News

Thorn and Zumtobel to unveil sustainable innovations

Join Thorn and Zumtobel at Data Centre World (DCW) to explore the future of lighting innovation and sustainability. DCW will see the UK debut of the revolutionary TECTON II lighting system, and after months of intriguing teaser campaigns, this is the first time the next-generation TECTON system will be showcased in the UK. Developed in collaboration with Italian design and engineering expert, Pininfarina, TECTON II is a revolutionary evolution of a renowned Zumtobel innovation. Designed to be ‘intuitive’ – quick, efficient, and more effective than ever – the system is seeking to set new standards in continuous-row lighting while emphasising sustainability in every phase of its lifecycle. Key sustainable features include a modular design engineered for disassembly, enabling easy repair, recycling, or remanufacturing. With an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), TECTON II transparently details its CO₂ balance, material composition, and recycling potential. Thorn and Zumtobel will be at Data Centre World 2025, taking place at the London ExCel on 12-13 March, and can be found at stand DC535. For more from Zumtobel, click here.

NVC Lighting optimises sustainable products for data centres

As the global data centre industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, NVC Lighting says that it is at the forefront of delivering energy-efficient products that support sustainability goals. Recognising the critical role lighting plays in operational efficiency and energy consumption, NVC Lighting has optimised its Broadway range to provide a smarter, more sustainable approach to data centre illumination. With data centres running 24/7, lighting is a key component in ensuring safety, visibility, and operational effectiveness. However, as energy efficiency becomes a top priority, traditional lighting solutions are no longer viable. The recently launched Broadway range leverages advanced LED technology to reduce power consumption, lower maintenance costs, and support facilities in meeting Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) targets. Designed with sustainability in mind, the Broadway range offers low-glare, high-performance lighting that enhances visibility while significantly cutting down on energy waste. By switching to efficient LED solutions, data centres can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also benefit from long-term cost savings without the need for major infrastructure overhauls. Phil Brown, Product & Marketing Director at NVC Lighting, emphasises the importance of prioritising sustainability in the sector, commenting, “Energy efficiency in data centres isn’t just about cooling systems and server management - lighting is a crucial element that is often overlooked. “With the optimised Broadway range, we’re providing an impactful yet cost-effective solution that allows operators to enhance sustainability without compromising on performance. Investing in efficient LED lighting is a simple yet powerful way to lower operational costs, extend equipment lifespan, and contribute to broader environmental goals. As data centres continue to expand, integrating sustainable lighting solutions will be essential in reducing overall energy demand.” With a strong focus on delivering high-performance, low-energy lighting systems, NVC Lighting is committed to supporting the data centre industry’s shift toward greener, more responsible operations. NVC says that the Broadway range represents a "step forward in achieving greater efficiency without sacrificing reliability or quality", ensuring that data centres are not only well-lit, but also well-prepared for a more sustainable future. Visit NVC Lighting at Data Centre World 2025, taking place at the London ExCel on 12-13 March, on Stand DC075. For more from NVC Lighting, click here.

Ori selects Kao Data for its first UK AI cloud region

Kao Data, a specialist developer and operator of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing, has been chosen by Ori, an AI-native cloud provider, to host its first UK-based cloud region. The deployment at Kao Data’s Harlow campus, which includes the country’s first tranche of state-of-the-art, NVIDIA H200 GPUs, marks a significant milestone in Ori’s’ European cloud expansion, and further reinforces Kao Data’s position as an expert provider of high-density colocation solutions for AI. The collaboration will enable Ori’s customers to access cutting-edge GPU clusters, purpose-built for AI and deep learning applications, hosted within Kao Data’s industrial-scale NVIDIA DGX-Ready data centre environment, powered by 100% certified renewable energy. “We are delighted to partner with Kao Data for our UK expansion, and its Harlow campus offers us the perfect mix of high-density data centre infrastructure, renewable energy, and close proximity to London and Cambridge’s thriving AI and tech ecosystems,” says Mahdi Yahya, Founder & CEO of Ori. “As demand for AI continues to surge, it was imperative to find a specialist data centre operator that understood AI and could support the scalability, performance and sustainability requirements of our GPU-powered cloud.” Spencer Lamb, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Kao Data, adds, “Ori’s decision to host their AI cloud infrastructure at our Harlow campus underscores our reputation as the key destination for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) deployments in the UK. Our partnership illustrates the continued need for the country to be investing in, supporting and hosting AI architectures, and showcases how the UK can continue to be a leader in the AI race by attracting and working with innovative, world-class start-ups.” Ori’s AI cloud infrastructure at Kao Data includes a substantial cluster of NVIDIA’s latest H200 Tensor Core GPUs, one of the most powerful units on the market with breakthrough performance and memory capabilities, making it the preferred GPU for generative AI and large language models (LLMs). This deployment of next generation AI infrastructure comes at a time the UK Government is ramping up AI adoption in an effort to boost economic growth, provide jobs for the future and improve society and people's everyday lives. As part of the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, ‘AI Growth Zones’ (AIGZs) are to be developed across the country, and Ori’s deployment at Kao Data has reinforced Harlow and the Cambridge-London 'UK Innovation Corridor' as a prime location for future AI investment. For more from KAO Data, click here.

