LiNova Energy launches zero fire risk metal-free battery cell for data centres

by Breaking News

LiNova Energy has launched PolyPower, a metal-free polymer cathode battery cell with zero fire risk designed for data centre backup power applications, with the company stating that the technology removes thermal runaway risk at cell level.

The company said the product has been developed to address growing demand for high-power, low-risk energy storage as global data centre power requirements are projected to increase significantly by 2030.

Battery cell designed to reduce fire risk

  • High power density for high-rack-density data centre environments.
  • Intrinsic safety through a polymer cathode that evolves CO₂ rather than oxygen, according to LiNova.
  • Metal-free chemistry that avoids nickel, cobalt and other critical minerals.
  • Lower cathode costs, with the company claiming reductions of up to 90% compared with conventional materials.

PolyPower is based on LiNova’s proprietary polymer cathode, a metal-free active material made from mass-produced precursors. The company said the cathode can be sourced domestically in multiple regions and manufactured using existing lithium-ion production lines.

Mike Nagus, CEO of LiNova Energy, said: “The battery cathode is the most expensive and dangerous component in the stack, and has historically been the least reinvented. With its superior performance and zero fire risk, PolyPower represents a fundamental breakthrough in battery technology for mission-critical applications.”

LiNova said PolyPower was developed with a hyperscale data centre operator to meet requirements for next-generation battery backup units. Independent third-party testing at the University of California San Diego showed high-rate performance, with capacity retention exceeding hyperscaler benchmarks, according to the company.

Mike Ferry, Director of Energy Storage and Systems at the University of California San Diego, said: “Our testing results successfully demonstrate LiNova’s ability to instantly deliver high power and stable performance under stressful conditions without the degradation mechanisms seen in other battery cells.”

The high-power cell is currently available for testing in a pouch-format design. LiNova said a cylindrical format is expected in Q3 2026, with integration into hyperscaler-spec battery backup units planned for performance testing in Q4 2026.

The data drive: How UL Solutions supports business continuity through certification

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionSafety

Simon Ince, Program Manager, UL Solutions, explores fire safety considerations in data centres and potential strategies

The global data centre industry is constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation in power distribution, cooling, energy storage and server technology.

While these advances bring exciting opportunities, they also introduce new risks.

Mitigating many of these fire risks can be supported by choosing certified fire protection systems that have been properly specified, installed and maintained.

A global industry

While the data centre industry is expanding worldwide, data centres must still comply with regional fire protection standards.

Building codes and regulations differ from country to country, but they generally include prescriptive and performance-based fire safety requirements designed to provide a reasonable level of life safety and some property protection.

However, these regulations often lack measures specifically geared toward maintaining business continuity.

These model codes typically consider the size and complexity of a building, occupancy levels, fire load and potential fire growth rates, and require both passive and active fire protection to achieve an acceptable level of risk to life and structural property.

Regional differences in codes and approvals mean that the methods for achieving regulatory fire protection vary.

Therefore, wherever a data centre business operates, facilities must comply with all applicable local fire safety regulations.

Organisations such as UL Solutions support compliance with regional building codes and installation standards by providing third-party testing, inspection and certification designed to complement region-specific safety requirements.

Business continuity

Data centres operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For this sector, effective fire protection strategies must also be designed to consider business continuity.

Even a relatively small fire can result in significant operational disruption and financial loss.

Industry data indicates that fire disruption accounts for approximately 14% of significant outages.

While the total number of fire-related incidents may be decreasing, global reliance on digital infrastructure continues to grow.

As a result, outages are becoming more impactful and costly.

The average cost of downtime can soar as high as $9,000 per minute, with large enterprises facing average costs of $540,000 per hour.

Although major data centre fires are infrequent, their consequences can be severe.

In September 2025, a lithium-ion battery fire in South Korea forced the closure of a government-run data centre, disrupting 647 public systems.

Critical services were temporarily paralyzed, with the incident highlighting the vulnerability of critical digital infrastructure to fire-related events.

At the same time, the pace of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) development is accelerating.

