News

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

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

Power Electronics reaches 170GW installed capacity

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

Data Centre Expo Europe to address infrastructure challenges

Data Centre Expo Europe will take place on 19–20 October 2026 at the RAI Amsterdam in the Netherlands as part of TechEx Europe 2026, bringing together data centre directors, infrastructure leaders, and cloud and colocation specialists from across Europe. The event forms part of a wider programme of enterprise technology conferences and exhibitions, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing digital infrastructure operators as demand for data centre capacity continues to grow. As organisations respond to the requirements of artificial intelligence, sustainability targets, and increasing energy demands, the event will examine the strategies shaping the next generation of data centre infrastructure. Infrastructure planning amid growing demand Data centre operators across Europe are facing increasing pressure to expand capacity while managing energy availability, efficiency requirements, and evolving regulatory obligations. Topics expected to be discussed during the event include scaling infrastructure for AI and high-density computing workloads, improving energy efficiency, strengthening operational resilience, and developing facilities capable of adapting to future demand. The first day of the conference will focus on the relationship between infrastructure investment, sustainability, and digital innovation. Sessions are expected to explore how organisations are balancing capacity growth with environmental objectives, alongside discussions on energy strategy, power availability, cooling requirements, and infrastructure planning. The programme will also examine the role of automation and intelligent operational practices in improving performance and reducing operational risk. In addition, speakers will consider how growing demand for AI and cloud services is influencing infrastructure planning, project delivery, and long-term investment decisions. The second day will shift its focus towards data centre services, commercial models, and ecosystem development. Discussions will explore how providers are responding to changing enterprise requirements through partnerships, integrated platforms, and service-based offerings. Topics include consumption-based commercial models, hybrid and edge infrastructure deployments, ecosystem development, recurring revenue strategies, and customer onboarding practices. The programme will also consider how AI-driven demand is affecting capacity planning, pricing structures, and service delivery across the sector. Operational insight from across the sector The event aims to provide infrastructure leaders with practical insight into challenges affecting the European market. Areas of focus include managing energy constraints, balancing cloud, colocation, and on-premise infrastructure, long-term capacity planning, and aligning infrastructure strategies with wider digital transformation initiatives. More than 250 speakers are expected to contribute to the programme, sharing experiences from large-scale infrastructure projects, AI deployment initiatives, and operational improvement programmes. Sessions will also examine approaches to resilience, uptime, risk management, and cost control, with an emphasis on lessons learned from real-world deployments. Data Centre Expo Europe is positioned as a forum for organisations assessing how infrastructure, investment, and operational strategies must evolve to support future growth across the European data centre sector. Registration is open via the event website.

Datum supports Manchester STEM code club

UK data centre provider Datum Datacentres has partnered with a STEM code club in Wythenshawe, Manchester, donating eight iPad Air tablets to support technology education for local children. Based in the IT suite at Forum Library, the club helps children aged nine to 12 develop computer science and digital skills through a range of coding activities and projects. The programme introduces participants to programming concepts and wider STEM subjects, while also exploring areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Sessions are designed to accommodate different learning styles, with both drop-in activities and longer-term projects available. Datum says the initiative forms part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the communities surrounding its data centre campuses. The company operates facilities in Farnborough and Manchester, including the MCR1 and MCR2 data centres located in Wythenshawe itself. Investment in future technology skills According to Datum, supporting grassroots technology education can help encourage future participation in the region's growing technology sector. The donated devices will be used to support coding activities and improve access to digital learning resources for young attendees. Code club tutor Liam Cookson comments, "We’re pleased to have the support of an important local player in the tech industry." Kerry Quinn, Manager of People & Office Operations at Datum Datacentres, adds, "We value our role within the local community in Wythenshawe and are pleased to be supporting such a worthwhile project. "Technical digital skills are becoming increasingly important, so it’s excellent to see that a cohort of potential new talent is being shaped so young." Datum says the partnership reflects its wider focus on creating educational opportunities and supporting local initiatives in the communities where it operates. For more from Datum Datacentres, click here.

Oriole, AMD to advance photonic AI networking

Oriole Networks, a London-based photonic networking startup, has announced further progress in its collaboration with AMD, an American multinational semiconductor company, as part of the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) Scaling Inference Lab programme, including plans to deploy what the company describes as the "world's first" large-scale AI system based on a pure photonic network. The project combines Oriole's PRISM photonic networking technology with AMD Instinct GPUs and AMD EPYC CPUs to explore new approaches to AI infrastructure that aim to reduce latency, improve performance, and lower energy consumption. According to the companies, the collaboration has been underway for more than a year and is focused on addressing networking challenges associated with increasingly large AI deployments. Oriole's PRISM platform replaces traditional electronic switches within the network core with optical circuit-switching technology, enabling data to be transmitted using photons rather than electrical signals. The company says this approach is intended to reduce network power consumption and minimise latency between computing resources, helping to improve the efficiency of AI inference workloads. AMD is providing processor and accelerator hardware for the project, alongside technical support to develop and evaluate large-scale AI networking models. James Regan, CEO of Oriole, notes, "A year ago, we were proving the physics. Today, we’re proving the business. "Our collaboration with AMD has moved from concept to deployment to a system an order of magnitude larger, and the data proves this is already driving performance increases at pace. "This is what it looks like when photonic networking stops being a research curiosity and starts being the foundation of how serious AI infrastructure gets built." Exploring alternatives to traditional networking Oriole says PRISM has been designed to operate independently of specific processor or accelerator vendors, allowing it to be deployed across different AI hardware platforms. The company states that the technology can reduce the reliance on conventional electronic networking equipment while also lowering cooling requirements and associated water consumption. Madhu Rangarajan, Corporate Vice President, Compute and Enterprise AI Business at AMD, says, "AMD is excited to collaborate with Oriole on the ARIA Scaling Inference Lab cluster. "Oriole’s AI backend networking with nanosecond optical circuit switching represents a fundamentally different way to connect accelerators at scale. We are helping to validate how photonic fabrics can work alongside AMD compute to deliver the low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity that AI inference workloads demand." The deployment also represents the first commercial implementation of Oriole's technology, which the company says has progressed from research and development to production readiness within three years. Suraj Bramhavar, Programme Director at ARIA, comments, "Meeting the demands for modern AI requires rapidly identifying ways to improve the performance and cost-efficiency of large-scale AI clusters. "ARIA is thrilled to collaborate with Oriole and AMD to demonstrate the benefits of this new technology, and it’s exactly the type of collaboration, between innovative startups and industry leaders, that the Scaling Inference Lab was designed to foster." Oriole says wider deployment of its photonic networking technology is planned from 2027 as demand grows for infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale AI workloads.

Supermicro reveals Arm-based AI infrastructure

Supermicro, a provider of application-optimised IT systems, has announced a new portfolio of rack-scale infrastructure platforms based on Arm AGI CPUs, targeting enterprise AI and agentic AI workloads. The company says the systems have been designed to address increasing demand for compute capacity while improving energy efficiency and rack density within existing data centre environments. The new platforms combine Arm's Neoverse CSS V3-based CPU architecture with Supermicro's Data Center Building Block Solutions (DCBBS) approach, which integrates servers, storage, networking, cooling, and rack infrastructure. Charles Liang, President and CEO of Supermicro, says, "Supermicro continues to lead the industry when it comes to deploying new and innovative rack-scale solutions that maximise performance and efficiency. "Our DCBBS technology stack delivers end-to-end data centre solutions of any size, which, combined with the new density and efficient, performance-optimised Arm AGI CPU microarchitecture, helps enterprises realise significant TCO savings on their agentic AI infrastructure investments." The launch includes air-cooled and liquid-cooled server platforms designed for AI inference, AI training, cloud computing, and high-density enterprise workloads. Among the systems announced are a dual-socket 2U server for compute-intensive applications, a 5U GPU server supporting up to eight double-width GPUs, a liquid-cooled multi-node platform for rack-scale deployments, and a single-socket edge-focused server design. Focus on rack density and energy efficiency According to Supermicro and Arm, the infrastructure has been developed to maximise performance per watt and increase compute density for AI environments. Arm says its AGI CPU architecture features up to 136 cores per processor and is designed to support large-scale AI orchestration workloads through increased memory bandwidth, expanded memory capacity, and scalable I/O capabilities. The companies state that deployments can exceed 6,000 CPU cores within a single air-cooled rack, while larger Open Compute Project-based configurations can support significantly higher densities. Mohamed Awad, Executive Vice President, Cloud AI Business Unit at Arm, says, "Agentic AI is driving a fundamental shift in infrastructure requirements, where efficiency, scalability, and orchestration performance are becoming just as critical as raw compute. "By combining Arm AGI CPUs with Supermicro's rack-scale system expertise, we're enabling infrastructure designed to deliver higher AI throughput, maximum compute density, and improved data centre economics at scale." Supermicro says the platforms are intended to help organisations deploy AI infrastructure while making more efficient use of available data centre space, power, and cooling resources. The announcement expands Supermicro's portfolio of AI-focused infrastructure as demand continues to grow for high-density computing environments capable of supporting increasingly complex AI workloads. For more from Supermicro, click here.

