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Legrand acquires TES as it looks for growth in data centre market

2 April 2026 at 11:24

TES has been acquired by Legrand, in a deal that gives the Northern Irish engineering firm access to one of the biggest names in electrical and digital building infrastructure.

The acquisition follows a period of rapid growth for TES, which has built its presence in the European data centre market as well as the UK and Irish utility sectors. The company said it had grown revenue to £72 million and expanded its workforce to around 300 employees.

It’s estimated that around 50% of TES’ revenue currently comes from the data centre sector, with the firm hoping to grow even further to capitalise on the rapid growth that is occurring in the industry in response to the rise of AI. 

Headquartered in Cookstown, County Tyrone, TES has recently expanded its manufacturing footprint with the opening of a 300,000sqft campus in County Derry. That additional capacity should be able to pump out more low-voltage power distribution equipment, ensuring that the company can keep up with demand. 

Earlier this year, Legrand pointed to the data centre market as a key driver of growth. While the firm has long been established in both the residential and commercial power market, it has been eager to compete with players such as Schneider Electric and ABB in the data centre sector. 

So far, its strategy has been paying off. Legrand reported that data centres accounted for 26% of its 2025 revenues, with it noting that the sector has the potential of accounting for 40% of its revenue in the future. This acquisition of TES should help it move towards that goal. 

As part of the deal, TES said it would continue to operate from its existing facilities in Cookstown and Derry following the acquisition, maintaining its focus on local job creation and its specialist divisions serving both the data centre and water utility markets.

Brian Taylor, CEO of TES, noted, “Joining Legrand is a landmark moment for TES. Over the past number of years, we have scaled our operations at an incredible pace, and this acquisition is a testament to the hard work and expertise of our entire team. Legrand’s global reach and market-leading position in the electrical sector provide the perfect platform for TES to further expand our international presence. We are excited to bring our bespoke engineering solutions to a wider audience while remaining deeply committed to our roots in Northern Ireland.”

Noel McCracken, Managing Director of TES, added, “Our mission has always been to provide innovative, high-quality engineering for critical infrastructure. With the support of Legrand, we can accelerate our investment in state-of-the-art manufacturing and continue to lead the way in both the water and power critical infrastructure markets.”

Constellation to sell 4.4GW of PJM assets to LS Power for $5B as part of Calpine acquisition

19 March 2026 at 19:22

Constellation Energy Corporation and LS Power Equity Advisors announced an agreement under which Constellation will sell a portfolio of generation assets in PJM to LS Power, a step in satisfying regulatory commitments related to Constellation’s acquisition of Calpine.

The proposed sale represents the largest portion of the divestitures required by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of its antitrust review of the Calpine transaction, including all assets required to be divested by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Under the agreement, LS Power will acquire approximately 4.4 GW of predominantly natural gas–fired generation capacity located in Delaware and Pennsylvania, including the Bethlehem, York 1, York 2, Hay Road and Edge Moor Facilities. The transaction is valued at $5 billion before closing adjustments, representing an acquisition price of approximately $1,142/kW.

“This transaction is an important step in satisfying the DOJ’s requirements and advancing our path forward,” said Joe Dominguez, president and CEO of Constellation. “These are well-run facilities that will continue powering consumers and businesses for decades to come. We’re pleased to be moving ahead and expect to complete the remaining DOJ requirements later this year.”

In December 2025, Constellation announced a resolution with the DOJ that outlines a series of divestitures designed to address “competitive considerations” in PJM and other markets. The DOJ resolution followed FERC’s July 2025 approval, which required the divestiture of certain assets in PJM. The latest announcement represents the largest and most substantive element of the DOJ and FERC resolutions. Closing is conditioned upon receipt of regulatory approvals, including review by the DOJ and FERC, and other customary closing conditions.

Last January, Constellation announced plans to acquire Calpine in a cash and stock transaction valued at an equity purchase price of approximately $16.4 billion. The deal became one of the largest in the history of power generation at a time when demand for electricity has exploded. Constellation already owns and operates the largest fleet of nuclear plants in the United States. Constellation is also the largest producer of clean energy in the U.S. The company generates more than 32,400 MW of capacity, including through nuclear, gas, wind, solar and hydropower assets.

Constellation sees the deal as a chance to expand its power generation portfolio in a time a record electricity demand growth. After years of flat demand, electricity load growth forecasts have exploded, largely driven by data centers, industry and electrification.