DOLD introduces advanced rack-level energy monitoring

DOLD Industries, a developer of switchgear products, has introduced the RL9405 Smart Energy Meter, meaning businesses can monitor exact rack-level consumption, pinpoint inefficiencies, optimise workloads, and avoid costly overuse. The company states that colocation customers no longer need to worry about unpredictable energy costs and limited visibility into their power usage, as in colocation environments, where customers are billed based on energy usage, the RL9405 ensures fair and accurate cost allocation - so users only pay for what they use. Designed for seamless integration into the tightest server rack spaces, this ultra-compact 35mm-wide meter delivers real-time, precision energy monitoring without requiring additional infrastructure. With no complex wiring or downtime, deployment across multiple racks is fast and effortless. Beyond preventing unexpected power charges with precise kWh tracking, the RL9405 provides real-time access to critical performance metrics. Users can track historical consumption trends, detect anomalies signalling inefficiencies or potential server failures, and perform preventive maintenance to avoid costly downtime. The RL9405 securely stores energy data even during power outages, ensuring critical insights are never lost. With Modbus TCP/RTU connectivity, it enables remote, real-time tracking, integrating seamlessly with existing monitoring systems to identify and resolve inefficiencies instantly, improving overall operational efficiency. DOLD Industries, an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer, is renowned for its extensive range of over 10,000 switchgear products. Its portfolio includes safety relay modules, safety relays with forcibly guided contacts, electronic enclosures, safety switches, safety guard locks and key transfer systems. The company is dedicated to improved automation and electrical safety, making its switchgear products ideal for engineers worldwide across factory, logistics and process automation, as well as renewable energy sectors. In addition to switchgear, DOLD provides network monitoring solutions for DC, AC and mixed AC/DC systems. Its products are essential for ensuring greater operational safety and system reliability, making them ideal for applications such as load switching, mobile power generation, DC charging stations and e-Mobility.

Genetec and TSP to unite at Data Centre World

Genetec has announced that it is joining forces with its Unified Elite partner, Total Security Protection (TSP), at Data Centre World in London for the fourth consecutive year. The duo will present their unified data centre security solutions, designed to meet the evolving security needs of the data centre industry. As data centres are now officially classified as Critical National Infrastructure by the UK Government, they require the same rigorous protection and oversight as the likes of energy grids and water supplies. This designation underscores the importance of robust physical and cyber security measures to mitigate potential threats. For more than a decade, Genetec and TSP have worked together to provide bespoke security solutions that safeguard facilities, ensure compliance, and maintain seamless operations for data centre clients. Their collaboration specifically offers a unified approach to data centre security through the deployment of Genetec Security Center, a unified platform which integrates video surveillance, access control, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and intrusion detection in a single interface. Backed by accreditations including NSI, ISO 27001, CAPSS 2023, and SOC II, their solutions meet both physical security and cyber security compliance standards. Genetec will be located at stand DC515 during the upcoming Data Centre World exhibition, taking place at London ExCel from 12-13 March 2025.

