News

Industry recognises International Data Centre Day

In celebration of International Data Centre Day (25 March), DCNN has brought together a series of expert perspectives from across the industry to reflect on the opportunities and challenges facing data centre infrastructure today. From soaring energy demands driven by AI workloads to the shifting geography of deployment and the importance of community stewardship, these industry figures offer a broad view of the forces reshaping the sector and what must be done to meet them responsibly: The future of deployment Ivo Ivanov, CEO of internet exchange operator DE-CIX, comments, "The AI boom used to be about building bigger, better data centres. That works for model training, where raw compute power is prioritised over connectivity and latency, but it doesn't work for inference, which is where the real value of AI is realised at edge deployments. "AI inference demands near real-time responsiveness and, as such, it can't tolerate the latency associated with long round-trip delays to remote data centre hubs. From driverless vehicles to real-time fraud detection, the deployment of AI in edge locations demands a far more distributed infrastructure environment than what we're currently used to. "AI depends on data moving constantly between locations, and if that movement slows down, performance drops off quickly, no matter how much compute you add into the equation. It's no longer about building bigger or better data centres, but about where they're deployed and how they're connected. In other words, geography is becoming just as important as power and compute. "In the coming years, that's going to stretch the definition of data centres: from hyperconnected edge deployments and emerging AI-focused data centre hubs to more experimental concepts that sit above the clouds in the Earth's orbit. The data centre map is being redrawn in real time." Sustainability continuing as a vital factor Professor Aoife Foley, IEEE Senior Member and Chair in Net Zero Infrastructure at the University of Manchester, notes, "The International Energy Agency expects data centre electricity demand to more than double by 2030, reaching around 945 terawatt-hours, slightly above Japan's annual use. This not only indicates a greater demand for energy, but also highlights the importance of balancing digital growth with sustainable energy practices. "Infrastructure and operations leaders have a responsibility here and need to consider the unnecessary waste associated with data storage and commit to generating power from more renewable sources. By eliminating unstructured data and improving operational efficiency, organisations can actually lower their maintenance costs and improve regulatory compliance. "AI workloads consume significantly more energy than traditional cloud computing tasks, and although hyperscale operators are investing in renewable energy to soften the impact, this alone is not enough. Cooling innovations such as liquid immersion and direct-to-chip systems add further efficiencies, yet they still address symptoms rather than the deeper inefficiencies in model design and compute intensity. These impacts can be reduced through smarter model optimisation and a closer alignment between data centre strategy and regional renewable generation." Infrastructure integrated into communities Dave Philp, Chief Value Officer at infrastructure engineering software and digital twin platform provider Bentley Systems, concludes, "International Data Centre Day is a moment to recognise the often-unseen critical infrastructure that underpins modern life. Like healthcare, transport, and energy systems, data centres have become essential civic infrastructure in an increasingly connected world. "Today, data centres are no longer isolated technical buildings; they are part of the fabric of local communities. Being a 'good neighbour' is no longer optional; it is fundamental to earning trust, securing consent, and operating sustainably over the long term. That requires a clear understanding of how data centres interact with local water resources, energy networks, transport infrastructure, and surrounding land use. "We need to put digital modelling, analysis, and visualisation at the heart of how we plan, design, deliver, and operate these facilities. This enables better decisions, earlier engagement, and more resilient outcomes, anticipating construction challenges, responding to environmental constraints, and embedding operational resilience from day one. "As global demand for digital services continues to accelerate, the challenge is not simply to build more data centres, but to build them better. Thoughtful design, digital insight, and a commitment to community and environmental stewardship are what turn a data centre from a functional box into a trusted, long‑term asset that genuinely serves society."

