Craig MacFadyen is back on the podcast - this time fresh from the floor of the OCP Global Summit in Dublin.

In this episode, Craig and Robert dig into the real conversations happening around liquid cooling, hyperscaler expectations, and whether the data center world is preparing for a future that hasn’t quite arrived yet.

From CDUs and 500kW rack forecasts to the tension between innovation and affordability, they tackle the practical, the political, and the philosophical challenges facing data center cooling in 2025. