Vertiv Expands Global Manufacturing Capacity for AI-Ready Data Center Cooling Solutions

• Expansions at the company's Tognana, Italy, technology campus support growing worldwide demand for advanced thermal infrastructure and strengthen Vertiv's cooling innovation capabilities

Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, announced investments at its Tognana campus near Padua, Italy, to expand manufacturing and integrated testing capabilities for data center cooling systems. The company expects the investments to double chiller production capacity in the region by the end of 2026 and plans to complete a new large-scale testing laboratory in early 2027, supporting growing demand for AI and high-density computing infrastructure.

The new laboratory will enable testing of large-scale chillers and validate their integration with liquid cooling systems under high-density load conditions and extreme temperature ranges. The expanded capability is intended to help customers validate thermal performance under expected site conditions and deploy increasingly complex cooling systems with greater speed and confidence.

Vertiv expects to double regional chiller manufacturing capacity with the expansion of its Tognana, Italy facility

"AI is driving thermal demands that didn't exist two years ago, with higher densities, faster deployment demands, and no room to compromise on reliability," said Gio Albertazzi, CEO of Vertiv. "The expansion at Tognana puts us further ahead with more manufacturing capacity, integrated testing, and advanced thermal management systems built for current and future generations of silicon. This investment reinforces our position at the front of the curve."

The campus serves as one of Vertiv's principal centers for cooling technology development, integrating research and development, product management, manufacturing, testing, and customer engagement. The site includes a Customer Experience Center where customers and consultants can participate in witness testing of a broad range of cooling technologies across the thermal chain under real-world operating conditions.

For more information on Vertiv’s leading portfolio of power and thermal management, infrastructure solutions, IT systems, and services for critical digital applications, visit Vertiv.com.

HCLTech Announces AI Data Center in Bhubaneswar in Partnership with Sarvam and Govt of Odisha

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• The investment will accelerate India’s sovereign AI and data ecosystem

Further to the announcement dated July 13, 2026, relating to its proposed entry into the full-stack AI market, HCLTech, a global technology company, today said that it plans to set-up its first AI Data Center in the upcoming Odisha Sovereign AI Park.

The AI Data Center will be established in partnership with Sarvam and the Government of Odisha. The planned capital outlay for the project will be Rs 14,257 crores, including financial assistance from the Government of Odisha.

This investment will boost India’s sovereign AI play and local developer ecosystem by leveraging HCLTech’s full-stack AI capabilities and Sarvam’s foundation models to offer sector-specific AI applications to private and public sector enterprises and address the government’s sovereignty needs. It will also contribute to delivery of multi-lingual AI based services to the last mile, in line with Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s clarion call of AI for the benefit of everyone.

A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect was signed between HCLTech, Government of Odisha and Sarvam in the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Sh. Mohan Charan Majhi; Dr Mukesh Mahaling, Hon’ble Minister of Electronics and IT, Government of Odisha; Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCLTech; C Vijayakumar, CEO & MD, HCLTech and Pratyush Kumar, Co-Founder of Sarvam.

Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCLTech commented, “HCLTech has been a flagbearer of India’s technology industry. In line with the Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, we strive to be an enabler of India's sovereign AI ecosystem with differentiated offerings across the value chain through focused investments and partnerships. We are pleased to start this endeavor in partnership with Odisha government and Sarvam.”

“This is an important milestone in our full-stack AI play and will enable us to serve the large demand for sovereign AI solutions and unlock the scale of our strategic partnership with Sarvam. Odisha offers a progressive policy environment backed by excellent infrastructure and we look forward to working with them in collaboration with Sarvam, added C Vijayakumar, CEO & Managing Director, HCLTech.

According to Pratyush Kumar, Co-Founder, Sarvam, “The Odisha Sovereign AI Park will connect high-performance compute with Indian models and real-world applications. Together with HCLTech, we are excited to bring Sarvam’s full-stack AI capabilities to enterprises and public systems at scale.”

India is among the fastest growing technology markets globally and a growth market for HCLTech. The country’s data center ecosystem is on a rapid growth trajectory, driven by strong demand from a vibrant digital economy, data localization and critical infrastructure needs to support GPU deployments for AI training and inference workloads.

HCLTech to Establish Global Technology Center in Bhubaneswar

• The facility will house 5,000 people and boost the local technology ecosystem in the state

HCLTech, a leading global technology company, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Odisha to set up a world-class Global Technology Center in Bhubaneswar to innovate and deliver AI-led digital solutions to global enterprises.

The Technology Center will complement HCLTech’s proposed AI Data Center in the upcoming Odisha Sovereign AI Park. The Technology Center will house 5,000 people and is expected to start operations by 2028.

HCLTech’s investment will not only contribute to direct and indirect employment but also boost the local talent ecosystem with focus on next-generation skills. Towards this, HCLTech plans to engage deeply with local educational institutions and the government through structured interventions.

Rahul Singh, COO – Corporate Functions, HCLTech said, “At HCLTech, through our New Vistas initiative, we are focused on expanding our presence across India to bring opportunities closer to where the talent is. Odisha offers a great mix of quality infrastructure and vibrant talent pool, and we look forward to developing Bhubaneshwar as one of our key global innovation and delivery hubs.”

Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha said, “We welcome HCLTech’s decision to establish their footprint in Odisha. Their presence will further embellish Bhubaneshwar’s status as one of India’s most promising technology hubs.”

In India, HCLTech employs 170,000+ people across its technology campuses and centers in Noida, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Nagpur, Madurai, Vijayawada and GIFT City.

About HCLTech

HCLTech is a global technology company, home to more than 223,000 people across 60 countries, delivering industry-leading capabilities centered around AI, digital, engineering, cloud and software, powered by a broad portfolio of technology services and products. We work with clients across all major verticals, providing industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology & Services, Semiconductor, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG, Mobility and Public Services. Consolidated revenues as of 12 months ending June 2026 totaled $14.8 billion. To learn how we can supercharge progress for you, visit hcltech.com.

Schneider Electric and Foxconn Unite to Build AI Factories

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, today announced a strategic collaboration with Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), the world’s largest electronics manufacturer, to help define and scale the next generation of AI data centers.

As AI adoption surges, the demands on digital infrastructure are being fundamentally reshaped. This collaboration brings together Foxconn’s unmatched expertise in advanced compute platforms, AI rack integration, and global manufacturing with Schneider Electric’s leadership in power systems, cooling, and energy management. Together, the companies aim to deliver integrated, ready-to-deploy solutions that enable customers to build and operate AI infrastructure with greater speed, efficiency, and predictability across regions. Production will begin later this year.

“At the pace AI is evolving, the industry requires a new model for how infrastructure is designed, built, and delivered,” said Young Liu, Chairman of Foxconn. “By combining Foxconn’s strength in AI systems and global manufacturing with Schneider Electric’s deep expertise in power and energy, we are creating a path for customers to deploy AI capacity at scale—faster, smarter, and more sustainably.”

"AI demand continues to accelerate, and as compute scales to keep pace, the energy behind it becomes a fundamental enabler,” said Olivier Blum, CEO of Schneider Electric. “If we want to scale AI responsibly, these systems must be connected. This is where energy intelligence becomes essential. At Schneider Electric, we are advancing energy tech to build the most efficient and sustainable AI factories by bringing integrated power, cooling, and digital capabilities into AI data centers. Working with Foxconn, we are helping customers build capacity with real speed, resilience, and efficiency, as energy technology partners to an industry that is firmly entering the era of intelligence."

Through this collaboration, Foxconn and Schneider Electric will co-develop next-generation reference architectures for AI data centers. The partnership will also explore innovations in closed-loop energy optimization, modular power and cooling skids, and standardized design frameworks, creating repeatable, high-performance blueprints for AI factories worldwide. By aligning manufacturing excellence with energy intelligence, the two companies are setting the foundation for a new class of AI infrastructure that is scalable by design, efficient by default, and ready to meet the accelerating demands of the AI era. 

About Foxconn

Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) (TWSE:2317) is the world’s largest electronics manufacturer and leading technology solutions provider, ranking 28th in Fortune Global 500. In 2025, revenue totaled TWD8.1 trillion (approx. USD260 billion). The Group’s market share in electronics manufacturing services (EMS) exceeds 40% and covers four major product segments: smart consumer electronics; cloud and networking; computing; and components and other. Operating over 240 campuses across 24 countries, Foxconn is one of the world’s largest employers with approx. 900,000 employees during peak manufacturing season. We are committed to sustainability in the manufacturing process and serving as a best-practice model for global enterprises. The Group is guided by its 3+3+3 strategy, actively investing in industries of electric vehicles, digital health, and robotics; in technologies of artificial intelligence, semiconductors and next-generation communications; in intelligent platforms of Smart Manufacturing, Smart EV and Smart City. Foxconn is dedicated to becoming a comprehensive, world-class enterprise, with AI as its core driving force. Learn more at www.foxconn.com/en-us

About Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric is a global energy technology leader, driving efficiency and sustainability by electrifying, automating, and digitalizing industries, businesses, and homes. Its technologies enable buildings, data centers, factories, infrastructure, and grids to operate as open, interconnected ecosystems, enhancing performance, resilience, and sustainability. The portfolio includes intelligent devices, software-defined architectures, AI-powered systems, digital services, and expert advisory.

With 160,000 employees and one million partners in over 100 countries, Schneider Electric is consistently ranked among the world’s most sustainable companies.

www.se.com

India Bets on Nuclear Power to Fuel AI Data Centers

India is turning to nuclear energy to meet the surging power demand from AI-driven data centers, with a new Nuclear Energy Mission targeting 100 GW capacity by 2047. This move aims to ensure energy security, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and sustain hyperscale growth.

Why Nuclear Energy for Data Centers?

• AI workloads: A single AI server rack consumes 5–6 times more power than a conventional rack.
• Data center growth: India hosts <5% of global data centers despite accounting for 20% of global data consumption.
• Energy demand forecast: Capacity is expected to rise from <2 GW in 2025 to 8–15 GW by 2030.
• Policy push: The Nuclear Energy Mission aligns with India’s net-zero 2070 target and aims for 100 GW nuclear power by 2047.

Key Players Driving the Shift

• Reliance Industries: ₹1.6 lakh crore investment in a 1.5 GW AI cluster in Visakhapatnam.
• Google: $15B investment in a 1 GW hyperscale hub.
• Adani Group: $100B pan-India AI-ready infrastructure plan.
• Tata Group: Expanding with global partners like AWS and OpenAI.

Comparison: Energy Options for Data Centers

Energy Source	Reliability	Scalability	Carbon Impact	Suitability for AI
Nuclear	High	Very High	Low	Strong (stable baseload)
Solar	Medium (daylight dependent)	High	Very Low	Limited (needs storage)
Wind	Medium (seasonal)	Medium	Very Low	Moderate
Coal	High	High	Very High	Strong but unsustainable

Strategic Implications

• Energy Security: Nuclear reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels.
• Geopolitical Stability: Provides a resilient backbone for AI infrastructure amid global supply chain risks.
• Sustainability: Complements solar and wind to meet net-zero 2070 goals.
• Global Positioning: Positions India as a potential AI infrastructure hub, competing with Singapore, UAE, and US.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

In late 2022, Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh has unveiled that India is taking steps for development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR), with up to 300 MW capacity to fulfill its commitment to Clean Energy transition.

SMRs are increasingly seen as a strategic solution to power India’s fast‑growing data center sector, offering clean, reliable baseload electricity that can sustain AI workloads and hyperscale operations. Experts highlight their role in ensuring energy security, resilience, and uninterrupted supply for mission‑critical infrastructure.

SMRs can directly power hyperscale clusters in Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Unlike solar or wind, SMRs provide continuous electricity, crucial for AI clusters that cannot tolerate downtime.

Risks & Challenges of Nuclear Power in Data Centre 

• Execution risk: Scaling nuclear capacity from current levels to 100 GW by 2047 is ambitious.
• Cooling & water demand: AI data centers could drive water usage to 1,068 billion liters annually by 2028.
• Regulatory hurdles: Streamlined approvals across states are critical.
• Public perception: Nuclear projects often face opposition due to safety concerns.

Australia’s AirTrunk to Invest $30B in India, One of the Largest Commitments to S. Asia’s Digital Infra Sector

Blackstone-backed hyperscale operator AirTrunk has announced a landmark plan to invest $30 billion (₹3 lakh crore) in India by 2030, building over 5 GW of data centre capacity across multiple states to support AI and cloud infrastructure growth. This marks one of the largest digital infrastructure commitments in India’s history and to the South Asian nation’s digital infrastructure sector.

AirTrunk is a Sydney-based hyperscale data centre operator, founded in 2015 by Robin Khuda, and acquired by Blackstone and CPP Investments in 2024. It has rapidly expanded across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, positioning itself as a leading provider of large-scale, sustainable cloud infrastructure.

In April this year, AirTrunk acquired Lumina CloudInfra to gain a 600 MW pipeline in Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad. AirTrunk is one of the largest hyperscale operators in the Asia-Pacific & Middle East region, serving global cloud providers and enterprises.

