News

IPEC successfully holds NPO standards industry summit

On 10 September, the NPO Standards Industry Summit, co-hosted by IPEC and OIF, was held at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center. The event was attended by top players from across the global industry chain, including experts from OIF, CAICT, Tencent, Alibaba Cloud, Baidu, Huawei, Broadcom, SENKO, Amphenol, and Yamaichi. The summit focused on NPO evolution and international standards development, with in-depth discussions being held on topics like ecosystem upgrade and industry chain collaboration. Ultimately, a consensus on international NPO standards was reached at the summit, laying a solid foundation for the industry upgrade and large-scale commercial use of NPO. Zhao Wenyu, Vice Chair of IPEC and Deputy Director of the Technology and Standards Research Institute of China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), emphasises, “As SuperPoDs continue to expand in scale, traditional optical modules are consuming huge amounts of energy, and co-packaged optics (CPO) faces constraints like a closed industry chain and complex operations and maintenance. In contrast, near-packaged optics (NPO) – with its excellent energy efficiency, a favourable trade-off in port density, and strong compatibility with existing pluggable ecosystems – is expected to become the preferred solution for SuperPoD interconnect in the near term, and coexist and evolve alongside CPO and other solutions in the long term. We call upon stakeholders across industry, academia, research institutions, and user groups to join hands in developing NPO standards and driving the NPO ecosystem to evolve from ‘usable’ to ‘easy-to-use at scale’.” Jiang Zhibin, the Optical Network Architect at Tencent, highlights, “As SuperPoDs expand in scale and GPUs and switch chips increase their SerDes data rates, optical interconnect solutions will advance more rapidly towards 6.4T NPO.” Looking ahead, there is an urgent need to use opto-electronic collaborative design to overcome the challenges introduced by advanced packaging processes. Man Jiangwei, Director of the Advanced Opto-Electronics Laboratory at Huawei, states, “In exploring the optimal interconnect solution – NPO – for SuperPoDs, Huawei has launched the industry's first high-bandwidth 7.2T NPO product and successfully conducted a demonstration of dynamic transmission at the IPEC exhibition booth. Furthermore, with the introduction of key technologies like built-in light sources and highly integrated SiPh chips, this NPO product features ‘high bandwidth, high reliability, and high availability’ while achieving ‘low latency, low power consumption, and low cost’.” Meanwhile, at the China International Optoelectronic Exposition (CIOE), the IPEC booth showcased the latest achievements of the global NPO industry chain, particularly those from the US, Japan, and China. The display showcased high-density connector solutions from leading vendors in the US and Japan, as well as the NPO modules of various capacities developed by multiple Chinese vendors, alongside several NPO switches, demonstrating a high level of commercial maturity. The success of this summit and exposition marks a milestone for the development of the global NPO industry. At the summit, a consensus was reached on international NPO standards, and the paths for collaboration between standards organisations and the industry chain were streamlined, laying a solid foundation for the large-scale commercial use of NPO. Furthermore, the joint exhibition of industry ecosystem products has strengthened industry confidence in building an open and prosperous NPO ecosystem. For more from Huawei, click here.