“PJM is at the epicenter of the surge in electricity demand, and these are exactly the kind of assets the grid needs – efficient, dispatchable gas generation that can deliver reliable power around the clock,” said Paul Segal, CEO of LS Power. “LS Power has been developing, building and operating gas-fired generation for over 35 years. We expect our extensive operational experience will enable seamless integration of the assets and their employees and look forward to engaging with plant staff and the local communities around the facilities.”

The Jack Fusco Energy Center, a 606-MW natural gas fired combined cycle facility located outside Houston, Texas, is the remaining facility in the DOJ resolution agreement that has not yet been divested. The minority ownership in the Gregory Power Plant, a 385-MW natural gas fired combined cycle near Corpus Christi, Texas, was divested earlier this year.

Constellation completed its acquisition of Calpine on Jan. 7, 2026, creating the world’s largest private-sector power producer and significantly expanding its generation footprint. The asset sale announced is expected to close later this year, subject to regulatory approvals.

Caterpillar engines to support 2 GW of onsite power at West Virginia data center campus tied to Microsoft, NVIDIA

17 March 2026 at 23:17

Caterpillar moved to the center of the AI infrastructure buildout this week as developer Nscale said it would use the company’s natural gas generator sets to power a major new West Virginia data center campus tied to Microsoft and NVIDIA.

Monday’s announcement positions Caterpillar’s G3500 series reciprocating engine platform as core infrastructure for what Nscale said could become one of the country’s largest dedicated AI compute developments.

Under the plan, Caterpillar equipment would support 2 GW of onsite generation by the first half of 2028 at the Monarch Compute Campus in Mason County, West Virginia, giving the project a faster path to power as grid access and transmission upgrades remain a constraint for large data center loads.

Nscale said the campus would host up to 1.35 GW of AI compute capacity for Microsoft under a letter of intent tied to NVIDIA Vera Rubin NVL72 systems and the NVIDIA DSX AI Factory reference design. The company also announced it had acquired American Intelligence & Power Corp., which includes the 2,250-acre Monarch site and what Nscale described as the first state-certified AI microgrid in the U.S., with expansion potential beyond 8 GW.



It’s the latest example of a data center project being structured around large-scale onsite natural gas generation, rather than waiting solely on utility service.

In a recent report, Cleanview identified 46 U.S. data center projects representing a combined 56 GW of planned behind-the-meter power capacity, which it estimated at roughly 30% of planned U.S. data center capacity in its tracker.

The research company also said 90% of the projects it identified were announced in 2025, indicating that “Bring Your Own Power” has shifted from a niche workaround to a more mainstream development path as grid interconnection timelines lengthen.

“A year ago, behind-the-meter data center power was a curiosity, embodied by xAI’s controversial decision to truck mobile generators into Memphis,” said Cleanview. “Now it’s an increasingly common development strategy.”

Cleanview added many of the projects it identified have secured equipment partners and are already under construction.

“Projects like Monarch demonstrate how Caterpillar’s natural gas generation platforms are being deployed as core infrastructure for data centers and other power intensive applications where reliability, speed of deployment, and lifecycle performance are critical,” Melissa Busen, Caterpillar senior vice president of Electric Power, said in a statement.

Nscale said the West Virginia site would operate independently of the local grid, which it argued would avoid adding costs to existing utility customers, while preserving the option of a future grid interconnection that could allow exports. The company also said it is pursuing carbon sequestration and a design intended to reduce water use.


Kevin Clark

Kevin Clark is the editor of Factor This Power Engineering, where he reports on power generation, grid reliability and emerging trends shaping the electric sector. Kevin also leads editorial strategy for the POWERGEN conference. He previously spent a decade as a television news and digital journalist. Have a story idea? Email Kevin at kevin.clark@clarionevents.com.

APS seeks license extension for Palo Verde Nuclear Plant

17 March 2026 at 21:00

Arizona Public Service (APS) has notified the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of its intent to renew the operating licenses for all three units at Palo Verde Generating Station, which could extend operations from the mid-2040s through the mid-2060s. 

Located west of Phoenix, Palo Verde has the capacity to produce 4,200 MW, and is the largest power generator in the western United States.