Global data centre construction is projected to grow by approximately 11.10% annually through 2034.

This rapid expansion is driving innovation in design, construction methods and energy systems.

As a testing, inspection and certification provider, UL Solutions works with major data centre providers to support innovation by evaluating safety performance.

 Regulations often struggle to keep pace with emerging technologies.

When new risks arise, science-based testing and certification protocols help demonstrate conformity with existing regulations and advance safety where standards have yet to be established.

One example is UL 2755, the Outline of Investigation for Prefabricated Modular Data Center Systems and Related Modular Units, which addresses the increasing demand for prefabricated modular data centres (MDCs).

Modular construction allows faster deployment than conventional builds, with modules often manufactured in one country and installed in another.

Supporting code compliance during factory construction is therefore essential.

Start with a fire strategy

Early engagement with a competent local fire engineer is essential during the planning phase of a data centre project.

Fire engineers routinely develop life safety strategies based on a site-specific hazard mitigation analysis (HMA), but they can also incorporate resilience and business continuity measures into such strategies.

Maintaining fire engineering involvement throughout construction helps ensure that the “on paper” strategy is properly implemented.

For example, many data centres rely on battery energy storage systems (BESS) to provide reliable and continuous power.

These systems can provide immediate backup power until standby generators start.

Fire engineers rely on design guidance such as NFPA 855, which addresses the installation of stationary energy storage systems and requires certification to UL 9540, the Standard for Energy Storage Systems and Equipment.

UL 9540A, the Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems, is used to evaluate fire propagation characteristics of specific BESS.

Understanding how a battery system behaves under fire conditions is essential to managing that risk.

Design with function in mind

In addition to fire engineers, specialist designers for active fire protection, such as detection and suppression, along with passive fire protection for fire containment, should be involved early in the planning process.

For example, within the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work, Technical Design is traditionally completed at Stage 4.

However, introducing detailed fire protection considerations during Stage 2 (Concept Design) can help identify and resolve potential fire protection issues early in construction.

Data centres contain extensive building services, such as power cables and air conditioning duct work, that penetrate fire-resisting compartments.

How these services pass through fire-separating elements while still maintaining fire separation is crucial.

Specialist designers understand the importance of third-party certification and selecting systems with verified performance.

Tools such as Product iQ® allow designers to confirm the tested scope and application of products.

Matching certification data to real-world installation conditions helps prevent costly remedial work later.

Protect, detect and suppress

Active and passive fire protection systems must perform reliably when required.

Selection should be based on verified performance testing, as failure during a fire event could result in significant and costly downtime.

Structural fire resistance and compartmentation are fundamental to any onsite fire protection strategy.

Standards such as UL 263, the Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials(also recognized as ASTM E119), support the evaluation of structural stability and fire separation.

Separating plant rooms from server halls, for example, limits fire spread and protects critical assets.

Early fire detection is equally important.

Data centres typically have high airflow due to cooling requirements, making traditional detection less effective.

Aspirating smoke detection systems, which continuously sample air near server racks, provide very early warning.

UL 268, the Standard for Smoke Detectors for Fire Alarm Systems, specifies performance requirements for these detection systems.

Fire suppression systems vary depending on the area and risk profile within the data centre.

Typically, inert gas systems and water mist systems are used in areas containing sensitive electrical equipment.

Regardless of the type of system chosen, the components and system should have been tested and certified to be suitable for the specific on-site risk scenario they are intended to mitigate.

Competence matters

Specifying tested and certified products is only part of the solution.

Improper installation can undermine even the best-designed systems.

Installer competence should be established before work commences to avoid costly and disruptive remediation.

Schemes such as the UL Solutions Qualified Fire Stopping Contractor Program can support due diligence in selecting competent specialist contractors.

In a sector where uptime is paramount, fire protection must be approached holistically.

From building design and fire strategy through product selection and installation, each stage must be synchronised to protect life and to support business continuity.

Therefore, the competence of all involved must be specified and vetted.