The future of data centre power: overcoming grid constraints

By Chris Connors, Project Sales Director and John Kinstrie, Energy Solutions Director, at DTGen. As the UK’s data centre industry continues its rapid expansion, developers face mounting challenges in securing reliable and resilient power sources. With the demand for cloud computing, AI processing, and hyperscale facilities growing exponentially, ensuring continuous power availability has become a top priority. However, limitations in grid capacity, rising energy costs, and sustainability pressures are creating obstacles for future data centre developments. To navigate these challenges, DTGen is exploring the feasibility of island mode power systems as a viable and sustainable solution. The growing power challenge for data centres According to the National Grid, data centre power use is set to surge six-fold in the next 10 years, placing significant strain on the network. Some of the key challenges developers face include: Grid capacity constraints • Limited grid availability, especially in London and the South East, is already causing delays in new data centre projects.• Increasing power demand from both residential and industrial sectors adds pressure to an already stretched infrastructure.• Availability and lead time for backup power solutions such as the large-scale standby generators required for resilience.• The shift towards renewables and decarbonisation introduces additional complexities in securing stable power. Rising energy costs and stability risks • Grid instability, caused by factors such as extreme weather and peak demand fluctuations, increases the risk of power outages. Sustainability and carbon reduction targets • The UK’s net zero commitments require data centres to reduce their carbon footprint and incorporate sustainable/renewable energy sources.• Operators are under pressure to explore low-carbon power options, including battery storage and renewable energy integration, to remain compliant with environmental standards. Planning and land availability • Whilst the planning process can be lengthy and strict, regulations create delays in new developments with a shortage of suitable land in key regions such as Slough and London, new data centre projects looking to build on green belt land can now apply for a fast-tracked scheme (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects or NSIPs) which means projects would receive a more centralised and expedited planning process overseen by the UK government. It is yet to be seen how developers will navigate this new process. Given these constraints, data centre operators must rethink their energy strategies to ensure long-term resilience and sustainability. Island mode power systems: a reliable and independent solution To mitigate the challenges associated with grid reliance, data centres should start actively exploring the concept of 'island mode' power systems. This approach could enable facilities to operate independently from the national grid using on-site power generation such as diesel/gas/HVO powered generators, battery storage, and renewables. Key benefits of island mode for data centres Whilst a mains grid connection is widely recognised as the preferable solution, there may come a time when capacity simply cannot cope. In order to meet demand, there are many benefits to an island mode approach and it could be a worthy consideration to support the industry to keep pace. With grid constraints increasing, complete energy independence and this added level of energy security could mean that data centres can function autonomously, reducing reliance on an overstressed national grid. Island mode also facilitates scalability for new developments, particularly in areas where grid upgrades are costly or entirely unavailable. This approach also supports the drive for more sustainable solutions and carbon reduction targets because island mode enables for better integration of renewables, battery storage, and efficient generators, supporting net zero goals. Looking ahead: the future of power in data centres As the global data centre industry grows, the pressure on the national grid will only intensify. Island mode power systems offer a practical, scalable, and sustainable solution to power constraints, without being limited by grid availability. For developers planning new facilities, investing in on-site generation, energy storage, and efficiency measures will be key to securing reliable power for the future. As is finding a delivery partner with the expertise and strength of supply chain to ensure capital equipment is delivered and installed within the timescales required. The combination of island mode and smart energy strategies ensures business continuity, cost predictability, and long-term sustainability in an increasingly power-constrained environment. If you would like more information about an island mode power system for your data centre development and effective implementation, talk to the energy solutions team at DTGen.

