastructure and edge capacity across Europe, nLighten is uniquely positioned to capture this opportunity. "I would also like to thank Harro Beusker for his leadership and the pivotal role he has played in building nLighten into the platform it is today. With such strong foundations in place, we are well positioned to continue delivering sustainable, high-performance data centre solutions for our customers." Expansion plans following rising edge infrastructure demand Dame Dawn Childs says, "I am thrilled to be joining the team at nLighten at such a pivotal time for both the company and the broader digital infrastructure sector. "The opportunity for nLighten to play a meaningful role in supporting Europe’s growing need for digital sovereignty is significant, particularly as demand for secure, high-performance, and sustainable infrastructure continues to accelerate.” Matthew Harris adds, "I am excited to join nLighten as it continues to build momentum across Europe. The company has a clear strategy and strong platform on which to build from. "I look forward to working with the team to support its continued expansion and deliver long-term value for customers and stakeholders." Harro Beusker, who co-founded nLighten in 2021 and has served as CEO since then, will remain on the board as a non-executive director. He will also act as a senior advisor to I Squared Capital. Since launching, nLighten has developed a European platform of 34 data centres across seven countries, with 22MW of capacity, through acquisitions, carve-outs, and brownfield developments. It says its carrier-neutral sites are located in established data centre markets and support deployments closer to end users and latency-sensitive applications. As AI adoption increases and power constraints affect established data centre hubs, organisations are placing greater focus on edge infrastructure to meet performance and capacity requirements. Dawn joined nLighten on 5 May 2026 and will assume the CEO role on 1 June 2026 following a transition period. Matthew will join as CFO on 1 July 2026. For more from nLighten, click here.

National Data Centre Day launches #BackToSchool campaign

National Data Centre Day (NDCD), an awareness initiative founded to recognise the critical role data centres play in powering the UK’s digital economy and AI ambitions, has officially launched its 2026 theme: #BackToSchool, placing a renewed focus on inspiring the next generation of digital talent to step into the industry. Established to help change the public perception of the data centre and digital infrastructure industries, National Data Centre Day continues its mission to champion the vital role of technology in everyday life. This initiative represents an opportunity for the industry to take measurable action to address three of the key challenges it faces: the skills shortage, education, and understanding. This year’s campaign is shifting the industry’s focus towards education and long-term engagement from an early stage. By engaging students at both primary and secondary school phases, NDCD hopes to inspire future talent to learn more about data centres and the infrastructure behind it. The campaign calls on data centre operators, developers, and technology providers across the UK to take an active role in engaging with schools and local communities, and calls on public and private sector educators to make data centres part of the curriculum. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN8ZzA0h5hAIdeas inspired by the campaign's promotional video (above) could include encouraging data centre operators to host student tours at their facilities and delivering educational sessions, providing critical insight into the infrastructure that powers the digital world. By encouraging data centre companies to provide hands-on learning opportunities, the initiative's promoters believe the industry can offer a new and more informed understanding of the sector and engage students at earlier stages of their education. The awareness day and campaign is supported by a growing coalition of industry organisations, including AVK, AtlasEdge, CUDO Compute, EfficiencyIT, Kao Data, and Schneider Electric, all of whom are committed to playing an active role in shaping the future workforce. Rory Flashman-Wells, co-founder of National Data Centre Day and Managing Director at Spa Communications, says, “This year’s National Data Centre Day is about turning talk into action. “The ‘Back to School’ campaign takes the conversation back to where education and understanding about technology takes place: the classroom. "By starting education at an earlier stage, we have an important opportunity to change the narrative of how data centres are understood and help a new generation recognise the technology that powers data in their lives.” Comments from campaign supporters Giuseppe Caltabiano, VP of Marketing at AVK, notes, “National Data Centre Day isn’t just about industry recognition; it’s about responsibility. On 12 September, we recommit to giving back by helping young people understand the vital role data centres play in everyday life, supporting education in classrooms and at home and showcasing how our industry is powering tomorrow's data.” Duncan White, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing at AtlasEdge, adds, “Data centres are the digital engine rooms of the UK’s future and, at AtlasEdge, we’re proud to be part of this critical community. “National Data Centre Day is a brilliant opportunity not only to celebrate the people behind this progress, but to inspire the next generation, shining a light on the infrastructure and innovation shaping Britain’s digital ambitions.” Lizzy McDowell, Director of Marketing at Kao Data, comments, “National Data Centre Day is a vital reminder of the crucial role data centres play in supporting the UK’s digital economy. “Through initiatives like Critical Careers, the Kao Academy, and NDCD, we’re committed to inspiring more young people and diverse talent to explore opportunities in the sector, ensuring the next generation can help shape the UK’s digital future.” Khristina Atwal, Strategic Communications Manager, Secure Power Europe at Schneider Electric, concludes, “From powering AI to supporting healthcare, data centres are the backbone of our digital world. "At Schneider Electric, we’re proud to support this campaign, celebrating the people driving innovation while helping to inspire and educate and build a more sustainable, connected future together.” The promoters of National Data Centre Day 2026 say it represents a key opportunity for the industry to take measurable action to engage and highlight the importance data centres have in powering everything from communication and streaming to AI and cloud computing. To learn more about this year’s theme and the awareness day itself, click here to visit the National Data Centre Day website. For more on National Data Centre Day, click here.