Ramon.Space, Foxconn to deliver space DC infrastructure

Ramon.Space, a developer of computing systems for satellites and space missions, has expanded its partnership with cloud infrastructure provider Ingrasys, a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group, to develop data centre infrastructure for use in orbit. The collaboration focuses on scaling computing platforms designed for space, which comes as demand reportedly grows for processing data generated by satellites. Traditional Earth-based infrastructure, the companies state, faces constraints including latency, bandwidth, and power availability, particularly when handling large volumes of space-generated data. Space-based data centres, they say, aim to address these challenges by enabling processing and storage directly in orbit, reducing reliance on data transmission back to Earth and supporting real-time applications. Ramon.Space develops computing, storage, and communications systems designed to operate in space environments. These systems are engineered to manage challenges such as radiation exposure, power efficiency, thermal conditions, and autonomous operation. Ingrasys has previously supported the manufacturing of Ramon.Space’s computing platforms. Under the expanded agreement, the companies will work towards a production-ready product line, using Ingrasys’ manufacturing capabilities to support scale and consistency. Scaling infrastructure for space-based data Avi Shabtai, CEO of Ramon.Space, comments, “Expanding our work with Ingrasys to build data centre capabilities in space marks a major milestone in turning space computing from innovation into infrastructure. “We are laying the foundation for in-orbit data centers that enable real-time processing, reduce reliance on downlink, and support the next generation of software-defined satellites and distributed systems.” Benjamin Ting, CEO of Ingrasys, adds, “Ingrasys is proud to extend our collaboration with Ramon.Space into the in-orbit data centre domain. “By combining world-class manufacturing with Ramon.Space’s innovative computing platform, we are helping unlock a new era of space infrastructure.” The initiative is intended to complement terrestrial data centres and cloud infrastructure, while supporting applications where processing in orbit is more efficient. These include Earth observation, communications, and government-led space programmes. The programme will begin with prototype development and testing, with plans to expand towards operational deployments as space-based data infrastructure develops.

RETN now live at Manchester's Lunar 1 data centre

RETN, an independent global network service provider, has launched a new point of presence (PoP) in Manchester, UK. As the city’s interconnection ecosystem continues to grow, RETN says it is enabling secure, reliable, and future-ready connectivity, powering both local and global digital ambitions. Christopher Elliott, UK Commercial Director at RETN, comments, “This new PoP strengthens our presence in the North, delivering greater route diversity and resilience for businesses, ISPs, and enterprises across the region. "It’s another step in our commitment to the Northern Powerhouse, supporting Manchester’s role as one of the UK’s leading connectivity hubs. Lunar’s commitment to operational excellence and customer‑focused service makes them an ideal partner as we continue to expand our network footprint.” Darren Elliston, Director of Customer Success at Lunar Digital, adds, “RETN’s decision to build a PoP inside our facility is a strong endorsement of the quality, resilience, and strategic importance of Lunar’s data centres. "This partnership gives our customers even more choice and flexibility in how they build and scale their infrastructure. It also reinforces Manchester’s position as one of the UK’s most important digital hubs, supporting the region’s continued growth and innovation.” For more from RETN, click here.

ZutaCore brings two-phase cooling to PCIe GPUs

ZutaCore, a developer of liquid cooling technology, has announced that its OmniTherm cold plate now enables waterless, two-phase cooling for manufacturers building servers with the NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs in a single-slot PCIe form factor, supporting full-power operation in standard enterprise and AI cloud server environments. As AI inference expands across enterprise and cloud environments, PCIe GPU servers have become a common platform due to their relative ease of deployment, scalability, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. However, as GPU power consumption rises, air cooling can become a limiting factor, restricting density, driving up fan power, and increasing the risk of thermal throttling during sustained workloads. The company says OmniTherm addresses this by enabling a transition to two-phase liquid cooling without introducing water inside the server. The single-slot design allows operators to increase accelerator density in standard server architectures while capturing heat into a liquid loop, reducing reliance on high fan speeds that can create excessive noise, waste power, and cause difficult operating conditions in the data centre. "Enterprise and cloud operators want the flexibility of PCIe GPUs, but they also need density and sustained performance as power levels rise," comments My D. Truong, CTO of ZutaCore. "OmniTherm delivers waterless, two-phase cooling in a single-slot form factor, helping data centres increase accelerator density while maintaining stable thermals for 24/7 AI workloads." Two-phase cooling for dynamic AI workloads Production AI workloads - particularly inference - are rarely steady, fluctuating constantly and creating thermal swings that can affect performance and reliability. ZutaCore says its two-phase approach is designed to respond to changing workloads, helping data centres maintain predictable performance under dynamic utilisation. As racks move into higher power levels, the operational cost of air cooling also rises, with increased fan energy consumption and growing acoustic and facility pressures. OmniTherm uses a sealed, non-conductive dielectric fluid system that captures heat without requiring facility water in the server, reducing cooling overhead and providing a path to scaling PCIe-based AI deployments. Alongside this announcement, ZutaCore has also introduced HyperCool Cloud, a cloud-native operations platform designed to help data centres manage liquid cooling infrastructure. The platform, the company says, provides "near-real-time" CDU telemetry, fleet-level monitoring, and alarm-to-resolution workflows, helping operators manage service response and uptime as deployments scale across sites and fleets. For more from ZutaCore, click here.

