News

Community IX launches new internet exchange in Virginia

Community IX, the operator of the FL-IX (South Florida) and CIX-ATL (Atlanta) internet exchanges (IXs), has launched a new exchange in Northern Virginia called CIX-NoVA. The service is initially available through data centres in Ashburn and Reston, with additional sites under review. According to the organisation, the launch responds to customer demand for greater interconnection capacity in Northern Virginia, which is it regards as the world’s largest data centre and connectivity hub. Community IX says it has already secured participants to anchor the new platform and, across its existing exchanges, the organisation already operates more than 30Tbps of installed port capacity. Expanding interconnection services Randy Epstein, co-founder and Executive Director of Community IX, says, “Since beginning operations in 2015, we’ve focused on providing a cost-effective, community-driven service to our membership and have experienced tremendous growth in Florida and later in the Atlanta Metro market. "Over the years, we’ve been asked what other markets we can offer our service [to] and Northern Virginia has consistently come up in conversation.” CIX-NoVA allows ISPs, content providers, and enterprises to exchange IP traffic across multiple sites in the region. The exchange is open to networks operating in Ashburn and Reston. Community IX is offering new 10G and 100G port connections free for the first year (with a two-year agreement). 400G ports are also available, but the company says they are not included in this promotion.

Digital Realty breaks ground in Rome

Digital Realty, a provider of carrier-neutral data centre, colocation, and interconnection systems, today announced it has broken ground on its first data centre in Rome, aiming to strengthen its position in delivering PlatformDIGITAL, a connected data centre platform, across the Mediterranean region. The new facility, ROM1, is intended to be a highly connected, carrier-neutral data centre, designed to support the latest AI technologies and provide access to a broad ecosystem of global and regional connectivity providers. ROM1 will also be equipped with the capacity to support and interconnect with multiple subsea cable systems, promising to position the site as a strategic hub and gateway linking Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Strategically located within 15 kilometres of the coast, ROM1 will offer over 3MW of installed IT capacity upon completion, with future expansion under consideration across the 22-hectare site – equivalent to approximately 2.3 million ft² or around 213,677 m² – making it one of the largest data centre campuses in the country when fully built out. "Rome is not only a key economic hub in Southern Europe, but also a critical entry point to the broader Mediterranean – a region that is fast emerging as a vital gateway for global connectivity," sats Alessandro Talotta, Managing Director, Digital Realty in Italy. "ROM1 represents a major milestone in our strategy to build out a dense network of highly connected, sustainable data centre hubs across key growth markets, enabling our customers to scale their digital infrastructure and reach across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.” ROM1 will complement Digital Realty’s existing presence in other Mediterranean locations including Athens, Marseille, Zagreb, and the recently launched HER1 facility in Crete. It also precedes the forthcoming planned development of a new interconnection hub in Barcelona as part of the company’s expansion across Europe’s southern edge. According to Digital Realty, ROM1 is expected to contribute to faster, more resilient connectivity across Southern Europe and could significantly reduce latency between northern and southern Italy, bolstering the country’s competitiveness on the global stage. In line with the company's global sustainability strategy, ROM1 will be matched with 100% renewable energy, supporting the data centre provider's goal to minimise environmental impact while meeting growing demand for digital infrastructure. The ROM1 data centre is currently on schedule to be completed in 2027 and marks the first phase of a larger campus. For more from Digital Realty, click here.

