For the first time, the UK is marking National Data Centre Day – a celebration of the critical role that data centres play in our daily lives. The 2025 theme, #PoweringProgress, highlights how data centres not only keep the UK running but also drive the innovation, AI, and connectivity that will power our digital future.
Here Michael Hunter, our Head of Commercial with responsibility for Apatura’s data centre portfolio, outlines why it’s a day worth celebrating.
National Data Centre Day is being marked for the first time this year. What does it represent?
In simple terms, we’re celebrating the recognition of data centres as a critical part of our national infrastructure. Just as we expect the lights to come on when we flip a switch or water to flow from the taps, there is now an expectation that we can access the internet almost everywhere, 24/7.
Although we think of our photos, Netflix, or Amazon as being stored ‘in the cloud’, that data is actually housed in large, high-tech buildings known as data centres, filled with powerful servers working around the clock to store and process it.
This year’s theme is #PoweringProgress. How do you see that playing out in practice?
The rise of AI and the fact that more of our lives are moving online mean data centres are becoming even more important – both personally and economically.
AI consumes vast amounts of computing power, and those demands will only grow. The ability to store and manage data safely and securely is essential for any thriving, knowledge-based economy.
#PoweringProgress highlights both the opportunity and the responsibility: new AI-enabled data centres can drive innovation and help Britain stay at the forefront of the fast-evolving digital world.
Surely data centres can be anywhere – why is it important that they are in Britain?
To some extent that’s true. The internet connects us globally, and we often access data from centres far beyond the UK. But ‘the cloud’ requires physical infrastructure – buildings and cables under our streets and seas.
In today’s uncertain world, there’s a growing emphasis on data sovereignty – ensuring as much data as possible is hosted here in Britain. It makes sense economically, strategically, and for national security.
And what part does Apatura play in that story?
Apatura is a well-established energy development company, progressing significant energy and AI infrastructure projects across the UK.
Because energy is our foundation, we ensure every site has a secure connection to the National Grid and meets the UK’s rigorous new grid-connection timescales.
Most of our data centre sites will be co-located with battery energy storage systems (BESS). This allows operators to store renewable energy when it’s abundant, for example, on windy days – and use it later, reducing both running costs and carbon impact.
Several projects in Scotland are already in planning, with public exhibitions scheduled in the coming weeks.
Why Scotland in particular?
Scotland has a lot to offer. Traditionally, the major data centre market has been focused on Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin (the ‘FLAPD’ hubs) due to their proximity to financial markets.
But Scotland brings unique advantages:
- Abundant renewable energy generation, with confirmed grid connection dates.
- A cooler climate and cheaper land.
- A skilled, IT-literate workforce.
All of our sites will run on renewable power, and most will include battery storage too. This not only helps balance the grid but also reduces operational costs for operators.
Add to that Scotland’s natural resources and talent, and it’s no wonder it’s becoming a global contender.
What’s your personal link to Scotland?
I could be biased! I was born, raised, and educated in Scotland. More recently, my family and I were based in Singapore, where I worked for Google. But when Apatura shared its vision, the opportunity to focus on Scotland’s potential – and to come back home – was one I couldn’t turn down.
Beyond infrastructure, what impact do you see these projects having?
The impact goes far beyond infrastructure. Alongside billions of pounds of inward investment and thousands of construction jobs, data centres create hundreds of long-term skilled roles in regions where quality employment can be scarce.
There’s also a well-documented ‘halo effect’, where the presence of a data centre spurs wider economic activity. We’re already working with landowners, local authorities, and organisations such as Scottish Enterprise to maximise benefits locally and nationally.
We’re also exploring ways to repurpose waste heat from our centres into district heating networks, delivering affordable low-carbon warmth to nearby homes and businesses.
So, as we celebrate National Data Centre Day and its #PoweringProgress theme, everyone at Apatura is proud to be creating the next generation of green, AI-ready data centres – projects that will thrive and drive progress across the UK. It’s an exciting time to be in the sector.