euNetworks launches Frankfurt–Strasbourg fibre route

euNetworks, a European bandwidth infrastructure company, has launched a new long-haul fibre route connecting Frankfurt and Strasbourg, expanding its Super Highway network across Europe. The 247km route links two key connectivity hubs and has been developed in response to rising demand for AI and cloud infrastructure across the FLAP-D region, which includes Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin. The route provides direct, low-latency connectivity between the two cities, with access to more than 76 data centres in Frankfurt and further connections to over 600 sites across euNetworks’ wider European footprint. Built using new high-capacity fibre, the route has been designed to avoid congested areas, improving resilience and offering additional network diversity. Supporting capacity and resilience in FLAP-D The expansion addresses increased traffic between Frankfurt, one of the world’s most interconnected network hubs, and Strasbourg, an established interconnection point for long-haul routes. As part of the build, new infrastructure has been introduced along the route, including upgraded intermediate line amplifier sites designed to improve energy efficiency. The fibre deployed is also intended to support improved transmission performance and lower operational costs. Marisa Trisolino, CEO at euNetworks, comments, "euNetworks is relentless in our pursuit to address Europe’s accelerating demand for bandwidth, and we will continue to develop our state-of-the-art networks where our customers need it the most." The Frankfurt–Strasbourg link is the sixth route to be delivered as part of euNetworks’ Super Highway programme, which focuses on connecting major data centre markets across the FLAP-D region.

Schneider, GreenScale partner on new operational architectures

Global energy technology company Schneider Electric has partnered with GreenScale, a developer of hyperscale data centre campuses, to support the development of data centre sites across Europe, focusing on AI-ready infrastructure and operational design. Under the agreement, Schneider Electric’s Secure Power and Services divisions will provide engineering and design consultancy, contributing to the development of new operational architectures for data centres. The collaboration combines Schneider Electric’s infrastructure expertise with GreenScale’s experience in data centre operations, software, and digital twin technology. The aim is to improve deployment timelines, operational predictability, and maintenance processes through the use of automation and data-driven tools. With application in mind, GreenScale is developing data centres in regions with available power and renewable energy potential, with projects intended to support long-term regional investment and infrastructure growth. A focus on automation and operational efficiency The partnership includes the use of predictive analytics, condition-based maintenance, and digital twin integration to support performance and reliability across sites. These approaches are intended to reduce operational risk, improve maintenance planning, and support consistent performance, particularly in remote or emerging locations. The companies are also working on reference architectures designed to incorporate automation and monitoring from the outset, enabling improved visibility and control across infrastructure systems. Dan Thomas, CEO at GreenScale, says, "As demand for AI, Cloud and HPC accelerates in Europe, data centre operators must rethink how facilities are designed and managed." Thierry Chamayou, Vice President, Cloud and Service Providers, Europe at Schneider Electric, adds, "By combining expertise from our Secure Power and Services divisions, we are helping to create a resilient, AI-ready infrastructure platform." The collaboration also includes the integration of monitoring and control systems that connect physical infrastructure with digital platforms, supporting high-density AI and cloud workloads. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

A-Gas participating as a Gold Sponsor at DCN

With the growing global demand for data, the need for efficient cooling solutions and environmentally friendly refrigerants is becoming increasingly critical. Meeting this rising demand sustainably is essential, which is where A-Gas, a company specialising in lifecycle refrigerant management (LRM), says it can play an important role, supporting the industry’s transition to lower-GWP alternatives. The company has announced that, for this reason, it will attend Data Center Nation (DCN) in Milan as a Gold Sponsor on 27 May, demonstrating how it can actively support industry players. Data Center Nation is an event dedicated to the data centre industry. The organisers say it serves as a hub where hyperscalers (such as AWS and Microsoft), investors, enterprise end users, and infrastructure suppliers can come together to discuss the future of digital infrastructure. At the event, A-Gas says it will feature a dedicated booth and contribute to the Tech Stage panel with a presentation titled 'Cooling in Transition: HFCs, Low-GWP Refrigerants & the Data Centre Challenge'. On 27 May, attendees can visit the company's stand to learn more about its offerings to support the transition to low-GWP alternatives and to discover its recovery, reclamation, and repurposing technologies. For more from A-Gas, click here.

Australia data centre forecast report launched

Data Centres Australia, an Australian industry body representing data centre developers, operators, and the broader digital infrastructure ecosystem, and DC Byte, a London-based market intelligence firm, have formed a partnership to provide independent market insight and forecasting for the country’s data centre sector. As part of the collaboration, the organisations have published the first Australian Data Centre Forecast Report, offering analysis of current capacity and future development trends. The report estimates that Australia’s operational data centre capacity currently stands at 1.5GW and could reach 3.2GW by 2030. The initiative aims to support policymakers, utilities, and industry stakeholders with more accurate data, as demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow across the Asia Pacific region. The partnership combines Data Centres Australia’s industry network with DC Byte’s global market intelligence, with a focus on improving understanding of development pipelines and long-term capacity planning. Addressing forecasting challenges in Australia The report highlights the challenges of tracking data centre growth, particularly in relation to early-stage developments that do not always progress to completion. This can lead to overstated projections and so-called ‘phantom demand’ within the market. By providing forward-looking forecasts based on industry data and development trends, the partners say they aim to support more informed decision-making across the sector. Data Centres Australia will use DC Byte’s analysis to inform engagement with members and policymakers, while DC Byte will provide briefings and insight sessions as part of the agreement. Belinda Dennett, Chief Executive Officer at Data Centres Australia, comments, "Australia has a significant opportunity to position [itself] as a global hub for AI infrastructure investment and sustainable data centre development." James Murphy, Managing Director APAC at DC Byte, adds, "As data centres become more important to Australia’s digital future, having clear visibility into the market matters." The partnership is intended to support collaboration between industry, government, and investors, while providing broader international context for Australia’s digital infrastructure development.