As digital infrastructure continues to expand, competent specialists equipped with third-party verified fire safety solutions can help drive safer, more reliable data centre operations.

Ongoing management, testing and maintenance

Getting the design, specification and installation of fire protection systems right, helps reduce the risk of downtime from day one.

However, without ongoing inspection, testing and maintenance of fire safety systems, even the best systems may not function as intended over time.

Many data centre providers implement externally audited business continuity management systems, such as ISO 22301 or rely on data centre–specific guidelines such as UL 3223, the Outline of Investigation for Data Center Certification.

Documented, audited processes for fire risk mitigation can provide a proactive approach to maintaining the fire protection system in a data centre.

This was originally published in the April 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Report says data centres may add to PFAS pollution pressures

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionHealth and Safety

Data Centres and PFAS use

Data Centres are contributing to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances pollution through cooling systems, semiconductors and fire suppressants, according to analysis published by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute on 9 April 2026.

The article states that Data Centres host tens of thousands of servers that run 24/7 to support virtual networks, cloud storage and computing, with equipment that depends on PFAS-based materials.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are described as a group of more than 15,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick products, water-resistant materials and firefighting products.

The article says the carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS are resistant to breaking down in the environment, leading to their classification as forever chemicals.

It adds that PFAS are present in air, soil, drinking water and the food chain, and that they can accumulate in the environment and in the body over time.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute writes that Data Centres primarily use PFAS in server cooling systems and in clean agent fire suppression systems, with FM-200 and Novec 1230 identified as common examples.

The article says direct PFAS pollution from Data Centres is difficult to measure and likely limited because cooling systems generally operate as closed loops.

It also states that discarded microchips and other electronic equipment can release PFAS into the environment when they enter landfill.

Cooling systems and fire suppression

The article says water has historically been used as the main coolant in Data Centres, and that operators have been adopting alternative systems as 45% of facilities are located in water-stressed regions.

It identifies two-phase immersion cooling as a popular option because it is cost effective and highly energy efficient, adding that the technology uses carbon and fluorine.

These PFAS are said to break down into trifluoroacetic acid, which the article describes as a toxic chemical linked to reproductive health risks.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute also says Data Centres are exposed to fire risk because of the heat produced by servers and the amount of electrical equipment on site.

It cites analysis of fire outbreaks at Data Centres since 2021 that identified causes including lithium-ion battery failure in semiconductors, water damage to electrical equipment and other equipment failures.

The article states that clean agent systems are typically used in place of water-based systems because they are non-conductive and residue-free, and because water can damage servers.

It adds that 3M announced in 2022 that it would stop producing PFAS, including Novec 1230, by the end of 2025, and that the company has since confirmed it has ended all PFAS manufacturing.

Regulation and costs

The article says regulation remains difficult because PFAS are used across everyday products and industrial applications, raising questions over where responsibility should sit.

Matt Dunn, a PFAS scientist at Tetra Tech, said: “Do you go after the user, or do you go after the manufacturer,”

“And understanding the difference there is very important.”

The article says many emerging technologies aimed at destroying PFAS are energy intensive and expensive, adding that this has raised debate over who should bear the cost.

It points to state-level action in Maine and Minnesota, including product restrictions and future bans affecting intentionally-added PFAS in some sectors.

The article also says there is no single direct federal route for PFAS regulation as of 2026, even though existing legislation provides several ways to address contaminants at different stages.

It adds that Congress has introduced measures including the PFAS Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2025 and the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2025, which it says could be applied to PFAS contamination from Data Centres.

The analysis presents PFAS use in Data Centres as part of a wider regulatory and operational issue linked to cooling systems, semiconductor production and fire suppression.

The article concludes with possible routes for future action including reporting standards, product bans and research into alternatives to PFAS.

Adapting to high-risk environments: FM’s approach to lithium-ion risk in mission-critical sites

by Featured NewsSafety

Adrian Oxley, Principal Engineer for Semiconductor/ Digital at FM discusses managing risks across unique environments and how to overcome challenges

To begin with, could you introduce yourself, your role and how your work relates to lithium-ion battery risk in mission-critical environments?

