F E A T U R E

Christina Mertens , Vice President of Business Development , EMEA at VIRTUS Data Centres

As the digital infrastructure demand accelerates , the scarcity and rising costs of suitable land for data centre expansions present significant hurdles for data centre operators worldwide . In fact , the biggest challenge data centres are facing is the availability of land and power ; suitable land with access to enough power is needed to provide the facilities that our customers are demanding .

The unfortunate reality is that there is a finite amount of land available and the existing power infrastructure has not been able to keep up with demand in key locations such as city centres . The result is that often the power exists , but the national grids cannot deliver it to the available land where a data centre could be built . VIRTUS addresses these challenges through innovative strategies and sustainable practices to secure optimal expansion spaces .

We are committed to seeking partnerships and collaborations with landowners and governmental bodies to secure locations that support economic growth and community development . We follow the status quo of known and needed locations , but also scout for land regions which we believe will be of benefit to our customers , before they know they need them .

Our focus on sustainability allows us to partner with local communities to make efficient use of available land , while minimising environmental impact . For example , wherever possible , we look to develop brownfield sites so as to avoid using greenfield land . However , VIRTUS ’ Saunderton development is located in the Green Belt and Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ( in the UK ), so our plans have taken both into account .

Approximately half of the 50-acre site will be retained as woodland and the construction will take place on already developed land – replacing old buildings with a development that will blend in with the local environment and include green roofs and timber clad walls . Our proposal is considered to meet the ‘ very special circumstances ’ of development within the Green Belt .

By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and maintaining flexibility in our expansion plans , we ensure that we meet the growing needs that arise with data centres without compromising operational efficiency or cost-effectiveness . �

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