DataVita invites Greens, APRS to Chapelhall data centre

DataVita, a UK data centre and cloud services provider, has published open letters inviting Ross Greer MSP, Co-leader of the Scottish Greens, and Kat Jones, Director of Action to Protect Rural Scotland (APRS), to visit its data centre campus at Chapelhall in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. The invitation to Ross also extends to his co-leader, Gillian Mackay MSP, with both letters welcoming colleagues, including planning and technical advisers. DataVita says visits can take place at a time convenient to the recipients. The Scottish Greens are expected to use an opposition debate on data centres to renew calls for a moratorium on large-scale data centre applications across Scotland. The proposed visits would provide an opportunity to see DataVita's existing operations, discuss construction under way at Chapelhall, and ask questions about its published proposals for a fourth data centre, DV4. DataVita, which is headquartered in Lanarkshire, has operated data centres in Scotland for more than 10 years. It built, owns, and operates its DV1 facility in Chapelhall, is constructing DV3 alongside it, and operates a second facility in Glasgow. The company says its facilities use renewable energy and closed-loop cooling, with plans for new facilities to contribute to Scotland's electricity grid. DataVita recently secured around £300 million in funding from a syndicate of lenders, including the UK Government's National Wealth Fund, to expand DV1 and build DV3. The company says this will support the development of Scotland's first AI data centres within a designated AI Growth Zone. UK Government figures estimate that, if fully adopted, AI could be worth up to £47 billion a year to the UK economy over the next decade. DataVita says the wider data centre campus could also support more than 3,400 new jobs and more than £8 billion in private investment in North Lanarkshire. More immediately, the expansion of DV1 and development of DV3 are expected to create around 600 construction jobs, as well as around 100 permanent high-skilled roles once completed. Data centre plans and public discussion The Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone features a Community Investment Fund that will provide up to £543 million in direct funding to North Lanarkshire over 15 years. This includes skills and training programmes in AI, coding, and other areas of technology for local people, alongside support for local food banks and charities, delivered in partnership with the community. Danny Quinn, Managing Director of DataVita, comments, “Nearly all of us use data centres every single day whether we realise it or not - from being able to use online banking and working from home, to scientists delivering groundbreaking medical research. They are the critical infrastructure that makes many of the things we do in modern life possible, and that is only going to accelerate as technology becomes even more entwined with daily life. “For more than a decade, we’ve been supporting Scotland’s public services, businesses, and even households to take advantage of the many benefits from online services. And, although AI is very much a hot topic at the moment, there is no doubt it is here to stay, and the question for Scotland is how can we best use it to support jobs, skills, the public services we all rely on, and the way we live more generally. “DataVita fully supports an open, public debate about the right kind of controls to have in place for AI and, where necessary, government action to protect our economy, society, and environment. But, the importance of the decisions we make about AI for Scotland's future economy cannot be overstated. We need to move beyond a debate in which one side has to be entirely right and the other entirely wrong. “Where opinions differ, open and honest dialogue is the best way forward. A visit gives us the opportunity to show how our facilities operate and have a detailed conversation about our plans. We can explain the choices behind their design, hear the questions people have, and discuss them directly. “Data centres differ in what they do and how they are designed and operated. We would welcome the chance to explain how those differences apply to our facilities and proposals, and we are making these invitations public because the developments are of public interest. “People should be able to see that we are willing to explain our work, listen to different views, and have a constructive discussion. We hope the invitations will be accepted.” The letters are published in full on the DataVita website. For more from DataVita, click here.

techUK calls for 10-year digital infrastructure strategy

Trade association techUK has called on the UK Government to publish a 10-year 'Digital Infrastructure Strategy' by 2027, warning that economic growth, productivity, and national resilience depend on stronger digital infrastructure. The organisation’s latest report argues that connectivity, compute, and data infrastructure are now as fundamental to the economy as transport, energy, and housing. It says the UK’s digital technologies already contribute an estimated £286 billion in annual Gross Value Added (GVA), equivalent to around 13% of national output. The UK is home to Europe’s largest data centre market, alongside research capabilities in quantum, photonic, and neuromorphic computing, whilst full-fibre broadband and 5G Standalone deployment continue to expand. However, techUK warns that high industrial electricity prices, lengthy grid connection times, planning constraints, and comparatively weak network performance are limiting investment and threatening the UK’s competitive position. Five objectives for 2035 The report sets out five objectives for 2035: universal full-fibre and 5G Standalone coverage, with commercial 6G deployment underway; a globally competitive position in next-generation compute; electricity prices below the IEA median; governance and planning frameworks that can keep pace with technological change; and widespread digital adoption across the UK. To support these objectives, techUK recommends a coordinated programme of government and industry action. This includes establishing a cross-government digital infrastructure strategy, appointing a Minister of State with responsibility for its delivery, and creating a dedicated digital infrastructure unit within the Regulatory Innovation Office. The organisation also calls for an interim update to the UK Compute Roadmap by 2027, covering neuromorphic, photonic, and quantum computing, alongside measures to develop commercial supply chains. On energy, techUK recommends a roadmap to bring non-domestic electricity prices below the IEA median by 2035. Its proposals include moving electricity levies to general taxation by 2029 and accelerating grid connection reforms. Sophie Greaves, Associate Director for Digital Infrastructure at techUK, argues that the UK needs to treat digital infrastructure as a national economic priority. She says, “Digital infrastructure is no longer simply an enabler of economic activity; it is the foundation on which future economic growth, innovation, and national resilience will be built. The countries that invest now in connectivity, compute, and data infrastructure will be best placed to capture the economic opportunities of the next decade. “By following the roadmap we have set out for a resilient digital infrastructure by 2035, the UK can secure its position as a leader in compute, bringing significant benefits to the economy.” techUK warns that failing to address these infrastructure challenges could result in slower growth, weaker productivity, reduced investment, and greater dependence on infrastructure and technologies developed elsewhere. For more from techUK, click here.