AirTrunk secures A$16bn sustainability-linked financing

Hyperscale data centre operator AirTrunk has completed a A$16 billion (£7.6 billion) refinancing package (excluding Japan), which it says is the largest sustainability-linked financing in the Asia-Pacific and Japan region to date. The multi-transaction deal covers both new and operational assets in Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. AirTrunk first introduced a sustainability-linked loan (SLL) in 2021 worth A$2.1 billion (£1 billion), which increased to A$4.6 billion (£2.2 billion) in 2023. The new refinancing brings the company’s total debt financing platform to more than A$18 billion (£8.6 billion), including its facilities in Japan. Over 60 banks and financiers participated in the latest package. Structure and sustainability targets The refinancing comprises four separate sustainability-linked transactions structured as either green loans or SLLs. AirTrunk has set targets across energy and water efficiency, renewable energy uptake, and gender pay equity. The company has stated its goal is to reach net-zero emissions by 2030. All margin incentives from the financing will be directed into AirTrunk’s social impact fund, which will grow over the course of the loans. The fund supports initiatives including disaster relief, STEM education, equal digital access, biodiversity projects, and sustainable innovation. AirTrunk says it is the first known corporate to embed disaster relief into its financing structure. In Singapore, a S$2.25 billion (£1.29 billion) green loan will fund the development of AirTrunk SGP2 in Loyang and is described as Singapore’s largest green loan for a data centre. In Melbourne, the company has arranged what it calls the largest green loan in the region and the first globally to include margin adjustments linked to a social impact programme. Robin Khuda, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AirTrunk, comments, “Following AirTrunk’s A$24 billion-plus (£11.5 billion) acquisition by Blackstone and CPPIB in 2024, we have expanded our debt financing platform to enable rapid growth across the region. "By linking all A$18 billion (£8.6 billion) of our financing to sustainability, we demonstrate our long-term commitment to scale responsibly, building essential digital infrastructure to power the digital economy, while delivering lasting positive environmental and social impact.” Luke Stephens, Vice President and Treasurer at AirTrunk, adds, “This A$16 billion-plus (£7.6 billion) refinancing is a major milestone in AirTrunk’s sustainable finance journey, driving both innovation and transparency. "From leading the industry with the first SLL in 2021 to today’s multi-transaction structure, we’ve consistently pushed boundaries to drive responsible growth and create meaningful social value.” For more from AirTrunk, click here.

GoodWe introduces liquid-cooled energy storage system

GoodWe, an inverter manufacturer and smart energy system provider, has launched the ESA Series, an all-in-one, liquid-cooled energy storage system designed for commercial and industrial (C&I) applications. The unit provides 125kW nominal output power and 261kWh storage capacity, as well as integrating the power conversion system, battery cells, energy management system, and battery management system into a single cabinet. The system can be scaled by connecting up to 15 units in parallel, supporting a maximum total capacity of 3.91MWh in grid-connected scenarios. GoodWe says the design allows for simplified installation, operation, and maintenance whilst offering flexible expansion. Performance and safety features The ESA cabinet has a footprint of 1.47m² and an energy density of 177.6kWh per square metre, aimed at sites with limited space. It incorporates 314Ah lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells and liquid cooling technology to regulate temperatures across the system. The storage supports 6,000 cycles and operates in temperatures from -25°C to 55°C. The ESA 125kW/261kWh was tested under UL 9540A methodology and includes multiple safety measures, such as smoke detection, thermal sensors, combustible gas monitoring, and humidity control with automatic dehumidification. Fire protection uses both active and passive approaches, including integrated aerosol suppression modules. TÜV Rheinland has certified the system for environmental adaptability across climatic, mechanical, chemical, electromagnetic, and specialised scenarios. Deployment examples GoodWe reports that early projects in China have demonstrated reductions in energy costs and improved operational efficiency. At its Guangde manufacturing site, nine ESA cabinets were installed in parallel to provide large-scale storage. Another installation in De’an combined seven cabinets with wind and solar power to support an energy storage project for heavy-duty truck charging. The system supports operating modes including peak shaving, demand management, energy trading participation, and off-grid backup power. In on-grid deployments, ESA units can be combined with GoodWe GT Series inverters and managed by the SEC3000C Smart Energy Controller to support up to 40 string inverters.

