What are the different types of Data Centre: Power, Design and the Future of Infrastructure
Data centres have become the invisible engines of the modern world, powering everything from cloud computing and artificial intelligence to online retail and streaming. Every byte of data that moves through a network depends on a physical infrastructure designed for continuous performance and uncompromising reliability. Yet data centres vary widely in purpose, scale, and energy profile. From compact edge sites supporting IoT networks to vast hyperscale campuses handling global workloads, understanding the types of data centres, their power demands, and the trends shaping their evolution is critical for anyone involved in digital infrastructure and energy management.
Understanding the Main Types of Data Centres
Enterprise Data Centres
Enterprise data centres are privately owned and operated by a single organisation, typically to support business-critical applications and sensitive data. They are often built on corporate campuses or dedicated sites and designed around specific performance, compliance, and security needs. These facilities tend to range from 0.5 to 10 megawatts (MW) in power capacity, depending on the size of the business and the intensity of its IT operations. Enterprise data centres are common in industries such as finance, government, and manufacturing, where full control of data and infrastructure is essential.
Colocation Data Centres
Colocation facilities, or “colos”, operate on a shared-infrastructure model, providing secure, fully managed environments where multiple clients lease space, power, and connectivity. Each tenant installs and manages its own IT equipment, while the operator maintains the building, cooling, and electrical systems. Colocation sites typically range between 5 and 50 MW, though some multi-building campuses can exceed 100 MW. In the UK, major colocation clusters are found around London, Slough, and Manchester, forming critical connectivity hubs that link national and international networks
Hyperscale Data Centres
At the largest scale are cloud and hyperscale data centres, operated by technology giants such as AWS, Microsoft, and Google, they provide the backbone for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital content delivery. Built to handle enormous computing demands, these facilities are defined by a minimum of 5,000 servers and a minimum size of 10,000 square feet, and can exceed 150 MW. Designed for extreme scalability and efficiency, hyperscale data centres rely on automation, high-density computing, and renewable energy integration to support millions of users simultaneously across the globe.
Managed Services Data Centres
Managed service data centres combine the operational model of colocation with the added benefit of technical oversight. Rather than simply leasing space, clients outsource their infrastructure management, monitoring, and maintenance to the service provider. These data centres usually operate within the 1 to 10 MW range, offering flexible scalability for growing enterprises. Managed data centres are particularly valuable for organisations that require guaranteed uptime and compliance but prefer to avoid the cost and complexity of running their own facilities.
Edge Data Centres
Edge data centres are smaller, distributed facilities designed to process data closer to the source of generation such as IoT devices, industrial systems, and mobile networks. By operating near end users, they dramatically reduce latency and bandwidth demand. Edge sites are typically compact, operating at 50 kilowatts (kW) to 1 MW, but are strategically located across regions to support smart cities, 5G networks, and real-time applications. Their modular design allows for rapid deployment and scaling, making them a key enabler of the next generation of digital infrastructure.
The Changing Face of Data Centre Infrastructure
The data centre industry is evolving faster than at any time in its history. A surge in AI workloads and high-performance computing is driving unprecedented power and cooling demands, while sustainability pressures are reshaping every aspect of facility design.
Power and Density
Computer density is rising dramatically. Modern GPU-based systems generate far more heat and draw significantly higher power than traditional servers. New designs are being built to support 20–100 kW per rack, compared to 5–10 kW just a few years ago. This shift is driving rapid adoption of liquid and immersive cooling technologies, which are now essential for maintaining performance and efficiency.
Energy and Location Strategy
Power availability has become one of the defining challenges for developers. In the UK, grid constraints around London and Slough have led many operators to look north and west to areas such as Manchester, Leeds, Teesside, and the Thames Valley where grid access and renewable integration are more achievable. Globally, hyperscale operators like Google are now building data centres alongside solar and wind farms, a move that reduces both carbon impact and energy costs while improving resilience.
Sustainability and Regulation
Sustainability is shaping not only design decisions but also regulatory frameworks. The Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact has set ambitious carbon and efficiency goals for European operators, and UK developers are following suit. New facilities increasingly target Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) ratios below 1.2, integrate heat recovery systems, and source power from renewable or low-carbon grids.
Edge and Distributed Computing
While hyperscale campuses remain central to global capacity, the growth of edge computing marks a significant decentralisation trend. Smaller, regionally distributed data centres are being deployed to bring processing closer to users, enabling low-latency applications and real-time analytics. This is particularly relevant for the UK’s expanding 5G and smart infrastructure ecosystems.
Investment and the UK Market Outlook
Industry analysts predict that UK data centre investment will reach £10 billion annually by 2025, fuelled by growing cloud adoption, AI, and digital transformation initiatives. However, grid access, planning delays, and sustainability mandates continue to challenge new development. As a result, investors and operators increasingly view data centres as long-term infrastructure assets rather than short-term real estate projects, focusing heavily on energy strategy and renewable integration.
The Road Ahead
The next generation of data centres will prioritise adaptability for higher power densities, renewable energy, and flexible, modular design. Operators that can manage this balance effectively will lead the industry toward a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient digital future. In the UK, where sustainability, power availability, and planning remain under the spotlight, success will depend on infrastructure partners who can deliver efficient UPS systems, intelligent energy management, and scalable power architectures capable of meeting tomorrow’s demands.