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Advancing Data Centres: Key Trends and the Rise of Wide Bandgap Solutions

Date: 11.03.2025

Topics: Data centres

Rooftop view of a data centre's industrial ventilation units against a clear blue sky, with large cylindrical ducts and support rails. - CSA Catapult
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 The UK can be a global leader in power electronics for data centres, says CSA Catapult

 

A new report published today by Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult has highlighted the critical role of compound semiconductors in managing data centre energy consumption. 

The report explores the exponential rise in the number of data centres worldwide to meet the growing demand of AI applications.  

Energy efficiency is paramount for data centre providers, with projections showing they could account for up to 10% of global electricity by 2030. 

“This report is a timely reminder that as the UK leverages AI in unlocking growth, and consumer data demands continue to rise, compound semiconductors have a vital role to play in managing our future energy needs.”

Nick Singh, Chief Technology Officer at CSA Catapult

Interior of a data centre panel room with multiple control panels and circuit breakers on a clean white wall. - CSA Catapult

Positioning the UK as a data centre hub

 

The report highlights the possible efficiencies that can be achieved by integrating novel compound semiconductor devices into power distribution networks. 

In particular, the report highlights three areas in which compound semiconductors can play a significant role: power supply units (PSUs), uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) and solid-state transformers (SSTs). 

With over 500 data centres—the third highest amount in the world—and robust engineering and compound semiconductor expertise, the UK is well-positioned to lead in advancing WBG technologies for data centres. 

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CSA Catapult plays a pivotal role in this innovation landscape, providing world-class capabilities in advanced power electronics design, simulation, optimisation and rapid prototyping. 

This report, focused on power electronics and data centres, is the first in a series of reports being prepared by CSA Catapult. Upcoming reports will focus on solid-state transformers as well as the role of photonics and RF in AI. To register your interest in these reports, please sign up below to be the first to receive them on release:

     

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