Vertiv unveils high-capacity rack platform

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure, has introduced the Rack Extreme, a rack platform designed to support high-density computing, AI workloads, and next-generation IT deployments. The new rack has been developed to accommodate increasingly large and heavy computing equipment while supporting airflow management, cable organisation, and deployment flexibility within data centre environments. According to Vertiv, the platform is intended to address growing infrastructure requirements driven by higher compute densities and the adoption of AI applications. Giuseppe Leto, Senior Director, IT Systems at Vertiv, says, "The Vertiv Rack Extreme reflects our expanded capabilities in rack and enclosure designs for high-density and AI-driven deployments. "The platform also draws on Vertiv’s long-standing rack engineering expertise, including solutions historically developed under the Knürr brand, to support scalable next-generation IT infrastructure." The Rack Extreme is available in multiple sizes and configurations, allowing operators to tailor deployments to specific application requirements. The units are shipped fully assembled and are designed to integrate with a range of compatible cable management and airflow optimisation accessories. Designed for high-density deployments Vertiv says the Rack Extreme offers both static and dynamic load ratings of up to 2,045kg, enabling it to support high-density equipment installations while maintaining the same load capacity when being moved or when stationary. The company states that this provides greater flexibility during deployment and infrastructure changes, particularly in environments where heavy equipment must be repositioned after installation. The rack features a welded frame construction, integrated cable management options, high open-area mesh doors, flexible mounting rails, vertical cable bars, and corner mounting bars for rack power distribution units. Vertiv has also incorporated shipping features designed to simplify installation, including shock-absorbing pallets and reusable ramps intended to reduce the risk of equipment damage during transportation and deployment. The Rack Extreme has been designed to integrate with Vertiv's wider portfolio of data centre infrastructure products, including uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), rack PDUs, rear-door heat exchanger systems, coolant distribution units, and KVM management platforms. For more from Vertiv, click here.

GNM expands network presence into North America

GNM, a Dutch internet exchange (IX) and backbone operator, has expanded its network into North America with the launch of new points of presence (PoPs) in Miami and Ashburn, Virginia. The company has deployed its first US infrastructure at Equinix MI1 in Miami and Equinix DC1–DC15 and DC21 in Ashburn, creating a dedicated transatlantic platform linking North America with GNM's European backbone network. According to the company, the new sites are configured as a protected East Coast ring and are fully integrated with its existing infrastructure, allowing customers to exchange traffic across a single operational environment. The expansion marks GNM's first infrastructure deployment in the United States and is intended to support organisations seeking connectivity between North American and European markets. New PoPs strengthen transatlantic connectivity The Miami PoP is located within Equinix MI1, a major connectivity hub for subsea cable systems linking North America, Latin America, and Europe. Meanwhile, the Ashburn deployment places GNM within Northern Virginia, one of the world's largest data centre and interconnection markets. Both facilities connect directly to GNM-IX, the company's IX platform, which supports more than 700 connected networks and peak traffic exceeding 10.95Tbps. GNM says the new locations will allow network operators, carriers, cloud providers, and content platforms to access its interconnection and transport services through a single provider, while simplifying traffic exchange between continents. For North American organisations, the expansion provides direct access to European connectivity opportunities without requiring infrastructure deployments in Europe. European operators, meanwhile, gain direct access to two major US interconnection markets. Alex Surkov, Head of Business Development at GNM, says, "Launching in Miami and Ashburn is a defining milestone for GNM. "We have created our first North American platform and directly connected it to our European backbone. This gives customers on both sides of the Atlantic something genuinely valuable: simpler interconnection, direct access to new traffic flows, and the ability to grow internationally through one integrated network ecosystem." GNM now operates more than 90 PoPs globally, with infrastructure spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. For more from GNM, click here.