Schneider Electric appoints new Senior Vice President for Power business

Schneider Electric, an energy management and automation specialist, has appointed Pablo Ruiz Escribano as the new regional Senior Vice President (SVP) of its Secure Power and Data Centre Business in Europe. Pablo has been with Schneider Electric for 18 years. Since he first joined as a Key Account Manager in 2007, Pablo has progressed through several leadership positions within the organisation, including roles as Power Products Channel Project Director, Vice President (VP) for Secure Power & Field Services in Iberia, and more recently, as VP for the Global Services Segment. His predecessor, Marc Garner, will move into a new global role as President of Schneider Electric’s Cloud & Service Providers (C&SP) Segment. In his new role, Pablo will be tasked with leading Schneider Electric’s Secure Power and Data Centre Business across Europe, working with country and zone leaders in BeNe, CEEI, DACH, France, Iberia, Italy, Nordics and UKI to help customers solve the energy, infrastructure and sustainability challenges of AI. With extensive experience in both regional and global roles, and a strong background in technical sales and customer relations, Pablo is well-equipped to assist Schneider Electric’s European customers as they navigate the opportunities presented by AI. “I am delighted to begin my role as the new SVP for Schneider Electric’s Secure Power and Data Centre Business in Europe, and more so at such a transformative time for our industry,” says Pablo Ruiz Escribano. “With AI accelerating growth on multiple plains, there’s an unprecedented opportunity to enhance the efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability of the digital infrastructure landscape, and I look forward to working with our customers and partners to seize these opportunities and push the industry forward. I also want to extend my sincerest thanks to Marc Garner for his insights as I take on this new position and I wish him all the best in his next chapter.” Pablo’s most recent role as Global Services Segment VP saw him responsible for successfully leading Schneider Electric’s Services business. Here, he effectively improved the integration of services strategies and actions within overall segment strategies and account plans. He has also coordinated multi-country, multi-technology strategic accounts throughout the adopt, expand and renew phases, as well as streamlining commercial activities across service zones, ensuring a unified services segment organisation with consistent account management. As the new SVP for Secure Power and Data Centre Business Europe, Pablo will be responsible for delivering Schneider Electric’s end-to-end AI-ready data centre solutions across the region, helping customers to bend the energy curve of AI, and accelerating the decarbonisation of their large-scale energy and digital infrastructure systems. He will also work with key stakeholders across Schneider Electric’s channel partner ecosystem including its EcoXpert, Alliance Partners, and its AI Ecosystem partners. New Global C&SP President Having served 20 years at Schneider Electric Marc Garner now takes up his first global role for the company as Cloud & Service Providers (C&SP) Segment President, where he will be responsible for helping the organisations’ AI cloud, colocation and hyperscale customers build-out and decarbonise their cloud and high-density AI data centre systems on a global scale. Marc comments, "As data consumption soars and AI accelerates demand for high-density infrastructure, the data centre industry has a huge opportunity to lead the charge in efficiency and sustainability. It has been a fantastic opportunity to lead a team who has been able to achieve an unprecedented rate of growth for Schneider Electric here in Europe by helping our customers shape a resilient, efficient and AI-ready data centre landscape. I wish Pablo the best of luck in his new role as SVP for Secure Power and Data Centre Europe and extend a huge thank you to my team for their support during the last two years.” Pankaj Sharma, EVP Secure Power & Data Centres and Global Services Businesses, adds, “At Schneider Electric, we are committed to driving the future of digital infrastructure through innovation, sustainability, and strategic leadership. Pablo’s extensive experience and deep industry expertise make him the ideal leader to continue advancing our Secure Power and Data Centre Business in Europe. His leadership will be instrumental in helping our customers navigate the opportunities AI presents. “I would also like to extend our gratitude to Marc for his exceptional leadership in Europe, where he has played a crucial role in driving growth and expanding our capabilities. As he steps into his first global role as Cloud & Service Providers Segment President, we are confident that his vision and expertise will further strengthen Schneider Electric’s position in the digital infrastructure space.” Both appointments will continue to report into Pankaj Sharma and are with immediate effect. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Vertiv and Tecogen to enhance data centre cooling solutions

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity products, and Tecogen, a clean energy company providing ultra-efficient and clean on-site power, heating, and cooling equipment, have announced a collaboration that enables Vertiv to offer Tecogen’s advanced natural gas-powered chiller technology to data centres worldwide, addressing power constraints and facilitating the deployment of AI at scale. The Tecogen innovation will expand Vertiv's portfolio of cooling solutions. As the power required for AI computing and its supporting critical digital infrastructure increases, the strain on the power grid is showing, with increased demand exceeding supply in some regions. Tecogen’s technologies, proven over 40 years in demanding 24/7 applications such as healthcare and process cooling, help to reduce grid strain through natural gas-powered chiller technology. Vertiv has more than 60 years of experience in providing cooling, power and IT management for data centres of every size. This global partnership underscores Vertiv and Tecogen’s commitment to delivering cost-effective and resilient infrastructure products that leverage alternative energy resources. “We are excited to partner with Tecogen to bring innovative cooling solutions to our customers,” says George Hannah, Senior Director of Chilled Water Systems at Vertiv. “Integrating Tecogen’s technology into our portfolio allows data centre operators to overcome power constraints, optimise energy usage, and confidently expand their AI capabilities.” “This relationship is advantageous for both parties,” adds Abinand Rangesh, Chief Executive Officer at Tecogen. “For Tecogen, having a world-renowned partner like Vertiv enables us to scale rapidly in the data centre market. By combining Vertiv’s expertise in end-to-end data centre thermal systems with Tecogen’s proven natural gas-powered chiller technology, the collaboration offers a compelling value proposition for data centres aiming to enhance performance while managing energy consumption effectively.” For more from Vertiv, click here.

