Podcast: Data Centre Realities with Alan Pritchard

Data centres were once hidden “grey boxes” but are now critical national infrastructure, powering everything from cloud services to AI.

In this podcast, Alan explores the 'booming' world of data centres, the often-hidden infrastructure that powers everything from cloud services to artificial intelligence.

With decades of experience in telecoms, networking, and data centre consulting across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, Alan shared independent, practical guidance for developers and businesses navigating the complex challenges of connectivity, power, and site selection.

Key topics from the episode include:

• Why London became the UK’s data centre hub and how Ireland’s low-tax policy turned Dublin into Europe’s data centre hotspot (with 60% of its electricity consumed by them)
• The critical “three-legged stool” of land, power, and connectivity – and why power is the number one challenge
• How AI is driving unprecedented demand, with government-backed “AI growth zones” designed to build sovereign digital capability
• The potential benefits for local communities, from new connectivity to district heating and even university campuses
• What the future holds, from renewable-powered facilities to emerging technologies
• Why sovereignty comes at a premium when it comes to energy costs and strategic capabilities

Get in touch

At FarrPoint, we help private and public sector clients define their data centre strategies and understand the economic drivers behind investment decisions. We also work with investors and end-user organisations to develop tailored solutions, supporting the sourcing and implementation of the right infrastructure for your needs. Get in touch or visit our service page for more information.