Key Details of AirTrunk’s India Investment

• Scale of Investment: $30 billion (₹3 lakh crore) by 2030
• Capacity Target: More than 5 GW of hyperscale data centres
• Backers: Supported by Blackstone and CPPIB
• Entry into India: Acquired Lumina CloudInfra in April 2026 (600 MW pipeline)
• Strategic Focus: Expansion across states, renewable energy, subsea cable access
• Government Support: Welcomed by PM Modi

Why India?

• AI & Cloud Demand: India emerging as global hub
• Policy Frameworks: IndiaAI Mission (₹10,000 crore), Semiconductor Mission (₹76,000 crore)
• Talent & Energy: Skilled workforce and renewable energy
• Geopolitical Advantage: Safe harbour for investments

Economic & Strategic Impact

• Job Creation: Tens of thousands expected
• Supply Chain Localization: Boost to domestic suppliers
• Global Positioning: Strengthens India’s AI role
• Regional Competition: Competing with Google, Reliance, Adani

Comparison of Mega Data Centre Investments in India

Company	Investment Size	Capacity Target	Location Focus	Timeline
AirTrunk	$30B (₹3 lakh crore)	5 GW	Multi-state (Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad + expansion)	By 2030
Google	$15B	1 GW	Vizag	Ongoing
Reliance	₹1.08 lakh crore ($13B)	Giga-scale campus	Vizianagaram	Approved May 2026
Adani	$100B	Hyperscale AI-ready	Pan-India	By 2035

Risks & Challenges

• Power & Water Security: Renewable energy and desalination needed
• Regulatory Approvals: Streamlined clearances critical
• Global Competition: Competing with Singapore, UAE, US
• Execution Risk: Scaling from 600 MW to 5 GW

AirTrunk operates hyperscale data centres in Australia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and India. The Australian company provides colocation solutions for cloud, content, and enterprise customers, with real-time hyperscale capacity deployment.

AirTrunk was officially acquired by Blackstone and CPP Investments in December 2024. The deal gave Blackstone majority control of the Sydney-based hyperscale operator, marking one of the largest private equity transactions in Asia-Pacific’s digital infrastructure sector.This acquisition positioned AirTrunk to accelerate its Asia-Pacific and Middle East expansion, including its landmark $30B India investment plan by 2030.

Reliance Secures ₹1.08 Lakh Cr Andhra Pradesh Approval for Giga‑Scale AI Data Center and Cable Landing Station

• 854-acre mega campus in Vizianagaram to anchor one of India’s largest AI infrastructure investments

In a landmark move that could reshape India’s AI and digital infrastructure landscape, the Andhra Pradesh government has approved the allotment of nearly 855 acres of land to Reliance Industries Ltd for the development of a giga-scale AI Data Center (AIDC) and Cable Landing Station (CLS) in Vizianagaram district.

The project, carrying a proposed cumulative investment of ₹1,08,010 crore, marks one of the largest AI and data center investments announced in India so far and significantly strengthens Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to emerge as the country’s leading AI and digital infrastructure hub.

Under G.O. Ms No. 30 issued by the IT, Electronics & Communications Department on May 20, 2026, the state approved the allotment of 854.97 acres across Polipalli, Bhogapuram West and Bhogapuram East villages in Vizianagaram district for the project. The proposal also includes a dedicated Cable Landing Station — a critical component that would directly connect Andhra Pradesh to global internet and data traffic networks.

The approval comes as Andhra Pradesh aggressively positions Vizag and the north coastal belt as India’s next-generation AI and hyperscale data center corridor, leveraging abundant renewable energy, port connectivity, subsea cable access, and large land parcels.

Tailor-Made Incentives for Mega AI Investment

The state government has extended a customized package of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to Reliance under the Andhra Pradesh Data Center Policy 4.0 (2024–29), which was designed to attract advanced AI-enabled data center projects.

Among the key incentives approved:

• 25% discount on land allotment value
• 100% exemption on stamp duty and registration charges
• ₹1 per unit power tariff subsidy for 15 years
• Exemption from transmission and wheeling charges for 20 years
• Electricity duty exemption for 15 years
• SGST reimbursements on construction and leasing
• Water tariff subsidy and long-term water supply support
• OPGW fibre access discounts and right-of-way fee waivers

The government has also directed APTRANSCO to facilitate grid infrastructure development for the campus, while APIC has been asked to explore joint ownership models for a desalination plant to support the project’s long-term water requirements.