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Digital backbone: unpacking the data centre explosion with Clyde & Co

Episode #3828 August 2025

The UK has formally recognised data centres as critical national infrastructure, elevating this once‑hidden sector into the national conversation. These vast facilities, brimming with servers and enormous energy demands, are now attracting record investment and detailed legal scrutiny. Behind every applicant and operator lies a web of contracts that must guarantee uninterrupted power, precise cooling and rigorous security.

Beginner summary

Contracts for data centres hinge on continuous power supply, ensuring servers remain online through detailed uptime guarantees. They must specify efficient cooling systems, whether by water or air conditioning, to prevent overheating. Clear access restrictions limit who may enter secure areas, reducing human error and insider threats. Aligning these fundamentals in straightforward terms helps lawyers allocate risk before any dispute arises.

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