Agenda 2025 - Day 1 - Critical Insight

AGENDA

Day 1 – Tuesday 11 November 2025

All times are GMT / UK

Day 1 – Welcome

Jordan O'Brien, Editor, Data Centre Review

Introduction to Critical Insight from Jordan O’Brien, Editor for Data Centre Review.

Keynote – Powering AI Britain

The UK is clamouring to be amongst the leading nations in the AI race, but there remains the fact that grid access within the country is tight. This keynote will explore the challenges new data centres face when it comes to getting grid connections, as well as how the connections reform process could potentially help. It’ll also look at strategies data centres can take to ensure access to reliable power without an overeliance on the National Grid.

Accelerating Deployment for the AI Era

The exponential growth of AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) is driving an urgent requirement for high-density data center capacity, specifically in the 5 to 50 megawatts (MW) range. This critical market need is consistently constrained by the complexity and unpredictable schedules of traditional deployment methodologies.

This session will focus on how unified, prefabricated infrastructure provides a strategic framework to overcome these bottlenecks, prioritising speed of deployment and accelerating the path to compute readiness. The discussion will cover the quantifiable benefits of a modular, end-to-end approach that integrates all critical systems into factory-tested modules.

Microgrids: The Journey to Sustainable AI Data Centres in Europe

In this session Bob Downing will outline how microgrids and localised ‘energy centres’ are essential in supporting the evolving power demands of AI-heavy infrastructures. He explains the shift from traditional power systems to more flexible and low-emission solutions that bring together renewables with advanced engine technologies from partners such as Rolls-Royce and Wärtsilä. In this Bob addresses challenges like grid limitations and renewable intermittency, and talks about transparent energy reporting and community-focused solutions. He highlights AVK’s role in guiding clients through energy transition, whilst also assisting in the development of future talent through the AVK Academy.

15-minute break

Worried about your water usage? Check your UPS

The debate around data centres and water usage is heating up, but the discussion often overlooks the relationship between power systems and cooling demand. Every watt lost as heat in the power chain translates into more energy and, in some cases, more water needed for cooling. During this session, Jason Yates, Technical Services Director at UPS, will explore how higher-efficiency UPS designs can reduce thermal load, ease cooling requirements, and indirectly lower water consumption.

Panel – Dispelling the water myth

The data centre industry gets a bad rap for its water use, but research suggests that the industry, at least in the UK, isn’t all that thirsty for water. In this panel discussion, our experts will discuss how the industry can work towards building a better reputation, while also ensuring those facilities that are a bit more water-intensive switch to better alternatives.

End of Day One

Please note: This live interactive event will be viewable on your phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. There will be opportunities to put your questions to the guests. Once registered, you will need a special link to attend. This will be emailed to you about one week before the start.