My name is Adrian Oxley and I am the Principal Engineer for Semiconductor/ Digital at FM.

I oversee the technical side of our book around data centres.

I am responsible for making sure that our resources, operating standards and the 2,213 field engineers that work throughout the globe have a strong understanding of the data centre industry.

I also have a link between our clients, the Chief Engineers group that I work in and our research department.

When our clients have technically challenges, we help to focus our research on the issue in order to offer mitigation strategies.

Additionally, I work in close collaboration with our underwriting side of the business to make sure that the engineers are providing relevant information.

What are the main causes of battery failure in data centres and telecom infrastructure, and how do these differ from risks seen in other sectors?

It doesn’t matter what industry you are focused on, whether that be data centres or the automotive industry, you need to be aware of the failures associated with lithium-ion batteries and how they can be categorised.

These categories range from manufacturing faults, mechanical damage and electrical abuse.

There are also typical external type events like electrical failures for short circuits and grounds etc.

They can all cause damage to the batteries and therefore risk putting them into thermal runaway.

How does early off-gas detection work in practice and what kind of indicators or thresholds are most relevant for operators to understand?

Off gas detection works when a lithium-ion cell starts to fail and goes into thermal runaway.

The cells begin to off-gas and the off-gas is the product of a chemical reaction that happens within the cell.

Having the ability to detect something going very wrong early on within that cycle is a positive advantage because it allows you to react proactively once you realise the issue is there.

Off-gas detection is focused on very, very small quantities due to the off-gases being around 10 parts per million.

Where does water mist suppression fit into a layered response, and what features make it suited to technical environments with sensitive equipment?

Water mist is one of the tools in our toolbox.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to these systems but overall, water mist allows us to provide effective fire protection.

I think the key thing to get across is that a water mist system must be specified based on how it’s been tested and what it has been approved for.

If you put a water mist system into an environment that it has not been tested or designed for then it’s not going to do what it’s supposed to do.

This means that you have got to be very careful with water mist systems when it comes to the protection of lithium-ion batteries- certainly within a data centre environment, making it sure it has been approved for the application.

Can you explain how detection and suppression can support each other when integrated as a single mitigation strategy?

The detection system must be a part of an overall mitigation strategy because the system on its own is not really going to do anything for us- it won’t put the fire out; it is only able to tell us that there is a problem.

Ultimately, it is from using the signal from that detection system that we can react hopefully before a fire starts.

With off-gas detection for instance, using that signal to cut the power to the chargers for the battery or cut an electrical breaker to stop the power associated with those batteries is going to give us some benefit.

Effectively, we can use the signal from the detection system, whether that be off-gas or smoke detection, to trigger the water system into action.

Water will be released and the system will use the heat of the fire to let water out of the pipework in a pre-action system.

Are there challenges in retrofitting these systems into existing facilities or when aligning them with other safety controls?

The challenge of a data centre environment is that once the environment is operational, the opportunity to go in there and start fitting fire protection systems is very remote.

 An operator would typically not want to do this retrofit.

This is why it is really important to consider the fire protection strategy at the very early concept of a building.

At that point in time, we can design the system properly and take all the building parameters into consideration during the design.

Certainly, when we are looking at data centres we need to be considering things like high velocities of airflow as this can have a significant impact on the detection system.

If there is a high volume of air flowing through the hot or cold containment this can impact the system operation.

You need to consider if it is feasible to fit a water-based system, such as a sprinkler system, into an existing system.

Yes, it is feasible, but it is also very expensive and challenge.

All of these factors need to be taken in consideration.

Operators are far better off incorporating detection systems into the overall design from a very early stage.

It is very difficult to link existing detection systems because they are designed to be holistic.

Are there any common misunderstandings about lithium-ion risk management in mission-critical sites that you think need clarification?

A lot of the time, people talk about the fire hazard associated with lithium-ion- which is a well-known phenomenon.

The data centre industry especially has seen several recent incidents.