Schneider Electric expands prefabricated power portfolio

Global energy technology company Schneider Electric has launched a range of standardised Prefabricated Power Modules and Power Skids for hyperscale, neocloud, and colocation data centres supporting AI and high-performance computing workloads. Powered by the company’s Galaxy VXL UPS technology, the prefabricated power modules provide up to 2.5MW of capacity per module. Standard configurations are available at 2MW, 2.25MW, and 2.5MW, allowing multiple units to be deployed as repeatable power blocks across larger data centre campuses. The systems are based on Schneider Electric’s reference designs with NVIDIA, including integrated power management and liquid cooling controls for the GB300 NVL72 platform. They are intended to support AI training clusters and other GPU-intensive workloads. Standardised systems target faster deployment Schneider Electric says traditional customised prefabricated power systems can require lead times of 12–14 months. Its standardised approach is intended to simplify specification, design, and manufacturing, with production possible in as little as six months. The modules combine UPS, switchgear, cooling systems, lithium-ion batteries, busway, and power distribution within a factory-tested enclosure. The power skids provide similar electrical infrastructure in an open format for indoor deployment. Tarunjeet Sarao, SVP Data Center Systems at Schneider Electric, says, “Today’s data centre operators are under immense pressure to deploy AI-ready infrastructure faster, more efficiently, and at greater scale. “By standardising our prefabricated power systems and incorporating our leading Galaxy VXL UPS technology, we are enabling hyperscale, neocloud, and colocation providers to deploy scalable, high-density power infrastructure in months rather than years.” The modules and skids are engineered, manufactured, and tested at Schneider Electric’s facility in Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona. The products are available immediately in Europe, with North American availability planned later this year, followed by other international markets and APAC. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Aggreko achieves grid code compliance across Europe

Aggreko, a British multinational temporary power generation company, has achieved grid code compliance for its 1.5MW generator fleet across 11 European countries, allowing the company to support data centres and other large power projects facing grid capacity constraints. The certification covers the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Romania, and Czechia. It allows Aggreko’s generators to integrate with public electricity networks for applications including additional generation capacity, peak demand management, exporting power to the grid, and grid balancing. Aggreko says the certification can also help accelerate large-scale power projects, with gas-powered generation of more than 50MW potentially deployed within months while longer-term grid infrastructure is developed. Generation supports grid capacity The company says decentralised generation can help address capacity shortfalls, support renewable energy integration, and reduce pressure on electricity networks. Aggreko has previously supplied 43MW of power to Romania’s national grid over four years, using a combined heat and power system while providing grid balancing services. Connor Docherty, Head of Product for Gas at Aggreko, suggests, “Decentralised energy will have a critical role to play during this critical period, which is where grid code compliance comes into play. “With the ability to integrate with grid infrastructure, we can support grid operators and high energy users alike through decentralised energy generation. This will help to balance the grid, make up capacity shortfalls to ensure that large power projects can go ahead, assist increased renewable integration, and avoid blackouts.” Aggreko says that its fleet also incorporates remote monitoring and control systems for equipment diagnostics and plant-level analytics. For more from Aggreko, click here.