DC automation market to surpass $50.2bn by 2034

As reported in the latest study by Global Market Insights, a market research and consulting company, the data centre automation market is set to grow from its current market value of more than $11.4 billion (£8.47 billion) to over $50.2 billion (£37.3 billion) by 2034. This remarkable growth is driven by the rising adoption of cloud services, social media platforms, video streaming, and the proliferation of IoT devices across industries. What's happening in the market? As organisations shift towards cloud-based infrastructure and digital storage, the need for efficient and automated data centre operations has become paramount. Automation not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces human errors, ensuring seamless management of vast amounts of data. With increasing data complexity and volume, businesses are turning to advanced technologies like machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing to enhance scalability and performance. These technologies optimise system processes, minimise downtime, and support predictive maintenance, allowing companies to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Moreover, the growing emphasis on cybersecurity and data protection is pushing organisations to implement automation in data centres, ensuring real-time threat detection and secure data handling. As more industries adopt hybrid and multi-cloud environments, the demand for data centre automation solutions is expected to surge, paving the way for innovative advancements in automation technologies. Government initiatives promoting the adoption of digital infrastructure and cloud technologies further strengthen the market, making data centre automation a critical component of modern business strategies. The data centre automation market is primarily segmented into solutions and services. The solution segment dominated the market with a 60% share, generating $7 billion (£5.2 billion) in 2024. Automation software helps organisations optimise resource allocation, automate routine tasks, and increase the uptime of data centres, ensuring seamless operations. As businesses strive to enhance operational efficiency, the demand for advanced solutions that enable real-time data management and workload automation continues to rise. Meanwhile, the service segment is growing rapidly as organisations seek expert guidance and ongoing support in implementing and maintaining automated systems. As technological advancements accelerate, companies rely on expert insights and strategic consulting to maximise the value of their automation investments and ensure long-term success. In terms of deployment mode, the data centre automation market is divided into on-premises and cloud-based solutions. The cloud segment held a 57% share in 2024, driven by the growing preference for remote accessibility, security features, and flexibility. Cloud solutions enable seamless access to data from any location through an internet connection, making them ideal for remote teams and individuals working across multiple devices. With data security becoming a top priority, cloud providers are enhancing their security measures by offering encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time threat monitoring to protect sensitive information. The North American data centre automation market accounted for 35% of the total market share, generating $3 billion (£2.2 billion) in 2024. The rapid adoption of AI, ML, and other advanced technologies across data centres in North America is driving significant growth in the region. Businesses are increasingly turning to AI-driven automation to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen security, and enable predictive maintenance, contributing to the surging demand for data centre automation solutions.

Ocean Networks selects Prysmian and IT for Hawaiian fibre link

Ocean Networks, a telecom development and service company, has today announced cable manufacturer Prysmian and submarine cable engineering and installation specialist International Telecom (IT) as partners for the Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link (HIFL) submarine cable system. The agreement represents a key step in the development of Hawaii’s open-access, carrier-neutral inter-island fibre infrastructure, which is intended to improve high-speed broadband connectivity across the state. The HIFL project forms part of the US State of Hawaii’s 'Connect Kākou' broadband initiative. Prysmian will supply around 740km of submarine cable, while IT will provide engineering and installation services. Progress on Hawaii’s broadband initiative David Blau, Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Networks, says, “We are thrilled to be working with industry leaders like Prysmian and International Telecom, whose expertise is crucial to achieving our goal of enhancing high-speed broadband access across Hawaii. "Securing these contracts represents a major step forward in the construction timeline for the HIFL project, bringing us closer to fulfilling the promise of improved connectivity for all of Hawaii’s residents, businesses, education, and government entities.” Davide Taddei, Submarine Telecom Business Director at Prysmian, adds, “Prysmian is proud to have been selected by Ocean Networks and [to] contribute to such a vital infrastructure project that will bring affordable, high-speed internet and connectivity to all residents. "In today’s interconnected world, ensuring secure and resilient digital infrastructure is critical. Our systems are designed not only for performance and durability but also to support enhanced digital security and data integrity for the communities they serve. "The HIFL project is a key step in delivering robust infrastructure in the Pacific and builds on Prysmian’s strong track record in challenging submarine environments worldwide.” Steve Arsenault, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at IT, comments, “IT takes great pride in our long history of successful project delivery within the Hawaiian Islands. "Bringing this experience to bear on behalf of Ocean Networks for the HIFL project is an honour. We are pleased to contribute once again to the important work of strengthening Hawaii’s inter-island telecommunications infrastructure.” Ocean Networks is overseeing the supply, construction, operations, and maintenance of the HIFL system, with the aim of supporting a more advanced and equitable digital landscape for Hawaii. For more from Prysmian, click here.