Arista launches 1.6T networking platforms for AI fabrics

Arista Networks, a provider of cloud and AI networking systems, has introduced the 7060XE7 Series, a new portfolio of 1.6T networking platforms designed for rack-scale AI infrastructure. The launch reflects growing demand for networking architectures capable of supporting increasingly large AI deployments, as training and inference environments scale from thousands to hundreds of thousands of accelerators. According to Arista, the new platforms are designed to support both scale-up and scale-out AI fabrics across air-cooled, liquid-cooled, and hybrid environments. The company says the 7060XE7 Series is intended to address the density, power, and thermal requirements associated with large AI clusters, whilst also enabling greater compute density within a given power envelope. Tyson Lamoreaux, Senior Vice President, Cloud and AI Networking at Arista Networks, comments, "The AI era requires a shift in how we think about the network. It is no longer a standalone layer of infrastructure, but a tightly integrated component of the AI supersystem. "With the 7060XE7 Series, we are delivering massive-scale 1.6T systems that combine world-class reliability and the differentiation of EOS with liquid cooling and low-power optics to help our customers build AI fabrics designed for maximum performance and power efficiency." Designed for large-scale AI deployments The 7060XE7 Series includes fixed-switch platforms and configurable rack-scale systems designed to support a range of AI workloads and infrastructure requirements. According to Arista, the systems provide low-latency connectivity and intelligent packet buffering to manage the traffic patterns associated with AI training and inference workloads. The platforms also support a range of EOS features aimed at improving resilience, congestion management, and operational visibility within AI environments. The portfolio comprises three main configurations: • 7060XE7-64PS and 7060XE7-64PRS rack switches, offering 64 1.6T ports in an air-cooled 4RU design• 7060XE7-64PRS-RV3-L, a liquid-cooled 2OU platform designed for high-density AI clusters• 7060XE7-128PE, providing 128 800G ports in an air-cooled 4RU form factor The systems use 224G and 100G SerDes technologies, depending on configuration, and support Linear Pluggable Optics (LPO), which Arista says can reduce interconnect power consumption by around 60%. Industry support for 1.6T ethernet Several major cloud providers have provided statements supporting the development of higher-capacity ethernet infrastructure for AI environments. Gaya Nagarajan, Vice President of Infrastructure at Meta, says, "Arista’s 1.6T platforms and liquid-cooled designs align with our focus on open, scalable AI fabrics that meet the requirements of next-generation training and inference." Rani Borkar, President, Azure Hardware Systems and Infrastructure at Microsoft, notes, "Our collaboration with Arista on the 1.6T ethernet interface helps enable the next generation of AI clusters with greater interconnect capacity for Azure Maia, Microsoft's AI accelerator, and Fairwater, Microsoft's extreme-scale AI data centres, while preserving operational simplicity across our infrastructure." Mahesh Thiagarajan, Executive Vice President, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, adds, "Arista Networks’ 1.6T platforms provide the throughput, determinism, and stability needed for our RDMA-based AI fabrics, while Arista EOS delivers operational consistency and performance at scale across our global AI infrastructure." The 7060XE7 Series is also supported through collaborations with AMD and Broadcom, with the platforms utilising Broadcom's Tomahawk 6 ethernet switching silicon. Arista expects the first systems in the portfolio to become available during Q4 2026, with additional models scheduled for release during Q1 2027. For more from Arista, click here.

Raltron launches compact OCXOs for DC timing

Raltron, a manufacturer of frequency control components, has announced the OX7000 Series of oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs), developed to provide a timing option for network interface cards (NICs) and other space-constrained data centre hardware. The OX7000 Series is designed to support networking applications requiring stable, low-phase-noise reference clocks while maintaining a compact footprint. The devices are housed in a 9mm x 7mm surface-mount package, making them suitable for use in NIC cards, servers, storage systems, and network switching platforms. The company says the oscillators are intended to help designers address challenges around board space, power consumption, and system cost as networking and data centre infrastructure continues to scale. Designed for networking and data centre hardware The OX7000 Series operates from a single 3.3V supply and consumes between 0.35W and 0.5W during steady-state operation. During warm-up at 25°C, power consumption ranges from 0.8W to 0.9W. According to Raltron, the devices combine OCXO stability with low phase noise in a package aimed at high-volume networking applications. Sasha Wolloch, President of Raltron, says, "Network and data centre designers need timing products that balance performance, size, and cost. With the OX7000 Series, we're providing a compact, lower-cost OCXO that is especially well suited for NIC cards and other high-volume networking platforms." The OX7000 Series has also been qualified for environmental testing, including vibration, mechanical shock, and thermal cycling, which are common requirements for continuously operating infrastructure equipment.