Pure DC appoints new CCO and CFO

Pure Data Centres Group (Pure DC), a designer, developer, and operator of hyperscale data centres, has appointed Jeff Harrison as Chief Commercial Officer and Michael Schwartz as Chief Financial Officer, expanding its leadership team to support reported growth across Europe and the Middle East. The appointments follow the recent hiring of Gary Wojtaszek as Executive Chairman and Interim CEO. All three previously worked at CyrusOne, where they were involved in the company’s shift towards hyperscale cloud infrastructure. Pure DC is targeting increased demand for AI infrastructure, with plans to expand capacity in established European markets and develop larger-scale sites to support high-density compute. Expansion plans across Europe and Middle East markets Jeff Harrison joins from Stack Infrastructure, where he led North American sales, while Michael Schwartz previously held a finance leadership role at CyrusOne, overseeing planning and capital management during a period of expansion. Both executives are expected to relocate to London in spring 2026. Gary Wojtaszek says, “Jeff and Mike are joining an experienced leadership team with a strong track record in delivering infrastructure for hyperscale customers. Jeff played a key role in developing hyperscale sales at CyrusOne. Mike brings financial discipline to support platform growth.” Jeff Harrison comments, “Europe is expected to see increased demand linked to AI infrastructure. Pure DC has the leadership and development capability to expand across both urban cloud markets and larger-scale campuses.” Michael Schwartz adds, “The opportunity to scale a hyperscale platform across Europe and the Middle East while maintaining financial discipline is a key focus.” Pure DC currently has more than 1 GW of capacity live or under development and is evaluating additional large-scale campus opportunities across Europe. For more from Pure DC, click here.

ZIEHL-ABEGG updates ZAplus fan design

ZIEHL-ABEGG, a German ventilation manufacturer, has introduced the ZAplus Next Generation axial fan, aimed at improving airflow, efficiency, and acoustic performance in data centres and other cooling applications. The updated design builds on the existing ZAplus platform, incorporating a slimmer housing and revised aerodynamic components to increase air output and pressure within the same footprint. The company says this allows larger fan sizes to be deployed in existing spaces, supporting upgrades without requiring significant changes to system layouts. The housing, available in sizes from 450 mm to 1,000 mm, has been developed using computational fluid dynamics to optimise airflow. It is manufactured using plastic injection moulding to reduce weight and improve corrosion resistance. Design changes focus on airflow and efficiency The system includes FE2owlet and FE3owlet blade designs, alongside guide vanes and a compact diffuser to stabilise airflow and improve pressure performance. Additional nozzles are used to help smooth airflow and reduce turbulence. The company notes that these elements are designed to support efficient operation while maintaining a consistent footprint. The fan also enables variable speed control, allowing airflow to be adjusted to demand, which can help reduce energy use over time. The ZAplus Next Generation is available with both AC and ECblue motor options, providing flexibility for both retrofit and new-build data centre environments. ZIEHL-ABEGG says its composite construction is intended to support durability and reduce maintenance requirements in long-term operation.

Corning expands AI data centre connectivity

Corning, a US manufacturer of optical fibre for telecommunications and data centres, has expanded its data centre connectivity portfolio through a licensing agreement with US Conec. The agreement enables Corning to use PRIZM TMT optical ferrule technology, designed to increase fibre density within data centre environments, particularly for AI infrastructure. The technology supports higher fibre counts in limited space, addressing growing demand for connectivity as AI workloads scale and data centre architectures evolve. Mike O’Day, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Corning Optical Communications, comments, “AI infrastructure is pushing optical connectivity into new and more demanding environments. “By licensing PRIZM TMT, Corning is strengthening its ability to deliver scalable, fibre-rich solutions that help customers build larger, faster, and more efficient AI clusters, while aligning closely with the broader industry ecosystem.” Supporting higher-density AI infrastructure As AI deployments expand, data centres are increasing the number of connected accelerators and shifting towards optical connections in place of traditional copper links. This change is driving higher fibre density within server and switch racks, increasing the need for compact, high-performance connectors. The PRIZM TMT ferrule uses expanded beam technology with precision-aligned microlenses, rather than direct fibre contact. This approach is intended to improve installation reliability, reduce sensitivity to contamination, and support faster deployment. According to the companies, these characteristics are suited to large-scale AI environments, where high connection density and consistent performance are required. For more from Corning, click here.