EcoDataCenter secures €450m for green transition

EcoDataCenter's owner, Areim, has successfully secured €450m in capital from leading institutional investors. The capital will be used to enable further growth and drive the green transition in the data centre industry through EcoDataCenter. Over the past two years, Areim and EcoDataCenter have secured a total of approximately €1.2bn in funding. "We are establishing one of the most exciting companies in the Nordics. Through our platform, we have established partnerships with some of the world's leading companies, which creates great investor confidence in what we do," says Peter Michelson, CEO of EcoDataCenter. EcoDataCenter has quickly become a leader in digital infrastructure in Europe. In 2024, the company partnered with AI Hyperscaler CoreWeave to build one of Europe's largest AI clusters in Falun. Soon after, the company secured a new mega site of +240MW to establish additional data centres. A journey of expansion that now continues with the help of the new capital. "It is a strong confirmation of our ability to raise capital of this scale. We will continue to drive the market for how digital infrastructure should be built together with our customers," says Leif Andersson, founder of Areim and Chairman of EcoDataCenter. EcoDataCenter opened its first facility in Falun in 2019, and since then has established data centres with a focus on computing capacity. Due to its technological leadership, the company has gained the trust of world-leading companies such as BMW, DeepL and CoreWeave. Fore more from EcoDataCenter, click here.

Broadband Forum launches trio of new open broadband projects

An improved user experience, including reduced latency and a wider choice of in-home applications, will be delivered to broadband consumers as the Broadband Forum launches three new projects. The three new open broadband projects will provide open source software blueprints for application providers and Broadband Service Providers (BSPs) to follow. These will deliver a foundation for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for network automation, additional tools for network latency and performance measurements, and on-demand connectivity for different applications. “These new projects will play a key role in improving network performance measurement and monitoring and the end-user experience,” says Broadband Forum Technical Chair, Lincoln Lavoie. “Open source software is a crucial component in providing the blueprint for BSPs to follow and we invite interested companies to get involved.” The new Open Broadband-CloudCO-Application Software Development Kit (OB-CAS), Open Broadband – Simple Two-Way Active Measurement Protocol (OB-STAMP), and Open Broadband – Subscriber Session Steering (OB-STEER) projects will bring together software developers and standards experts from the forum. The projects will deliver open source reference implementations, which are examples of how Broadband Forum specifications can be implemented. They act as a starting point for application developers to base their designs on. In turn, those applications are available on platforms for BSPs to select and offer to their customers, shortening the path between the development of the specification to the first deployment of the technologies into the network.  “The development of open source software and open broadband standards are invaluable to the industry, laying the foundations for faster innovation through global collaboration,” says Broadband Forum CEO, Craig Thomas. “The Broadband Forum places the end-user experience at the forefront of all of our projects and is playing a crucial role in overcoming network issues.” OB-CAS aims to simplify network monitoring and maintenance for BSPs, while also offering a wider selection of applications from various software vendors. Alongside this, network operations will be simplified and automated through existing Broadband Forum cloud standards that use AI and ML to improve the end-user experience. OB-STAMP will build an easy-to-deploy component that simplifies network performance measurement between Customer Premises Equipment and IP Edge. The project will allow BSPs to proactively monitor their subscribers’ home networks to measure latency and, ultimately, avoid network failures. Four vendors have already signed up to join the efforts to reduce the cost and time associated with deploying infrastructure for measuring network latency. Building on Broadband Forum’s upcoming technical report WT-474, OB-STEER will create a reference implementation of the Subscriber Session Steering architecture to deliver flexible, on-demand connectivity and simplify network management. Interoperability of Subscriber Session Steering is of high importance as it will be implemented in the access network equipment and edge equipment from various vendors.