In the 1980s, the NRC licensed Palo Verde’s nuclear units to operate for 40 years. In 2011, the NRC approved APS’s renewal application to extend the operating licenses 20 years, allowing the three units to operate through the mid-2040s. Last week, APS filed a Notice of Intent to submit a Subsequent License Renewal Application to the NRC in late-2027. The application will seek to renew Palo Verde’s operating license for an additional 20 years, allowing Unit 1 to operate through 2065, Unit 2 through 2066 and Unit 3 through 2067.

A license renewal for APS would extend Palo Verde’s life to 80 years. APS is following the NRC’s established license renewal process, which has resulted in renewing licenses to 80 years for 10 stations across the country. The NRC is currently reviewing applications for three stations.  

As Arizona continues to grow and energy needs increase, in addition to seeking license extensions for Palo Verde, APS is assessing new nuclear technologies and leading a collaborative effort with Salt River Project (SRP) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) to explore and advance additional nuclear generation in the state. In 2025, the utilities teamed up to apply for a grant with the U.S. Department of Energy for funding to support the evaluation of possible sites. While awaiting a decision, the three utilities are considering multiple types of nuclear energy solutions, including small modular reactors and large reactor projects. 

Palo Verde is unique as the only nuclear power plant in the world that does not have access to a surface body of water. It uses 100% recycled wastewater from surrounding cities for cooling. It is operated by APS and owned by seven utilities: APS, SRP, El Paso Electric, Southern California Edison (SCE), Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP).

Received before yesterday

Har Gaon Roshan: Powering Rural India’s Next Development Inflection

Over the past decade, electrification efforts have materially altered India’s rural landscape. With the support of the Saubhagya programme and other schemes, approximately 28.6 million households were provided electricity connections, profoundly altering the energy access landscape. This landmark became the single most ambitious last mile infrastructure initiative in the history of independent India. Once a […]

“Kusam-Meco” 1000V DC Hand Held Digital Insulation Resistance Tester Model- KM 372

22 February 2026 at 16:07
KUSAM-MECO has added a new hand-held digital Insulation Resistance Tester cum Digital Multimeter for the convenience of electricians.  The instrument combines elegance, ergonomic design convenience of use & can do the functions of 2 instruments viz- Insulation Resistance Tester & Multimeter.  For the Insulation Resistance function, the DC output Voltage is 50/100/250/500/1000Volts.  It indicates the […]

Enhancing Reliability and Power Quality in India

20 February 2026 at 04:11
In the last twenty years, India has reached amazing success in the power system. Generation power plants have enhanced long life – and electricity is distributed to nearly all houses – and renewable energy has played the biggest role in the generation. In spite of these attainments, the quality and reliability of power supply become […]

Adaptive and Resilient T&D SYSTEMS

20 February 2026 at 03:08
Electricity T&D systems were traditionally designed for predictable, centrally-generated and unidirectional power flows. Today, in India, the grid needs to accommodate growing number of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) with bidirectional power flows in a volatile electricity market. Ambitious RE targets, inter-state power transfers and higher end-use electrification have put added pressure on the existing grid […]

Managing Renewable Energy Intermittency

20 February 2026 at 00:37
India’s power system is undergoing a structural transition. With ambitious targets for non‑fossil capacity and rapidly falling costs of solar and wind, the generation mix is shifting from predictable, dispatchable sources to variable, weather‑dependent resources. Managing this transition requires technologies that can ensure reliability, grid stability and economic efficiency. Traditionally, intermittency was addressed using fossil‑fuel‑based […]

Agreements Signed to Build Robust Cobalt-60 Supply Chain in the US

15 February 2026 at 07:02
Westinghouse Electric Company, Nordion (Canada) Inc., a Sotera Health company, and PSEG Nuclear LLC have taken up a joint initiative to establish the first commercial-scale production of Cobalt-60 in U.S. Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs). Cobalt-60 is a critical isotope used to sterilize more than 16 billion single-use medical devices each year in the United States, […]

Hitachi Energy to Host a Pre-Event to AI Impact Summit 2026

12 February 2026 at 06:51
The world is entering a new energy era. Electrification is accelerating. Industries are transforming. And AI – intelligent, disruptive, and immensely power – hungry is redefining what nations must prepare for. By 2030, AI is projected to drive 10% of global electricity demand growth, with data centres alone consuming an estimated 945 TWh of power […]

ZincFive Earns TIME GreenTech Recognition for Third Straight Year

30 March 2026 at 19:00

ZincFive®, a leader in nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery-based solutions for immediate power applications, has once again been recognized by TIME, earning a place on the America’s Top GreenTech Companies 2026 list for the third consecutive year. Developed in partnership with Statista, the ranking evaluates companies based on environmental impact, financial strength, and innovation, placing ZincFive among a select group shaping the future of sustainable technology.

