Kao Data & Schneider Electric on Data Centre CNI Recognition
The UK government has announced that data centres will be included as a part of the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). Energy and water supplies, transportation, health and telecommunications are all a part of the UK’s CNI, each deemed an asset which is vital for society to function.
This was welcome news for the data centre sector, with leaders sharing their thoughts on this move and what else needs to be done to protect data centres.
Schneider Electric champions sustainable data centres
“Today’s news from the Government marks an important and positive step forward for the UK digital infrastructure sector and is further vindication that data centres have become an indispensable fourth utility,” shared Mark Yeeles, Vice President, Secure Power Division, Schneider Electric UK & Ireland.
He went on to say that as adoption of AI technologies further accelerates the industry’s growth, it’s now vital that the sector prioritises sustainable practices and doubles down on efforts to improve operational and energy efficiencies.
“I for one believe that this is an opportune moment for data centres to act as good corporate citizens, setting the wheels in motion to build a greener future powered by data, digitalisation and renewable energy,” he continued.
“As an industry, we have a significant opportunity to move from consumer to prosumer by combining digital infrastructure with buildings, renewable energy and the grid - and one which will reduce our environmental impact, collectively.”
Mark joined Schneider Electric’s Secure Power Division from its UK & Ireland Industrial Automation Business in 2023. Prior to that, he worked in its robotics and process automation solutions sector.
Kao Data CEO welcomes recognition of data centres as critical infrastructure
Doug Loewe, CEO of Kao Data, said that he was delighted to see the Government’s announcement naming data centres as critical national infrastructure, fulfilling a pledge made in the 2024 Labour manifesto.
“This announcement comes at a crucial inflection point for the sector, with demand for data centres rising significantly due to the growth of AI. It signals the UK’s commitment to building sustainable infrastructure fit for an AI-driven future,” he said.
Kao Data believes data centres can play a key role in regenerating former industrial sites, contributing to economic renewal without the need to relax planning permissions or build on greenbelt land.
“Today’s announcement recognises the significant opportunities that new data centres can bring to the UK economy, but this should be viewed as just the first step. We look forward to working closely with the Government and industry peers to develop a comprehensive, joined up UK data centre and energy strategy,” Doug continued.
The Government’s move highlights the growing importance of data centres to the UK economy. Kao Data will soon break ground on a new data centre in Stockport, Greater Manchester. Designed specifically for AI, this project represents an inward investment of £350m into the region and is expected to boost Stockport’s local economy by £155m during its construction, according to an independent report from Nicol Economics.
“Further, this will be the largest data centre in the North of England, not only rebalancing the UK’s data centre cluster away from London and the South East, but also reinforcing the UK's position as a global leader in AI and data centre capacity,” he added.
******
Make sure you check out the latest edition of Data Centre Magazine and also sign up to our global conference series - Tech & AI LIVE 2024
******
Data Centre Magazine is a BizClik brand
