DataVita, Scotland's largest data centre provider, has elevated its capabilities to host AI and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads at their centre in Lanarkshire. This technology is a first of its kind in Scotland, significantly enhancing DataVita's capacity to accommodate up to 100kW per rack for air cooling and up to 400kW per rack for liquid cooling.

This move marks a significant step forward in supporting the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, particularly in accommodating high-density workloads for HPC. According to the US International Trade Administration, the UK's AI market is valued at over £16.9 billion and could add £803.7 billion to the UK economy by 2035.

Over the past year, DataVita has reported a significant increase in demand for high-capacity hosting, which they attribute to the accelerated adoption of generative AI models. The firm is responding to this booming market and is in the process of negotiating with several globally significant tech providers.

Hosting data centres in Scotland could have significant environmental benefits due to the higher proportion of renewable sources in the country’s energy mix. A data centre relocation from London to Scotland could reduce carbon emissions by over 6 million kgCO2e, comparable to over 14 million miles driven by an average mid-sized car. Furthermore, compared to Poland, Scotland's hosting would reduce carbon emissions by 99%.

Scotland already generates more renewable power than it uses, marking 2022 as the first year this was achieved. Therefore, it is well-positioned to cater to the technology's data needs. Organizations could also save up to 70% on their data centre costs due to factors like Scotland's natural climate which reduces the need for additional cooling.

Danny Quinn, MD of DataVita, emphasized the importance of this infrastructure upgrade. "AI is one of the fastest-growing sectors of technology and could have huge benefits for businesses, as well as public services...to support its widespread use we need to have the infrastructure in place to underpin the advanced computing power and data it requires."

Quinn also highlighted Scotland's advantages in renewable energy. "While other European nations are struggling with power and capacity, Scotland has a surplus of renewable energy that could be used to power this new technology."

DataVita's facility upgrade and Scotland's renewable energy capacity create an ideal environment for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining resilience, security, power and connectivity. "By using Scotland’s natural resources and existing renewable energy infrastructure, we are proving that increasing AI data workloads does not need to come at the expense of the environment," Quinn concluded.