This year, the company ranked #142 out of more than 3,500 evaluated organizations and is one of only two companies headquartered in Oregon to be included on the list.

The recognition reflects continued momentum for ZincFive’s nickel zinc battery technology, which has gained traction as an alternative to traditional energy storage options in mission critical environments. As data centers evolve to support artificial intelligence and increasingly dynamic workloads, the need for power solutions that can deliver both performance and safety has become more pronounced.

ZincFive’s approach centers on immediate power, delivering high power density in a compact footprint while avoiding the risks associated with other battery chemistries. Nickel zinc batteries are designed to provide reliable performance without thermal runaway concerns and rely on more abundant, recyclable materials, supporting both operational and environmental goals.

For ZincFive, continued recognition from TIME signals more than a milestone. It reflects a broader shift in how the industry is evaluating power infrastructure, with greater emphasis on safety, sustainability, and long term performance.

“Earning a place on TIME’s America’s Top GreenTech Companies list for the third consecutive year reflects the growing role of nickel-zinc technology in delivering safe, sustainable power,” said Tod Higinbotham, CEO of ZincFive. He emphasized the company’s “power of good chemistry” approach to balance performance, safety, and eco-friendliness.​

The company’s inclusion builds on a series of recent awards recognizing its innovation in energy storage, particularly in applications where reliability is critical. As demand for resilient and efficient power continues to grow, ZincFive’s technology is increasingly positioned to support the next generation of digital infrastructure.

For full details, read the press release here.

The post ZincFive Earns TIME GreenTech Recognition for Third Straight Year appeared first on Data Center POST.

These Nuclear Reactors Can Benefit Idaho, Power America’s Ambitions

27 March 2026 at 13:00

Originally published in the Idaho Statesman.

America’s most pressing ambitions — re-industrialization, artificial intelligence leadership, cleaner energy and thriving small businesses — are colliding with a hard reality: The nation lacks the power and energy grid infrastructure required to deliver them.

To compound the issue, local communities often oppose new data centers because, among other reasons, consumers fear that their own energy bills may rise. Nevertheless, by supporting new technologies, including a new generation of small modular reactors, or SMRs, policymakers can address America’s power needs in ways that benefit consumers.

During his State of the Union address, President Trump announced a “new Rate Payer Protection Pledge” to ensure that the tech companies, rather than consumers, bear the costs of new data centers. The pledge builds on an earlier bipartisan plan that encourages technology companies to build their own power plants. Google, Meta, Microsoft, xAI, Oracle, OpenAI, and Amazon signed the pledge in early March to “BYOP” — Bring Your Own Power — to the data center party.

As part of a comprehensive energy strategy, SMRs offer a practical path to expanding power capacity, pairing reliable power with comfortable safety margins. SMRs are compact, standardized nuclear plants built with factory-produced components that reduce construction time, lower costs and improve safety compared with traditional large- scale reactors. Unlike conventional nuclear plants that require massive, decade-long construction projects, SMRs can be prefabricated and deployed incrementally, making them ideally suited to today’s energy, AI and grid demands.

Idaho’s Role in SMR Development

SMRs’ potential provides another reason to watch the Idaho National Laboratory and its National Reactor Innovation Center. Last May, the White House issued four executive orders that significantly expanded the Department of Energy’s authority to regulate new advanced reactors and could encompass a prototype reactor for powering a data center.

One of these Orders directs DOE to approve at least three new reactors. DOE subsequently accepted 11 applicants into its reactor pilot program.

In fact, the need for data centers to provide their own power is a problem tailor-made for the NRIC, whose mission is to “bridge the gap between concept, demonstration, and commercialization of advanced nuclear technology.” NRIC recently announced its Nuclear Energy Launch Pad in response to this high private sector interest. The Launch Pad initiative is the new vehicle to test and operate these trailblazing technologies in partnership with private nuclear technology developers, with an eye toward eventual commercial deployment and proof of DOE’s plans to expand the private sector’s ability to obtain DOE Authorization.

In conjunction with the Launch Pad, the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission should continue to pursue regulatory reforms that could significantly speed the growth of all nuclear power, including SMRs. One of the recent executive orders directed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to modernize its regulations. Proposed revised regulations, which should prioritize safety, speed, and cost, are expected soon.