Expert warns of extreme weather disruption to data centres

A recent warning from the UN about a "supersized" El Niño has made it clear that extreme weather events will become more common, coming as the UK braces for a stormy autumn of heavy rain and strong winds. Murray Gates, CEO at Westgate Global and a protection risk expert for data centre builds, warns that El Niño will have a significant and costly impact on data centre construction across the UK for the rest of 2026 (and into 2027) if the industry doesn’t evolve its approach to weather risk management. He argues, “The UK’s predictably ‘unpredictable’ weather pattern isn’t anything new. However, with autumn and early winter likely to be wetter and more stormy, it will become virtually impossible to deliver data centre builds on time and within budget without the right planning and infrastructure. “Due to an uncharacteristically warm summer, many data centre build projects will already be playing catch-up due to the delays incurred by extreme heat. The prospect of now dealing with heavy rainfall and high winds over the autumn months will be a cause for concern on projects taking a reactive approach to weather risk management.” Adapting as growth accelerates Two years on from the Government announcing data centres as critical national infrastructure (CNI), the expansion of data centres across the UK has increased at pace. Murray continues, “Failing to prepare for these harsher weather conditions from the outset will have a detrimental impact on the UK’s ability to meet its AI ambitions and keep pace with global competition. “Unfortunately, engineered weathering is too often seen as what you reach for ‘if the weather turns’, rather than a planned, budgeted part of the build programme. This must change if data centre builds want to stay on track. “From the outset, data centre operators, contractors, and quantity surveyors must consider how to mitigate against the challenge of building in live - and increasingly unpredictable - environments. "When it comes to weather protection during the build process, procurement decisions are often boiled down to cost. Should the weather suddenly change, this leaves projects susceptible to delays that could have been avoided had the right infrastructure been installed from the start.”

Australia could cut AI emissions through data centres

Australia could reduce global AI emissions by hosting more data centre infrastructure and using renewable energy to power computing, according to a study by economics research and advisory firm Mandala Partners (commissioned by Australian industry body Data Centres Australia). The report argues that Australia could capture AI demand that might otherwise be hosted in Southeast Asia, where more carbon-intensive energy generation is used. Hosting a 1.9GW AI compute export opportunity in Australia could produce an estimated 3.2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, compared with 11.9 million tonnes if the same capacity were hosted in Indonesia. Mandala says Australia is well positioned to become a regional hub for lower-emission AI compute, effectively exporting renewable energy through computing services rather than physical electricity infrastructure. Data centres could deliver economic benefits Capturing the AI export market could generate up to $4.1 billion (£3 billion) in additional annual economic activity, support up to 17,120 jobs, and drive up to $52 billion (£38.5 billion) in new investment. Mandala Partner Tom McMahon says, “We know Australia is capable of producing abundant clean energy, but the challenge is how to export that energy to the world. "Exporting clean energy via compute takes advantage of existing subsea cables that are responsible for carrying data and internet traffic in and out of Australia.” Belinda Dennett, Chief Executive Officer of Data Centres Australia, also notes that investment in digital infrastructure could strengthen Australia's role in the energy transition while supporting economic growth and sovereign capability. The report forecasts that Australia's data centre industry could generate $5.6 billion (£4.1 billion) in annual economic activity and support 23,040 ongoing jobs by 2030, with construction activity contributing a further $19.8 billion (£14.6 billion) and 18,930 jobs. The full report is available to view via Data Centres Australia's website.

T5 Services creates EverOn data centre business

T5 Services has announced changes to its construction and operations businesses, with T5 Construction becoming EverOn Data Center Services (EverOn DCS), while T5 Operations is set to join Salute. Effective from 1 September, EverOn DCS will operate as an independent data centre construction company focused on mission-critical digital infrastructure. At the same time, T5 Operations has entered into a definitive agreement to join Salute, bringing the two organisations' operations businesses together. EverOn DCS has grown from $87 million (£64 million) in revenue in 2021 to $1.7 billion (£1.2 billion) in 2025, with 83% of its 2025 revenue coming from third-party construction projects. The business was originally established within T5 Data Centers and now works with hyperscale, developer, enterprise, and AI customers across North America. According to T5 Services, establishing EverOn DCS as an independent company will allow it to focus on its third-party construction activities as demand for data centre capacity increases. The company has completed more than 260 construction projects, delivering more than 12 million square feet (1.1 million square metres) of data centre space across the United States. Its activities include ground-up campus construction, data hall fit-outs, retrofits and upgrades, design-build delivery, LLE equipment procurement, commissioning oversight, QA/QC, owner advisement, and preconstruction services. EverOn also has experience with direct liquid cooling, high-density AI infrastructure, and construction in live, energised mission-critical environments. T5 Operations to join Salute Salute has announced an agreement to acquire T5 Operations, which will bring the operations teams together and aims to give customers access to a broader range of technical resources and geographic coverage, according to the companies. EverOn and Salute will continue to work together as strategic partners, with the companies stating that collaboration between construction and operations will support operational readiness and long-term facility performance. Pete Marin, CEO and Chairman of T5 Data Centers, comments, "This is a strategic evolution that strengthens both businesses. Our construction business has grown significantly beyond its original mandate, earning the trust of third-party developers and hyperscalers, and establishing EverOn gives [the] organisation the independence and focus to continue scaling. "At the same time, bringing our T5 Operations team together with Salute creates an even stronger platform dedicated to helping customers maximise uptime and operational excellence. We’re incredibly proud of what both teams have built and excited about what comes next.”

