Data Centres Europe Conference (London)

This week, BSE|3D attended the Data Centres Europe Conference in London, organised by Bisnow, where industry leaders, investors, and technical experts gathered to explore the future of Europe’s digital infrastructure. Dennis Ocampo and Philip Todd of BSE|3D report on the discussions spanning financing strategies, sustainability, energy supply, and the technologies shaping next-generation data centres, as well as the key challenges influencing development. With demand continuing to surge—driven by cloud growth, hyperscale expansion, and the rise of AI—there was a clear sense that while the industry faces real constraints, it is also entering one of its most innovative and opportunity-rich periods.

Industry Insights and Emerging Priorities

A clear message throughout the event was that the European data centre industry is undergoing rapid evolution – shaped by power availability, sustainability targets, and increasing supply chain pressures.

Power and Sustainability: Securing land with established power connections continues to be a major focus across the sector, with growing interest in on-site generation, hybrid clean technologies, and microgrids to help overcome grid congestion and connection delays. Re-use of waste heat and closed-loop cooling systems is gaining traction as operators pursue decarbonisation, alongside broader conversations about linking data centre heat to new housing developments. Grid reform remains essential, as congested networks, long connection times, and evolving national regulations continue to influence development timelines.

Development Challenges: Land and permitting constraints continue to slow expansion, while additional logistical considerations – ranging from equipment vibration in transport to insurance risks for combined data centre and power plant projects – were highlighted.

Financing and Risk: Investor strategies are shifting toward long-term, sustainable models, particularly in regions with abundant renewable power such as the Nordics and Iberia.

Skills and People:  A theme gaining momentum was the increasing importance of social value. Across the panels, speakers emphasised job creation, skills programmes, community engagement, and delivering broader economic value beyond the data centre boundary.

How BSE|3D are helping

At BSE|3D, we share the industry’s commitment to delivering efficient, resilient, and low-carbon data centres that balance technical performance with environmental responsibility. 

Our multidisciplinary team of mechanical, electrical, public health, and energy engineers are experienced in delivering low-carbon, high-performance solutions across the full project lifecycle with examples of projects accredited by the Uptime Institute and with lower than 1.2 PUE.

BSE|3D offer:

• Energy and sustainability consultancy, including net-zero strategies, renewable integration, and waste-heat recovery design.
• Full MEP design and BIM modelling, optimising energy use, resilience, and operational efficiency.
• Advanced analysis tools for grid impact studies, thermal performance, and lifecycle cost modelling.
• Compliance and certification expertise, including BREEAM, LEED, and WELL AP accreditation.

Our approach combines engineering precision with sustainability insight, helping clients navigate grid reform, carbon targets, and the next generation of cooling and power systems.

As the data centre sector adapts to new pressures and opportunities, BSE|3D remains committed to partnering with developers, operators, and investors to deliver the sustainable digital infrastructure of the future.