To continue reading, please click here.

The post These Nuclear Reactors Can Benefit Idaho, Power America’s Ambitions appeared first on Data Center POST.

Foresight Raises $25M to Tackle Infrastructure Execution Risks in the AI Era

18 March 2026 at 17:00

As global investment in AI infrastructure, power, and advanced manufacturing accelerates, a critical constraint is coming into sharper focus—project execution.

A newly announced $25 million Series A funding round for Foresight underscores a broader industry shift: while capital continues to flow into large-scale infrastructure, delivering these projects on time and on budget remains a persistent challenge.

The current wave of infrastructure investment is unprecedented in both scale and complexity. Hyperscale data centers, energy systems, and advanced industrial facilities are being developed simultaneously across global markets, often with overlapping supply chains and tight delivery timelines.

However, execution has emerged as a systemic issue.

Research indicates that nearly 90% of large-scale infrastructure projects are completed late or exceed budget expectations. In the context of AI infrastructure, delays can have cascading effects—impacting capacity availability, increasing financing costs, and delaying revenue generation.

Industry observers note that as demand for compute continues to surge, particularly for AI workloads, the margin for error in delivery timelines is shrinking.

A Shift Toward Predictive Delivery Models

Foresight, which positions itself as a predictive project delivery platform, is part of a growing cohort of technology providers aiming to address these execution challenges through data and automation.

The company’s platform is designed to move beyond traditional project management approaches—often reliant on static schedules and retrospective reporting—by introducing continuous validation of project progress and early identification of risk factors.

According to the company, its system enables infrastructure owners to establish baseline schedules more quickly, integrate data across stakeholders, and forecast potential delays before they materialize. Early adopters report improvements in forecast accuracy and reductions in cost overruns.

While such claims reflect a broader trend toward digitization in construction and infrastructure delivery, they also point to a deeper industry need: greater predictability in increasingly complex builds.

Why Execution Matters More in the AI Era

For data center developers and operators, execution risk is becoming more consequential.

Unlike previous infrastructure cycles, AI-driven demand is both immediate and rapidly evolving. Delays in bringing capacity online can result in missed opportunities, strained customer relationships, and competitive disadvantages in key markets.

At the same time, projects are becoming more interdependent. Power availability, equipment procurement, and site development must align precisely—leaving little room for disruption.

This dynamic is prompting a reassessment of how infrastructure projects are planned and managed, with greater emphasis on real-time data, cross-functional visibility, and proactive intervention.

Expanding Beyond Data Centers

Although the initial focus is on sectors such as hyperscale data centers, the challenges associated with project execution are not unique to digital infrastructure.

Foresight plans to expand its platform into adjacent industries, including energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing—areas that share similar characteristics: large capital commitments, complex supply chains, and high sensitivity to delays.

The company’s recent funding, led by Macquarie Capital Venture Capital, reflects investor interest in solutions that address these systemic inefficiencies.

An Industry Inflection Point

The emergence of predictive project delivery tools signals a broader transformation in how infrastructure is built.

For years, innovation in the data center sector has centered on compute performance, cooling technologies, and energy efficiency. Increasingly, attention is shifting toward the process of delivery itself.

As infrastructure programs continue to scale, the ability to execute with precision may become a defining factor in project success.

In an environment where demand is high and timelines are compressed, the question facing the industry is evolving—from whether projects can be financed to whether they can be delivered as planned.

The post Foresight Raises $25M to Tackle Infrastructure Execution Risks in the AI Era appeared first on Data Center POST.

Digital Infra 3.0: Power, Fiber, and Edge Will Drive the AI Industrial Revolution

10 March 2026 at 16:00

At Metro Connect USA 2026, held February 22-25 in Fort Lauderdale, Marc Ganzi, Chief Executive Officer of DigitalBridge, delivered a keynote outlining how artificial intelligence is reshaping the digital infrastructure industry. In his address, “Digital Infra 3.0: Building the AI Industrial Revolution,” Ganzi described how the sector is evolving from a connectivity-focused market into a broader ecosystem that includes data centers, fiber networks, edge computing, and energy infrastructure.

Ganzi emphasized that AI has moved beyond hype and is beginning to generate measurable outcomes across industries. While much of the public discussion focuses on applications and large language models, he noted that the true monetization of AI will occur through enterprise and industrial use cases. Manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and transportation are already integrating AI-driven automation, robotics, and predictive analytics to improve productivity and efficiency.