Antin acquires NorthC

Antin Infrastructure Partners, a private equity firm specialising in infrastructure investments, has completed its acquisition of NorthC Datacenters, a data centre operator in Northwest Europe, from DWS and other minority shareholders. Headquartered in Amsterdam, NorthC operates 25 data centres across The Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland, with more than 140 MW of secured gross grid capacity across existing and upcoming greenfield sites. The company plans to expand into new regions and begin construction of facilities in Frankfurt, Basel, and Geneva this year. Continuing regional expansion Alexandra Schless (pictured above), CEO of NorthC Datacenters, comments, “The finalisation of this acquisition marks a key milestone in the NorthC journey. "Now, with Antin Infrastructure Partners officially on board, we have gained a new strategic partner whose deep expertise in digital infrastructure perfectly aligns with our regional leadership and expansion goals. "We are ready to accelerate our growth across the Benelux and DACH regions, leveraging our 140 MW of secured capacity to meet the surging demand for AI inference workloads and enterprise digital transformation. "Our focus remains on delivering high-quality, regional colocation solutions with the scale and backing of a global infrastructure leader.” Stéphane Ifker and Maximilian Lindner, Managing Partner and Partner (respectively) at Antin Infrastructure Partners, add, “We are delighted to be working with NorthC as we jointly embark on the company’s next growth phase. "This closing signifies the start of an ambitious new chapter. We are fully committed to supporting Alexandra and her management team as they expand their footprint, modernise their facilities, and continue to serve as the backbone for Europe's most critical digital infrastructure sectors.” For more from NorthC, click here.