DC BLOX recognised on Inc. 5000 list for fifth year

DC BLOX, a provider of connected data centres and fibre networks, has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States for the fifth consecutive year. The ranking reflects the company’s revenue growth between 2021 and 2024. Headquartered in the Southeastern United States, DC BLOX operates connected data centres and fibre networks across the region. Its recent projects include the completion of new fibre routes, plans to develop hyperscale edge node data centres, and ongoing work on its Myrtle Beach Cable Landing Station campus. Expanding digital infrastructure in the US Southeast Jeff Uphues, CEO of DC BLOX, comments, “Being recognised for the fifth year in a row by Inc. Magazine is a tremendous honour and a testament to the dedication of our entire team. "Our growth is driven by the accelerating demand for reliable, high-capacity digital infrastructure in the Southeast, and we remain steadfast in our mission to support the region’s technology investments and economic growth.” Alongside its Myrtle Beach site, DC BLOX has announced plans to build a second subsea cable landing station campus in Palm Coast, Florida. The company says these initiatives are designed to improve connectivity for hyperscalers, communications providers, enterprises, and government bodies, supporting applications such as high-performance computing and artificial intelligence. In its most recent development, DC BLOX secured a $1.15 billion (£852 million) green loan to support the build-out of its Atlanta data centre campus. The facility is intended to provide sustainable hyperscale capacity to meet the region’s growing requirements. For more from DC BLOX, click here.

Yondr to build 550MW Dallas campus

Yondr Group, a global developer, owner, and operator of hyperscale data centres, has secured a 163-acre site just south of Dallas in Lancaster, Texas, USA, to develop a campus with the capacity to accommodate 550MW critical IT load. The project is situated in one of the nation’s most sought-after data centre corridors. The acquisition is Yondr’s first announced expansion under its newly appointed CEO, Aaron Wangenheim. The Dallas site joins Yondr’s growing North American footprint, which includes two data centres totalling 96MW in Northern Virginia and a 27MW data centre in Toronto, Canada. The company is reportedly also in advanced discussions for sites in several other tier one US metros, and continues to expand in Europe, where the company has existing assets in London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. “The US is a key market for Yondr’s next phase of growth and Dallas is one of the largest and fastest-growing data centre markets in the world. This investment in Dallas is just the beginning,” says Aaron Wangenheim, CEO of Yondr. “Our proven ability to deliver reliable, resilient, and sustainable data centre solutions at scale – backed by the strength of our investors DigitalBridge and La Caisse – positions us incredibly well to support clients in tier one markets where they need us.” In addition to job creation, the project should generate large tax revenue for the region and open opportunities for local suppliers and contractors throughout construction and operations. Mayor Clyde Hairston of the City of Lancaster comments, "We are delighted to welcome Yondr, a respected data centre developer and operator, to Lancaster. Yondr has pledged to create full-time jobs as a result of this project and [to] provide significant financial support for local events and community initiatives. “As Lancaster continues to rise as a shining star of Texas, Yondr’s investment further solidifies our city’s place on the map as a hub for innovation, infrastructure, and opportunity. We look forward to seeing their campus take shape and their impact flourish within our community." The campus is expected to break ground in 2026. For more from Yondr Group, click here.