These developments rely on a layered infrastructure environment. Hyperscale facilities train AI models, while edge data centers support inferencing workloads closer to where data is used. Fiber networks provide the low-latency connectivity required to move massive volumes of data between locations, and wireless systems connect devices and sensors in the physical world. Beneath all of these components sits an increasingly critical factor: power.

Power availability was a central theme of Ganzi’s keynote. As AI workloads grow, electricity demand is rising faster than grid capacity can keep pace. The digital infrastructure industry is now leasing significantly more power than the grid can bring online each year, creating a widening gap between supply and demand. As a result, developers are increasingly operating as energy strategists, exploring diversified energy approaches that may include microgrids, battery storage, solar, wind, and natural gas generation.

The search for reliable power is also influencing where new infrastructure is built. While traditional hubs such as Northern Virginia remain central to the industry, developers are exploring additional markets where grid access and energy availability make large-scale AI deployments possible. In many cases, power availability has become the deciding factor in site selection.

Despite the focus on energy, Ganzi reminded the audience that connectivity remains essential to the AI economy. The ability to move enormous amounts of data across networks continues to depend on high-capacity fiber infrastructure and low-latency connectivity. Even as AI advances in software and hardware, the underlying network infrastructure remains fundamental.

Ganzi also described the evolution of AI infrastructure in phases. The industry has moved through the early stage of training large language models and is now entering a period where inferencing and edge deployments are expanding. The next stage will involve integrating AI directly into physical environments, where intelligent systems control machines, robotics, and automated processes across multiple industries.

As the sector expands, developers face growing challenges that include power constraints, permitting delays, supply chain pressures, water usage concerns, and increased scrutiny from investors. Ganzi stressed that success will depend on operational discipline, strong customer relationships, and the ability to deliver infrastructure projects reliably and on schedule.

Ultimately, he framed the current moment as the beginning of Digital Infra 3.0, a phase in which digital infrastructure converges with traditional infrastructure to support the AI economy. As AI adoption accelerates, the companies that successfully combine power, connectivity, and compute will play a defining role in building the foundation for the next era of global digital infrastructure.

The discussion around digital infrastructure, connectivity, and AI will continue at the next major Capacity event, International Telecoms Week (ITW) in Washington, D.C., May 18-21, 2026.

To learn more about upcoming events in the Capacity Media portfolio, visit www.capacitymedia.com/events.

The post Digital Infra 3.0: Power, Fiber, and Edge Will Drive the AI Industrial Revolution appeared first on Data Center POST.

SDC Austin Building B Progress Q1 2026

3 March 2026 at 17:00

Originally posted on Sabey Data Centers.

Following the successful full lease-up of our first data center at our Round Rock, TX campus, we wanted to share a brief construction update on SDC AustinBuilding B.
Construction is now well underway, with the primary concrete structure rising and vertical construction clearly progressing. The project is tracking to schedule, and site activity has ramped up significantly as we move through early structural milestones.

Building B Highlights:

  • 54MW of total capacity, powered by an onsite substation
  • Fully secured utility power for the entire facility
  • Liquid cooling optimized design to support next-generation workloads
  • 6 data halls, each offering 30,000 SF of space

You can view a short video of our construction progress here.

The post SDC Austin Building B Progress Q1 2026 appeared first on Data Center POST.

From Server Heat to City Warmth: Data Centers’ Hidden Energy Advantage

3 March 2026 at 16:00

Rob Thornton, President & CEO, International District Energy Association (IDEA)

As the number of data centers grows, so do concerns about location, power access, and grid capacity, especially as AI and cloud computing drive surging electricity demand. Yet, data centers hold an unexpected solution: the waste heat they generate can be harnessed for community benefit.

Captured through district energy systems, this heat can be transformed into a valuable community resource that provides low-carbon warmth, improves grid stability, and redefines data centers as energy partners.

The Power Behind the Numbers

In 2023, data centers accounted for roughly 4.4% of total U.S. electricity use, a share projected to rise to as much as 12% by 2028. As utilities and developers scramble to expand clean generation and transmission, waste heat reuse offers an immediate, scalable way to reduce carbon intensity and ease grid stress.