Report: AI boom driving US data centres off grid

The rapid expansion of off-grid data centres across the US is emerging as a possible answer to the power constraints reshaping the AI-driven digital economy, according to a new report from law firm Troutman Pepper Locke. As artificial intelligence accelerates demand for compute capacity, the firm's report - Off-Grid Data Centers: A Potential Power Solution for AI - finds that developers, hyperscalers, and energy companies are increasingly turning to behind-the-meter and ‘island-moded’ generation to secure reliable, scalable electricity while avoiding grid congestion and regulatory delays. According to projections cited in the analysis, global data centre investment could reach $6.7 trillion (£5 trillion) by 2030, with approximately $2.7 trillion (£2 trillion) of that invested in the US market. Nowhere is the transformation more visible than in Texas, where the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) forecasts that data centre electricity demand could rise by 22 GW between 2025 and 2031, reaching 78 GW (or roughly 36% of total statewide demand). At the same time, AI-specialised server racks now require 50–100 kW each, up from 5–10 kW in traditional configurations just a few years ago. As microchips become more powerful and energy intensive, the report concludes that power - not silicon - has become the primary constraint on AI expansion. Natural gas as the bridge to scale One of the report's central findings is the decisive shift towards natural gas as the preferred near-term solution for off-grid facilities. Developers are prioritising dispatchable generation that can deliver the "five nines" reliability (99.999% uptime) demanded by hyperscale AI operations. While renewables remain a central part of long-term decarbonisation strategies, the analysis suggests that wind and solar alone cannot yet provide consistent, 24/7 baseload power at the scale AI requires without substantial overbuild and storage. Battery capacity, though advancing, "remains limited" in duration for utility-scale deployments. Small modular nuclear reactors reportedly hold promise but are not yet commercially deployable at scale. Natural gas generation, by contrast, can be deployed relatively quickly and offers dependable output, which the report argues makes it the dominant choice for early off-grid adopters, particularly in Texas, where fuel supply and land availability align. However, the report also cautions that turbine supply chains are tightening, and competition for equipment, skilled labour, and transmission infrastructure is intensifying as AI-driven projects accelerate nationwide. Interconnection bottlenecks fuel off-grid momentum Grid interconnection queues are increasingly congested, delaying projects in key markets. Developers are therefore reportedly pursuing behind-the-meter solutions as a bridge to eventual grid connection - or, in some cases, as a long-term strategy to maintain operational autonomy. Texas's deregulated electricity market and advanced behind-the-meter framework make it a focal point for this shift. Yet, regulatory oversight is also evolving. Senate Bill 6, passed with bipartisan support in 2025, introduced new obligations for large-load users, including requirements tied to backup generation and infrastructure cost allocation. At the federal level, policymakers are responding to the AI "gold rush" with measures designed both to accelerate data centre permitting and protect grid reliability. Proposed initiatives such as the Decentralised Access to Technology Alternatives (DATA) Act and large-load interconnection reforms could further clarify the treatment of private off-grid facilities and reduce compliance burdens. The report suggests that regulatory clarity - rather than deregulation alone - will be essential to sustaining investment momentum while safeguarding broader system stability. Community scrutiny and the $64 billion delay factor Beyond infrastructure, the report highlights mounting community resistance. Research referenced in the analysis indicates that as of early 2025, approximately $64 billion (£48.2 billion) in US data centre developments had faced delays due to bipartisan local opposition, often centred on energy costs, water use, and property impacts. Off-grid systems can mitigate some of these concerns by reducing strain on public grids and shielding residential ratepayers from infrastructure cost allocation. Nevertheless, proactive community engagement and transparent economic value propositions remain critical. The report also explores alternative models, including modular data centres colocated with renewable assets to absorb curtailed power, demonstrating that innovation in design and siting can complement traditional off-grid approaches. The partner imperative With gigawatt-scale campuses carrying price tags exceeding $1 billion (£753 million) per facility, counterparty strength and supply chain resilience are paramount, according to the report. Developers and energy providers "must conduct rigorous due diligence" on turbine manufacturers, engineering teams, landholders, and off-takers. In an off-grid environment, there is no utility fallback. Creditworthiness, long-term commitment, and technical capability become central risk determinants. The report underscores that competition is fierce and that some early entrants may struggle to scale without robust financial backing. Reliability first and always Ultimately, the report concludes that reliability eclipses all other considerations. Hyperscalers racing to lead the AI market prioritise guaranteed uptime over short-term cost arbitrage or energy trading opportunities. The business case for AI infrastructure depends on uninterrupted power, and developers are reshaping generation strategies accordingly. Brandon Lobb, Partner in Troutman Pepper Locke’s Energy Transactional Practice Group, says, "AI has shifted the centre of gravity in the energy market. Power availability - not just price - is now the defining variable in digital infrastructure strategy. "Off-grid solutions are emerging as a pragmatic response to interconnection delays, reliability demands, and community pressures. Companies that align regulatory strategy, supply chain discipline, and creditworthy partnerships will be best positioned to lead in this next phase of AI growth." As federal and state frameworks continue to evolve, off-grid data centres appear set to become a structural feature of the US energy and technology landscape, rather than a temporary workaround.

SUBCO expands Australia network route diversity

SUBCO, an Australian developer of undersea fibre optic cable networks, has expanded its Australian network with additional route diversity between Sydney and Melbourne, alongside new data centre access points across major cities. The company says its Sydney–Melbourne connection now operates across two geographically independent paths, combining subsea and terrestrial infrastructure to improve resilience on one of the country’s busiest corridors. On the Sydney–Perth route, the Indigo Central and SMAP systems provide two separate cable paths with distinct geographic routes. Both systems operate independently, with separate landing stations, submarine line terminal equipment, and data centre connections to reduce the risk of disruption from a single incident. Bevan Slattery, founder and Co-CEO of SUBCO, explains, “Diversity has traditionally been something customers needed to engineer themselves, engaging multiple providers and hoping the underlying paths were physically separate. SUBCO’s strategy has been to own and operate diverse assets and deliver them as a single, fully integrated offering.” Expanded data centre connectivity SUBCO has also introduced new access points across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, extending connectivity to its domestic and international cable network. New connection locations include facilities operated by NextDC, Equinix, AirTrunk, and CDC Data Centres. The update forms part of a wider infrastructure expansion programme, which also includes the APX East subsea cable project. This planned system is expected to connect Australia directly with the mainland United States, with service targeted for late 2028. According to SUBCO, APX East will provide a direct subsea route without intermediate landing points, and will land north of Sydney’s existing cable protection zone to increase geographic separation.