Kao Data launches second NVIDIA DGX-ready data centre in Harlow
Specialist data centre developer and operator, Kao Data, has announced the completion and operation of its second NVIDIA DGX-ready data centre in Harlow, KLON-02. The new data centre signifies a crucial advancement for Kao Data's expanding high-performance infrastructure platform.
The fully commissioned KLON-02 centre, a 10MW NVIDIA DGX ready data centre has emerged as an essential flagbearer of technical excellence within the UK's advanced computing landscape. The completion of the latest centre ensures Kao Data's Harlow campus maintains its position as one of the UK's leading locations for advanced computing.
Kao Data, witnessing sizable growth within its clientele base, which includes diverse sectors such as AI, financial services, cloud, and life sciences, has initiated the second Harlow data centre to support the growing computational needs. This means additional 3,400m2 of high-density, scalable technical space added to the company's data centre portfolio, equipped to accommodate up to 1800 racks of GPU-powered IT equipment across four Technology Suites.
The consideration of environmental factors also greatly influenced the new data centre design. KLON-02 strives to deliver the highest levels of sustainability by meeting BREEAM Excellent certified criteria and being powered by 100% certified renewable energy.
Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), which reduces 90% of net CO2 from its backup power generators, is also used. This approach promotes Kao Data's commitment towards curbing its carbon footprint and helps customers directly reduce scope 3 emissions associated with their compute.
Kao Data's Chairman, David Bloom, emphasized the data centre's significance, stating, "Today marks a significant step forward in Kao Data's journey, and it's rewarding to see our vision for the Harlow campus further evolving."
"As the data centre industry reaches a major inflection point, it's vital that UK government ambitions to become a world-leader in AI and research are matched by world-class infrastructure, capable of supporting advanced workloads."
Continuing on the note of innovation, Paul Finch, Chief Technology Officer at Kao Data, said, "Driven by AI, rack and power densities are increasing at an unprecedented rate, so it's critical that the data centres of the future can accommodate the latest breakthroughs in GPU-powered computing and are ready to embrace the benefits of liquid cooling."
"By pushing the boundaries of our original design envelope, and embracing a culture of continuous innovation, KLON-02 sets a new standard for industrial-scale data centres, and one which will directly help our customers reduce the environmental impact of their workloads."
This follows the company's appointment of David Bloom as Chairman. One of the company's founding investors and Partner at Goldacre NOÉ Group, Bloom has taken an active role in the organisation, working alongside the management team in the strategic development of Kao Data and supporting its growth ambitions within the UK and Europe.