How Heat Reuse Works

Servers generate heat, which can be captured and directed into district energy networks—insulated pipes transporting hot or chilled water—supplying heat to nearby buildings. This approach reduces the electricity needed for heating and cooling, improving overall efficiency and cutting emissions. In essence, the data center becomes part of a shared local energy ecosystem.

Some add combined heat and power (CHP) systems that produce electricity and heat simultaneously. CHP can increase efficiency for large or urban centers. Two deployment models stand out:

  • Urban data centers (10–20 MW): Linked to city energy networks for efficient heat export.
  • Large, remote sites (100 MW–1 GW): Feature CHP-based microgrids to serve multiple facilities.

Cities Leading the Way

Areas with dense data center development, such as Northern Virginia’s “Data Center Alley,” are exploring new district heating networks to link excess data center heat with community energy needs. Several pioneering projects in Canada illustrate the potential.

  • Markham, Ontario: An Equinix data center retrofitted for heat recovery now warms local condos, a university, schools, and recreation facilities, creating community benefits.
  • Toronto, Ontario: Enwave Energy connects Telehouse Canada’s data centers to its system using deep-lake water cooling and waste-heat recovery. This model reduces resource use, enhances cooling, and supports city climate goals.

From Grid Burden to Energy Partner

Heat reuse fundamentally shifts the purpose of data centers from major power consumers to vital contributors in a circular energy economy. By sharing surplus heat, these facilities support decarbonization, reliability, and resilience, and these solutions can be achieved faster than large-scale infrastructure investments.

How Operators Can Get Started

For operators and planners evaluating heat reuse, three clear steps can set the foundation for success:

  • First, thoroughly assess the site-level heat export potential for both new builds and retrofits by analyzing available waste heat, proximity to potential heat users, and compatibility with local district energy infrastructure.
  • Second, proactively engage municipalities and district energy providers early. This means initiating discussions to align on infrastructure design needs, available incentives, and long-term energy offtake agreements.
  • Third, explore hybrid system options—such as pairing CHP, thermal storage, and advanced cooling technologies—for maximum operational flexibility, especially when grid interconnections may be delayed. Evaluate each technology’s potential to complement site-specific requirements and constraints.

As the data economy grows, speed, sustainability, and resilience must move forward together. Waste heat has the potential to be much more than a byproduct; it can become a resource that positions data centers as active agents in community well-being. In the era of AI, shared energy is truly smart energy.

# # #

About the Author:

Rob Thornton is President & CEO of the International District Energy Association (IDEA), a global nonprofit founded in 1909 that advocates for efficient, resilient, and sustainable district energy systems. Under his leadership, IDEA works with public and private partners worldwide to advance energy efficiency, decarbonization, and community-scale thermal networks.

The post From Server Heat to City Warmth: Data Centers’ Hidden Energy Advantage appeared first on Data Center POST.

Company Profile: GreenScale on Building Sustainable, Power-Rich Digital Infrastructure

5 February 2026 at 17:30

Data Center POST had the opportunity to connect with Jean-François Berche, the Chief Technology Officer at GreenScale, who is guiding the company’s technological vision towards infrastructure that is scalable, efficient, and above all, sustainable. He focuses on developing data centres capable of supporting the complex needs of AI-driven workloads, while ensuring GreenScale leads in technology integration within the energy ecosystem.

Jean-François previously held senior roles at Microsoft and AWS, where he was instrumental in expanding the cloud infrastructure to meet the growing demands of AI. His extensive work in site selection, colocation, and cloud region expansion at Microsoft and AWS positions him to drive GreenScale’s technological capabilities to the pinnacle of what is possible.

His passion for sustainability in technology is well-aligned with GreenScale’s mission. Outside of work, Jean-François remains committed to exploring how technology can positively impact society through sustainable and innovative practices. The interview information below has been summarized to provide readers with clarity into who GreenScale is, what they do and the problems they are solving in the industry.

What does GreenScale do?  

GreenScale is a sustainable data centre platform redefining the future of sustainable digital infrastructure across Europe’s expanding data centre markets.

What problems does GreenScale solve in the market?

As demand for high-performance AI and cloud workloads accelerates, power availability, grid constraints, and environmental impact have become critical bottlenecks. At GreenScale, we are developing a sustainable data centre platform that positively contributes to the grid, local communities, and the wider energy ecosystem. We provide access to long-term power scalability, combined with deep local relationships with grid utilities and local communities, to enable customers to grow compute capacity quickly, efficiently, and responsibly.

