Building the Next Generation of Data Centers – Lessons from the Dartford DA2 Project

In the world of high-performance computing, every rack, cable, and cooling duct matters. As AI workloads, cloud adoption, and digital services expand at unprecedented rates, demand for scalable, efficient, and resilient data centers is soaring. The new DA2 site in Dartford, Kent, provides a front-row look at how modern facilities are engineered for performance—and offers valuable insights for future developments.

Scale and Power at the Core

DA2 is designed for 800 racks across a 2,500 m² plot, powered by 10 megawatts—a significant leap over earlier facilities. Phase One consists of three state-of-the-art data halls, with Phase Two set to expand capacity dramatically. The site’s infrastructure reflects a commitment to redundancy, uptime, and operational flexibility:

• High-capacity cooling systems delivering 400–530 kW per hall, modeled using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to optimize airflow.

• Hot aisle containment systems that direct heat through a massive mezzanine duct, improving cooling efficiency and lowering PUE.

• Redundant coil systems (N+1 configuration) to ensure continuous operation even during maintenance or equipment failure.

Infrastructure Behind the Scenes

Above the data halls, a sprawling mezzanine “racetrack” organizes 600 meters of copper and fiber cabling in separate routes for security and redundancy. Power distribution is equally robust, with dual 11 kV feeds from independent suppliers, feeding cast resin transformers, ATS units, and UPS systems to maintain seamless operation in the event of disruptions.

Built for Adaptability

The Dartford project also demonstrates the importance of future-proofing. Phase Two’s planned footprint dwarfs the initial build, with data halls capable of supporting hundreds more racks. Modular design principles ensure that scaling up won’t compromise operational integrity.

IHD’s Perspective

At IHD, we recognize that data center projects are not just about physical infrastructure—they are about aligning technology, power strategy, and site design to meet tomorrow’s needs. Our vertically integrated approach—spanning site readiness, engineering, energy integration, and financing—ensures we can deliver facilities that match DA2’s level of sophistication.

From planning power delivery to designing scalable cooling ecosystems, we bring the same meticulous attention to detail seen in Dartford—tailoring each build to the operational demands, sustainability goals, and growth trajectory of our clients.

Bottom Line: The DA2 build is a blueprint for how next-generation data centers will be developed—modular, efficient, and engineered for high-density workloads. With our proven capabilities in land, industrial, and technology-driven infrastructure, IHD is ready to help partners design and deliver the next wave of digital infrastructure.

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