STULZ introduces fourth-generation cooling units

STULZ, a manufacturer of mission-critical air conditioning technology, has introduced the fourth generation of its TelAir and WallAir cooling series for edge, 5G, and critical infrastructure applications. The TelAir 4 and WallAir 4 units use R454C refrigerant, integrated free cooling, and an EN 378-compliant safety architecture. They are designed for edge data centres, telecommunications containers, shelters, and radio stations. The units are available with two installation concepts: TelAir 4 is designed for indoor installation, whilst WallAir 4 can be mounted externally on a container wall. Anika Do, Global Product Manager at STULZ, explains that, "Both are available in two standard enclosure sizes and four cooling capacity classes, ranging from 6–17kW." The units are designed to address increasing thermal densities and the requirements of the amended European F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573. Free cooling cuts energy use STULZ says the units can reduce operating costs by up to 80% when using combined free cooling and mixed-mode operation. The electronically commutated (EC) fans also comply with the requirements of the upcoming ErP 2027 Ecodesign Directive. Both models operate from -20°C to +54°C, while an optional winter kit can extend operation down to -40°C. Customers can choose between on/off systems with a thermostatic expansion valve, or continuously modulating EC inverter compressors paired with an electronic expansion valve. Both configurations have hermetically sealed refrigeration circuits. The units also feature a multi-stage safety architecture designed for A2L refrigerants such as R454C. In the event of a refrigerant leak, the evaporator fan can increase to maximum speed to dilute and extract refrigerant gases. A two-stage sensor system activates maximum fan speed and shuts down other power consumers at 10% of the lower flammability limit (LFL). At 20% LFL, the unit is fully disconnected from the power supply. Meanwhile, an enclosed IP54 control cabinet is designed to eliminate potential ignition sources. TelAir 4 supports downflow and displacement airflow concepts, with optional adjustable outlet grilles for horizontal or vertical air distribution. WallAir 4 uses displacement cooling to provide direct cold air stratification within the room. Additionally, TelAir 4 specifically can be installed within a wall, providing protection against weather and vandalism, whilst also reducing noise emissions for use in residential and mixed-use areas. Both units use the E² BASIC controller, which includes an ethernet interface, Modbus, and multiple inputs and outputs for integration with building management and data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) systems. Password-protected access levels are included, alongside inputs for monitoring fire, smoke, and intrusion alarms. Anika continues, "For the fourth generation of the TelAir and WallAir cooling series, we set out to create two distinct cooling solutions that deliver outstanding flexibility across a wide range of edge, 5G, and critical infrastructure applications. "By combining cutting edge technology with modern design, ease of use, energy efficiency and reliability, we have achieved that goal. The new units are available to order immediately, with STULZ account managers able to provide further information and tailored advice." For more from STULZ, click here.

aquatherm blue powers cooling at Novva’s data centre

At the hyperscale Novva data centre near Salt Lake City, USA, the operator’s cooling strategy is designed for maximum reliability and future orientation. The core of the waterless cooling concept is the PP‑RCT piping system aquatherm blue, which circulates the cooling medium in a closed loop and makes traditional evaporation cooling – and its high water consumption – unnecessary. Corrosion- and incrustation-free pipes ensure stable flow rates over the long term and significantly reduce leakage risks – a key factor for protecting critical IT infrastructure. Thanks to their low weight and welded joints, aquatherm blue could be integrated into the extensive underfloor construction. To learn more about the project at Novva data centre, click here. For more from aquatherm, click here.