Capacity Europe 2025 returns to London

Capacity Europe, an event for global digital infrastructure and connectivity, returns to the InterContinental London – The O2 from 21–23 October 2025, bringing together more than 3,500 decision-makers from across the global connectivity and digital infrastructure sectors. Now in its 24th year, the event has grown from a telecoms conference into a major platform for deal-making, partnerships, and thought leadership in data infrastructure, cloud, and AI. Across three days and four stages, 200+ speakers will discuss topics ranging from preparing networks for AI to improving interoperability, security, and resilience in an era of growing data demand and geopolitical uncertainty. Industry leaders on stage Confirmed speakers include Annette Murphy, Chief Commercial Officer at Colt Technology Services; Enrico Bagnasco, CEO at Sparkle; Petrina Steele, Global Lead – Emerging Technologies at Equinix; and Rebecca Stanic, Principal – Infrastructure Planning & Network Acquisition at Microsoft. Executives from Goldman Sachs, EdgeConneX, Deutsche Telekom, and Openmind Networks will also take part. Attendees at previous editions have praised the event for its networking and deal-making opportunities. Prabhu Abimannan, Manager International Data Business at e& Europe, comments, “Capacity Europe offers invaluable networking opportunities and brings together industry leaders to discuss the latest trends in international telecom. Each year, the event raises the bar.” Linda Shannon, Director at Hilco Streambank, adds, “Capacity Europe is a not-to-be-missed event. Fantastic networking opportunities, both formal and informal, alongside useful content. An invaluable opportunity to catch up with existing clients and make new connections in one location.” Building the future of connectivity Capacity Europe 2025 will gather leaders from connectivity, cloud, edge, investment, and software to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and define strategies for the next decade of digital infrastructure. “Celebrating the 24th year of Capacity Europe is a proud moment for us,” says Gabriela Cogorno, Head of Marketing-Events and Membership, Telecoms & Tech at techoraco. “This year’s event will be bigger and more impactful than ever, highlighting key themes and laying the foundation for innovation and transformation in the digital sector.” The event is once again supported by Spa Communications, which will lead global media engagement following a successful 2024 campaign. Why attend? • Connect with 3,500+ decision-makers from 100+ countries • Hear insights from 200+ speakers shaping the digital future • Forge deals across connectivity, cloud, edge, investment, and software • Be part of the conversations driving the future of networks and services Capacity Europe 2025 will take place at the InterContinental London – The O2, 21–23 October. Visit the event's website to find out more. For more on Capacity Europe, click here.

Danfoss expands UQDB coupling range

Danfoss Power Solutions, a Danish manufacturer of mobile hydraulic systems and components, has completed its Universal Quick Disconnect Blind-Mate (UQDB) coupling portfolio with the launch of the -08 size Hansen connector. The couplings are designed for direct connection between servers and manifolds in data centre liquid cooling systems and are fully compliant with Open Compute Project (OCP) standards. Higher flow capacity The new -08 size joins the existing -02, -04, and -06 sizes, covering body sizes from 1/8-inch to 1/2-inch. The company says it delivers a 29% higher flow rate than OCP requirements, supporting greater cooling efficiency for high-density racks. Danfoss UQDB couplings feature a flat-face dry break design to prevent spillage and a push-to-connect system with self-alignment to simplify installation in tight spaces. The plug half can move radially to align with the socket half, allowing compensation of up to +/-1 millimetre for easier in-rack connections. Developed in collaboration with the OCP community, the couplings meet existing standards and are designed to comply with the forthcoming OCP V2 specification for liquid cooling, expected in October. All UQDB units undergo helium-leak testing for reliability and include QR codes on both plug and socket halves for easier identification and tracking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjt9_O0Wb1o Chinmay Kulkarni, Data Centre Product Manager at Danfoss Power Solutions, says, “Our now-complete UQDB range expands our robust portfolio of thermal management products for data centres, enabling us to provide comprehensive systems and delivering on our 'one partner, every solution' promise. "When paired with our flexible, kink-free hoses, we deliver a complete direct-to-chip cooling solution that sets the standard for efficiency and reliability.” The couplings are manufactured from 303 stainless steel for corrosion resistance, with EPDM seals for fluid compatibility. They feature ORB terminal ends for secure, leak-free connections, an operating temperature range of 10°C to 65°C, and a minimum working pressure of 10 bar. For more from Danfoss, click here.