In Korea, there was a government wide shut down for a number of days after a lithium-ion battery system was removed from a data system.

There was also a significant incident Singapore which involved an explosion that caused a substantial amount of damage.

I think this is a factor that is underestimated within the industry because many people do not realise that we’re not dealing with a fire hazard- but an explosion hazard, too.

Therefore, I believe that as part and parcel of the strategy of introducing lithium-ion batteries into data centres, additional factors need to be taken into consideration, such as the location of the batteries, the size of the room associated with it and how the room might react to an explosion.

These are all important things that we look at as FM when evaluating a battery system.

How do you see battery technology, regulatory expectations or infrastructure design influencing this topic over the next few years?

I think the industry is really at a crossroads now.

Previously, everyone worked to the UL Standards when it came to getting batteries certified, but we are now seeing the authorities having more influence.

This means that the people who give the occupation certificates to data centres are turning around and saying the tests they have previously done are not sufficient anymore in proving that the system is not going to cause a significant fire or even an explosion.

Really, the way they are coming as it is because firefighters are going into buildings and facing potential injury because of the high-risk environment[AO1.1], potentially caused by the fire and explosion risk present.

A lot of the authorities having jurisdiction now are asking for large scale fire tests to actually prove the performance of the batteries in a real-life scenario.

This uptake in desire for large scale fire testing is changing the regulatory landscape indefinitely.

Battery technology is changing simultaneously; we are seeing different technologies emerging within the industry and it is important to recognise that we cannot rule out that something worse than lithium-ion might be coming along.

Batteries are an important part of data centres, they’re not going to go away, but the application of them must be taken into consideration moving forward.

At FM, our responsibility is to help the industry navigate this moving forward.

This was originally published in the January 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

KiddeFenwal expands NATURA line with Micro fire protection for small assets

by Featured NewsProducts

Intersec debut links fire protection and acoustic suppression design

KiddeFenwal has launched NATURA Micro, a compact inert gas fire suppression system offered through its Kidde Fire Systems brand.

The system was introduced at Intersec in Dubai, which took place from 12 to 14 January.

NATURA Micro forms part of the company’s inert gas systems portfolio and is intended to protect enclosed, small-sized assets.

Example applications include server racks, power distribution units and high-voltage cabinets.

System features and related NATURA updates

NATURA Micro uses inert gases to suppress fires rapidly, leaves no residue and is designed for low maintenance.

KiddeFenwal has also introduced updates to its NATURA total flood inert gas system, including an acoustic nozzle for environments where assets are sensitive to sound and vibration.

The updates also include a refill programme intended to reduce order fulfilment lead times to re-arm discharged systems to as little as one day.

Reduced agent quantity requirements are also intended to lower overall system ownership costs.

Rekha Agrawal, Chief Executive Officer of KiddeFenwal, said: “Heightened threats of commercial and industrial fires, and the mounting, widespread risks they pose, necessitate greater innovation on the part of fire suppression and safety leaders.

“Given this backdrop, we are especially proud to introduce new, forward-looking solutions that not only offer enhanced fire protection but add value to our growing customer base.”

The NATURA system is listed, approved and recognised by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC), FM Global, Construction Product Regulation (CPR) and Loss Benefit Prevention Certification Board (LPCB).

DAS Fire confirms senior appointments to support data centre fire safety

by Featured NewsFire DetectionFire SuppressionPeople

Leadership appointments at DAS Fire

DAS Fire has announced a series of leadership changes in December 2025 as it continues to support fire detection and suppression projects for the data centre sector from its base in Reading, UK.

The company confirmed that Dave Parry has taken on the role of Managing Director with responsibility for guiding ongoing expansion.

He brings experience in leadership roles and is expected to focus on maintaining technically robust solutions and customer service.

DAS Fire stated that these appointments mark a new phase in the company’s development.

Claire Owens, Chief Executive Officer of Alpine Group, said: “These changes represent an important step forward for DAS Fire, we are deeply grateful to Stuart for his leadership and lasting contributions.

“We are deeply grateful to Stuart for his leadership and lasting contributions.

“With Dave’s experience and Paul’s continued dedication, we are well-positioned to build on our strong foundation and deliver the innovation, reliability, and service that our clients have come to expect.”

The company reiterated its commitment to delivering advanced, client-focused solutions and to maintaining high standards of quality, safety and customer satisfaction.

Stuart Parker to support DAS Fire as consultant

According to DAS Fire, long-serving leader Stuart Parker will step back from day-to-day responsibilities.

He will continue to work with the business in a consulting capacity.

The company said this arrangement allows DAS Fire to retain his detailed knowledge of the organisation and the sectors it serves.

His ongoing involvement is intended to provide continuity for existing projects and customers.

DAS Fire highlighted his long-standing commitment to the business and its growth.

Executive director role focused on customer engagement

DAS Fire confirmed that Paul Darke has assumed the role of Executive Director.

In this position he will continue to lead customer engagement activities.

He will also be responsible for commercial partnerships with organisations that work with DAS Fire.

The company said this role is central to maintaining its reputation for service and technical expertise.

DAS Fire added that the leadership structure is designed to support its work in the data centre sector.

How DAS Fire leadership changes relate to safety-focused clients

DAS Fire supplies fire detection and suppression services to the data centre sector, so leadership continuity is closely tied to how projects are delivered and supported.

The appointment of Dave Parry as Managing Director defines who will oversee the company’s expansion, technical delivery and customer service priorities.

The continued involvement of Stuart Parker in a consulting capacity means existing relationships and operational knowledge remain accessible to ongoing projects.

For customer-facing work, the Executive Director role held by Paul Darke clarifies who leads engagement on commercial partnerships and client service.

These developments are directly relevant for data centre facility managers who rely on fire-detection and suppression partners, and for system installers and fire-protection contractors who integrate such solutions.

Clear leadership responsibilities at DAS Fire can help these stakeholders understand decision-making routes, technical escalation paths and who to contact for planning and future upgrades.

Euralarm announces upcoming webinars and round table on fire and perimeter protection

by EventsFeatured NewsFire DetectionSafety

Euralarm to host data centre fire protection webinar and perimeter security round table

Euralarm will host two key events this November focusing on fire protection for data centres and the future of perimeter security in Europe.

The organisation confirmed that a free webinar on Tuesday 18 November 2025 will explore best practices for selecting fire protection systems in data centres, followed by a Perimeter Round Table on Tuesday 25 November 2025 during its Section Meetings in Athens.

Both sessions are designed to bring together professionals from across the fire and security industries to share knowledge, discuss standards and support innovation across critical infrastructure protection.

Webinar to focus on fire protection for data centres

According to Euralarm, the 18 November webinar will provide expert guidance on how to select appropriate fire protection systems for data centres.

The organisation said the session will address key regulatory requirements and standards that apply to data centre fire safety design.

Attendees will learn how to match fire protection solutions to their specific operational needs and risk profiles.

The agenda will include a comparative overview of available technologies, such as sprinkler systems, water mist, gaseous systems and oxygen reduction.

Euralarm explained that the session will also cover operational strategies for prevention, detection, intervention and recovery.

The organisation added that participants will gain practical insights into business continuity and rapid reinstatement after a fire incident.

The webinar is open to data centre managers, IT professionals, facility managers and fire safety consultants seeking to enhance their understanding of system selection and compliance.

Round table to explore future of perimeter protection

Euralarm confirmed that its Perimeter Round Table will take place on 25 November in Athens, offering both in-person and online participation.

The organisation stated that the session will gather stakeholders from across the security industry to discuss challenges and opportunities in perimeter protection.

Euralarm noted that as technology advances and threats become more complex, perimeter protection is becoming a vital component of safeguarding people, property and infrastructure.

The event aims to bring together manufacturers, integrators and sales organisations involved in perimeter protection technologies to define common priorities and a roadmap for development.

According to Euralarm, the round table will encourage open dialogue and collaboration among industry experts and decision-makers committed to strengthening perimeter protection through innovation and harmonisation.

The organisation invited all interested parties involved in securing critical infrastructure and outdoor environments to join the discussion and contribute to shaping the future of the perimeter business.

Collaboration and innovation at the core of both events

Euralarm stated that both November events are part of its wider effort to promote collaboration across the European fire and security industries.

By offering open forums and free expert-led sessions, the organisation said it seeks to advance best practice, regulatory understanding and technical excellence.

Through these initiatives, Euralarm continues to engage with diverse industry groups to improve safety and resilience across multiple sectors.

Why these events matter for safety and security professionals

The upcoming Euralarm webinar and round table are relevant for professionals involved in data centre fire safety, perimeter protection and critical infrastructure security.

For fire engineers, facility managers and system designers, the webinar offers insight into compliance and system selection for data centres – environments where downtime and damage can have major operational and financial consequences.

Security specialists, manufacturers and integrators attending the round table will benefit from updates on technological trends and collaborative approaches to enhancing perimeter protection standards in Europe.

Both sessions present opportunities for industry professionals to contribute to collective learning, strengthen cross-sector cooperation and align practices with evolving safety requirements.

This article was informed by information

UK building engineering firms leading growth in data centre construction

by Breaking NewsConstructionFire Engineering

UK growth in data centres drives building services shift

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has reported that building services contractors are increasingly taking the lead in UK data centre projects.

According to BESA, this shift is supported by new industry data and discussion at a roundtable event held in Manchester.

The Association said that UK data centre development has grown substantially in the last five years, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) expected to drive further growth.

The Barbour ABI market research group confirmed that data centres were the “boom segment of 2024,” noting a sharp rise in planning application values from £1.3 billion in 2023 to £2.6 billion.

BESA projects the UK market could reach £1.1 trillion by 2030, up from £2.3 billion today.

Building engineering firms take lead contractor role

According to the latest edition of BESA’s Top 30 Contractors report, data centres, along with pharmaceutical and defence facilities, are continuing to grow despite wider economic uncertainty.

The report states that in many of these projects, building services represent over 60% of the total project cost.

This makes mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) firms the de facto lead contractors in an increasing number of cases.

At the BESA roundtable, technical director Kevin Morrissey said: “The pace of growth provides significant opportunities for companies to scale up and diversify.

“However, the pace of growth is putting pressure on supply chains and our members are facing significant resource constraints in these high demand sectors.

“We also need to be mindful of the impact of rapid development on the environment and natural resources, particularly energy and water consumption.

“Sustainability must be considered in every project. One key issue is how we use waste heat from data centres in heat pumps and district heating networks.”

Off-site fabrication and quality control in data centres

The roundtable, chaired by Remi Suzan, managing director of Gratte Brothers Ltd, discussed the role of off-site fabrication in addressing workforce shortages and improving efficiency.

Suzan said: “The discussions at this week’s BESA roundtable underscored the critical role that our industry plays in the data centre sector.

“We are helping to drive innovation, sustainability, and resilience in our digital economy.

“As the industry continues to evolve, collaboration and forward-thinking strategies will be key to ensuring we meet growing demands efficiently and responsibly.”

Andy Harrop from Armstrong Fluid Technology noted that off-site methods also contribute to improved quality control.

He explained that this is particularly important in data centre projects, where precision and consistent performance are key requirements.

However, participants also pointed out that off-site fabrication requires higher upfront investment and careful planning.

Geographic concentration and infrastructure pressure

Barbour ABI’s head of analytics Ed Griffiths told attendees that the south east of England and London remain key areas for data centre construction.

He said this is due to their proximity to undersea cables and energy infrastructure.

Griffiths added that these regions are reaching capacity, which will prompt expansion in other parts of the UK.

He stated that ongoing government infrastructure priorities will likely support this trend, but added that planning departments will face increased workload as demand grows.

Addressing skills gaps in the data centre sector

BESA’s head of skills and policy Stuart Rattray said the Association is investing in long-term workforce development to support industry growth.

