News

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.

Hudson IX expands 60 Hudson Street capacity

Hudson InterXchange (Hudson IX), a New York-based carrier-neutral colocation and interconnection data centre provider, has added a new 1MW data hall at 60 Hudson Street in New York, USA, increasing available capacity at one of the city’s most connected carrier hotels. The facility is now operational and available for high-density colocation deployments. A second 1MW data hall is scheduled to come online in the second quarter of 2026, with longer-term plans to expand total capacity at the site beyond 10MW. The expansion comes as data centre space and power availability remain limited across the New York City market, particularly in locations with established network connectivity. 60 Hudson Street continues to act as a key interconnection hub, hosting more than 300 carriers and service providers. The latest development introduces additional capacity within this environment, enabling organisations to deploy infrastructure close to network providers and end users. Additional capacity in a constrained market Hudson IX is among a small number of operators currently adding new capacity within the building, supported by available power for future deployments. The new data hall is designed to support a range of requirements, including network providers, content delivery networks, cloud platforms, enterprises, and financial services organisations. The company notes it can accommodate both standard and high-density installations, including workloads linked to AI and other compute-intensive applications. Atul Roy of Hudson InterXchange says, "This expansion is the result of our remarkable team and its commitment to delivering a large, world-class, high-performance data centre platform with scalable solutions ranging from single cabinets to bespoke cages." Further expansion is planned as part of a wider roadmap to increase total capacity at the site beyond 10MW, supporting continued demand for colocation and interconnection in the New York metro area. For more from Hudson IX, click here.

AVK launches modular PowerPods for data centres

AVK, a provider of power systems and electrical infrastructure for data centres, has introduced a new modular power system, PowerPods, designed to support energy infrastructure for hyperscale data centres and AI deployments. The units integrate key electrical components - including uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), engines, switchgear, controls, enclosures, and transformers - into a single, pre-engineered system. Each unit is delivered ready for connection and deployment on site. The launch reflects growing demand for scalable power infrastructure, as data centre operators seek to deploy capacity more quickly while maintaining resilience and operational continuity. PowerPods have been developed using AVK’s experience in critical power systems, including standby and prime power, as well as control and service capabilities. Modular approach to data centre power deployment The company highlights that the systems are designed to simplify installation by combining multiple elements of the power chain into a single unit. This approach aims to reduce complexity during deployment and support more flexible expansion as demand increases. PowerPods can be configured to meet specific project requirements and are designed to support a range of technologies, allowing operators to adapt systems over time. The modular design also enables use across both new developments and existing sites requiring additional capacity. The units are available for immediate deployment, with a focus on reducing lead times for projects where rapid delivery is required. Ben Pritchard, CEO at AVK, says, “The launch of the AVK PowerPods reinforces our position as one of the few businesses capable of designing, delivering, and supporting the entire data centre power ecosystem - at scale, with true flexibility, and with the engineering depth that critical infrastructure demands. "Large data centres need partners who genuinely understand the full energy picture and we now own the full power train. “PowerPods complete our proposition to the market. They bring together our extensive critical power expertise with our technology-agnostic model to deliver a complete power train solution that makes us a reliable, long-term energy partner for data centre operators. "With our ready-to-deploy PowerPods model, we are perfectly positioned to support the next wave of hyperscale data centres and AI infrastructure.” For more from AVK, click here.

Ellis unveils heavy-duty cable hanger, Hercules

Ellis Patents, a UK manufacturer of cable cleats and cable management systems, has introduced a new heavy-duty cable hanger, Hercules, at Data Centre World Frankfurt, expanding its cable support range for high-capacity data centre infrastructure. The product has been developed to support heavier cable installations as facilities increase power density and cabling volumes. It is designed for use in environments where mechanical strength and cable integrity are critical. Hercules is available in sizes ranging from 6 inches to 25 inches, providing flexibility across different cable diameters and installation requirements. The hanger is also UV-resistant, making it suitable for installations where cable containment may be exposed to external conditions, such as perimeter runs or transition zones. Designed for high-capacity cable installations As data centre projects scale, contractors are required to manage larger power cables and higher electrical loads, often within tighter deployment schedules. Cable support systems play a key role in maintaining safety and reliability in these environments. Ellis says the Hercules cable hanger has been developed in consultation with industry stakeholders to address these installation challenges, supporting heavier cable runs while maintaining ease of installation. Kelly Brown, Sales Director at Ellis, explains, "As data centre infrastructure grows in scale and complexity, the need for dependable, heavy-duty cable support becomes increasingly important. "Hercules has been developed in partnership with industry experts to provide installers with a strong, practical solution that supports heavier cable runs while offering the flexibility, durability, and UV resistance along with the reliability customers need and have come to expect from Ellis." The product was presented to contractors, consultants, and specifiers at Data Centre World Frankfurt, where it is aimed at those involved in hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data centre projects. Ellis states that the addition of Hercules also strengthens its wider cable management offering for data centre applications.

Daikin expands UK HVAC rental fleet

Daikin Rental Solutions, the dedicated temporary HVAC hire division of Daikin Applied UK, has expanded its UK rental fleet with additional cooling, heating, and air handling equipment, responding to growing demand for temporary HVAC systems. The investment reflects pressure on organisations to maintain operations while managing ageing infrastructure, higher temperatures, regulatory requirements, and the shift towards lower-carbon energy. The company has increased its range of high-capacity cooling systems, process cooling equipment, and heat pumps, alongside introducing UK-manufactured air handling units. Broader HVAC capability for UK industries Demand for temporary HVAC continues to rise across sectors such as data centres, healthcare, and manufacturing, where system downtime can have operational consequences. To support this, Daikin has added higher-capacity chiller units and an expanded range of heat pumps, offering scalable cooling and heating for larger or more complex environments. Additional dry air coolers have also been introduced to support process cooling requirements, including systems designed to improve energy performance under suitable conditions. The company has also expanded its airside equipment with a new range of air handling units manufactured in the UK. Produced at Daikin Applied UK’s facility in Cramlington, the units are designed for rental use, with a focus on ease of installation and suitability for environments such as cleanrooms and healthcare settings. Mike England, UK Rental Sales Manager at Daikin Applied UK, says, "In many of the sectors we support, downtime simply isn’t an option. Customers need solutions that are not only available quickly, but that perform reliably and integrate seamlessly into their existing systems." The company states that manufacturing air handling units within the UK is intended to improve equipment availability and reduce lead times, while maintaining consistent engineering standards across its rental fleet. Digital monitoring and control features are available on selected systems, supporting maintenance and operational oversight where required. For more from Daikin, click here.