Data centres and their future

The global lockdown and Covid-19 pandemic have brought into sharp focus our growing dependence on data as a society. Over the last couple of years, there was an increased need globally for remote working, virtual services, ecommerce, communication and home entertainment, all of which require
data centres to operate.

However, according to a recent report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the strong growth in demand for data centre services continues to be mostly offset by ongoing efficiency improvements for servers, storage devices, network switches and data centre infrastructure, as well as the high and growing share of services met by highly efficient cloud and hyperscale data centres.

Jones Engineering teams have been successfully delivering Data Centre facilities across arctic temperatures in Sweden, to scorching deserts in Bahrain, for over 20 years. They are recognised as industry leaders in delivering hyperscale, enterprise, co-located data centres and mission critical facilities, installing resilient infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted critical services.

One of the most important skills Jones Engineering teams bring to the table is their ability to utilise continuous improvements and innovations in technology and energy efficiency to keep up with market demand. The Jones cycle of continuous improvement allows teams to keep moving in pace with client demand. Each new project benefits from the lessons learnt previously. With Jones delivering 80MW in 2021, bringing their combined total to 1,475MW, that’s an impressive knowledge bank of lessons learned which are tapped into by their repeat and new clients.

Jones have been working very closely with a number of confidential American multinational technology clients. To date across several campus projects Jones have been collaborating with the client’s innovation teams to develop bespoke Integrated Modular Solutions to be deployed globally. So far, these collaborations have produced plug and play 16MW and 32MW Cooling Units, Fire Water Pump Houses, LV/MV E-Houses, Water Treatment Houses, Chemical Treatment Plant Rooms, Multi-discipline conveyances, which were designed, built and shipped to client sites around Europe.

All of these units leave the Jones Engineering facility fully tested, commissioned and certified, and in some cases the factory acceptance testing has been carried out through virtual online inspections. The Jones products are designed in close cooperation with clients and design team partners ensuring they meet the highest specifications across a wide number of industries.

In their 9,000m2 Modular manufacturing facility they can Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) and have the experience, technical resources and facilities to manufacture bespoke Mechanical and Electrical modular units. Depending on the application of the module, they can also be fitted with a complete weather tight enclosure.

With the growing demand for fast-track Data Centres, modular manufacturing allows for construction to commence prior to ground works, therefore achieving a streamlined ‘just in time’ approach. This enables the client to have their facility delivered to the market more efficiently. The strategically located, purpose- built, modular construction and fabrication facilities extend the boundaries of construction by offering clients added value in terms of safety, quality, engineering and programme delivery.

It is understandable in the current environmental and economic climate why some may look to the limitation of growth in the technology sector as the answer to some of our problems. At Jones the team are “solution- givers” as opposed to “problem-finders” and instead are working sustainably through a culture of innovation to find ways of supporting and improving our digital environment while at the same time taking care of our precious natural world and resources. Jones recognise they have an important part to play in protecting and enhancing the environment for future generations and are committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry.

If this sounds like a team you’d like to join, Jones Engineering are currently recruiting for a number of positions on their website www.joneseng.com

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