What are GreenScale’s core products or services?

Digital infrastructure

What markets do you serve?

We’re developing data centres in Europe, with plans for international expansion.

What challenges does the global digital infrastructure industry face today?

The global digital infrastructure industry faces the challenge of scaling AI and cloud capacity amid constrained power availability, grid limitations, and growing environmental concerns.

How is GreenScale adapting to these challenges?

Sustainability at GreenScale starts with site selection. By focusing on new power-rich regions such as Norway, where hydropower is abundant, and Derry/Londonderry, where strong wind resources support renewable energy generation, we secure clean, scalable energy from the outset. Working closely with local utilities allows us to contribute positively to the grid while accelerating speed to deployment and enabling responsible, long-term growth for digital infrastructure.

What are GreenScale’s key differentiators?

GreenScale’s key differentiators lie in our ability to deliver at speed while maintaining a strong sustainability focus. We prioritise rapid deployment through strategic partnerships, including our recently announced collaboration with Vertiv, and by building in new power-rich markets that support long-term scalability. Our platform is underpinned by a deep commitment to ESG and led by a team with over 100 years of combined industry experience, enabling us to execute reliably in a rapidly evolving market.

What upcoming industry events will you be attending? 

PTC, NVIDIA GTC, DCAC, Data Centre Expo, Data Centre World London, Datacloud Global Congress and many more!

Do you have any recent news you would like us to highlight?

Vertiv and GreenScale Announce Strategic Collaboration to Deploy AI-Ready Data Centre Platforms across Europe.

Where can our readers learn more about GreenScale?  

Readers can learn more on our company website, www.greenscaledc.com.

How can our readers contact GreenScale? 

You can contact us through our website, www.greenscaledc.com/contact.

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The post Company Profile: GreenScale on Building Sustainable, Power-Rich Digital Infrastructure appeared first on Data Center POST.

TA Realty Announces Sale of Two Hyperscale Data Centers in Northern Virginia

5 February 2026 at 16:00

TA Realty and its data center development arm, TA Digital Group, have completed the sale of two hyperscale data center buildings totaling 745,000 square feet and 165MW of IT load capacity in Leesburg, Virginia. The facilities mark its first two completed and fully leased buildings within a planned five-building, 450MW hyperscale campus designed for a single hyperscale cloud tenant.

“This sale is a significant milestone for TA Realty and TADG,” commented Allison O’Rourke, Partner at TA Realty. “It reflects our strategy of developing build-to-suit facilities for hyperscale customers in Tier 1 U.S. markets and monetizing assets upon stabilization. Northern Virginia is the premier global data center market, and the completion and sale of these initial buildings demonstrates the strength of our development and execution capabilities.”

Located in the heart of Loudoun County’s “Data Center Alley,” this sale reflects TA Realty’s execution of a build-to-suit hyperscale campus in Northern Virginia, the world’s largest data center market. The Leesburg campus has been purpose-built to meet the increasing demand from hyperscale cloud operators for scalable power and connectivity in a Tier 1 market.

In addition to its core development work, TA Realty’s ability to deliver a project of this scale reflects deep coordination with local utilities and regional infrastructure partners. “Being able to assemble the land to support a development of this scale, which also included partnering with some of the local utilities to add additional infrastructure that will not only support this project but provide for growth in the surrounding area, is also part of our strategy in these Tier 1 markets,” said Tim Shaheen, Partner at TA Realty and Chief Development Officer at TADG. “The scale of this campus enabled the delivery of two independent substations to support grid power, providing a level of redundancy and capacity that is increasingly difficult to achieve in core markets.”

TA Realty has established a scaled data center platform that includes more than 12 projects owned or controlled across its investment vehicles, representing nearly 3GW of power capacity. Based in Ashburn, Virginia, the center of global interconnectivity, TA Digital Group oversees development and construction activity across the platform. Alongside its Northern Virginia portfolio, the company’s data center assets also include strategic developments in Chicago and Atlanta, with plans for continued expansion.

As data-heavy workloads and AI-driven infrastructure continue to shape hyperscale demand, TA Realty’s latest sale highlights the firm’s disciplined approach to value creation: designing, developing, and stabilizing mission-critical campuses that contribute to the strength and scalability of the nation’s digital backbone.

The post TA Realty Announces Sale of Two Hyperscale Data Centers in Northern Virginia appeared first on Data Center POST.

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