Rattray said the BESA Academy is focused on building awareness, developing apprenticeship opportunities, and aligning training with employer needs.

He explained that attracting younger workers and managing an ageing workforce were among the key challenges.

Rattray added that BESA is also involved in setting National Occupational Standards and designing sector-specific competency frameworks for data centre-related roles.

He said these efforts are necessary to ensure the industry is equipped to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals.

UK building engineering firms leading growth in data centre construction: Summary

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has reported increased involvement of UK building services contractors in data centre projects.

The announcement follows the release of BESA’s annual Top 30 Contractors report and an industry roundtable discussion.

BESA said the UK data centre market is currently worth £2.3 billion.

BESA projected that this market could reach £1.1 trillion by 2030, driven by AI and digital infrastructure growth.

Barbour ABI reported that data centres accounted for £2.6 billion in planning applications in 2024.

The roundtable discussed the growing role of MEP contractors in leading these projects.

In some cases, building services make up more than 60% of a data centre’s total project value.

Off-site fabrication was highlighted as a method to improve speed and quality.

BESA said workforce shortages remain a concern.

It is developing training, recruitment and competency strategies through the BESA Academy.

Barbour ABI said that while the south east and London dominate the market, other regions will soon see expansion.

BESA’s Annual Conference on 16 October will include further discussion on data centre project delivery.

Johnson Controls launches Hygood IGS-300 for fire suppression in critical facilities

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProducts

System designed for global use and UK compliance

Johnson Controls has announced the release of the Hygood Inert Gas System 300 (IGS-300), a fire suppression solution designed to support critical infrastructure and asset protection.

According to the company, the system has been developed to simplify installation and improve performance while maintaining compliance with international safety standards.

Johnson Controls stated that the Hygood IGS-300 is intended for use in a wide range of building types, including data centres, control rooms, medical sites, laboratories, and heritage facilities.

Features include pressure control, acoustic protection, and flexible layout

The manufacturer reported that the IGS-300 incorporates regulated flow technology operating at 60 bar.

It said this feature helps to reduce pressure spikes, simplify pipework requirements, and lower the need for large overpressure vents.

According to Johnson Controls, acoustic nozzles have been integrated to minimise noise disruption during discharge, reducing the risk of damage to sensitive electronic equipment.

The company added that the system allows for flexible layouts, including multiple rows of containers and longer pipe runs, which can support better use of available space.

Certification and compatibility with recognised fire safety standards

Johnson Controls explained that the Hygood IGS-300 has received certifications including UL Listed, FM Approved and EN 12094 compliance (CE and UKCA).

It added that this allows the system to align with globally recognised fire protection standards such as NFPA 2001, EN 15004 and ISO 14520.

These approvals are designed to assist specifiers and engineers working across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks.

The company stated that this certification support enhances the system’s suitability for international and UK-based projects.

Installation and maintenance efficiency through simplified assembly

Johnson Controls reported that the Hygood IGS-300 includes several design features intended to improve ease of use and reduce labour.

The company said the system includes simplified actuation and streamlined container assembly with standardised components and removable pressure gauges.

It added that a master container actuation feature removes the need for a pilot container, supporting a more compact configuration.

According to Johnson Controls, the system is available globally through authorised distributors, with regional recharging offered through its service locations.

Johnson Controls launches Hygood IGS-300 for fire suppression in critical facilities: Summary

Johnson Controls has introduced the Hygood Inert Gas System 300 (IGS-300).

The system supports fire suppression in locations such as data centres, museums, laboratories and telecom sites.

It uses inert gases INERGEN or IG-55.

It features regulated flow at 60 bar to reduce pressure spikes.

The system includes acoustic nozzles to protect sensitive equipment.

It allows flexible layouts, including up to four rows of containers.

It is certified UL Listed, FM Approved and EN 12094 Compliant.

It complies with NFPA 2001, EN 15004 and ISO 14520.

It removes the need for a pilot container with master actuation.

It offers simplified assembly with removable gauges and standardised components.

It is available via global distributors.

Recharging is available through regional service centres.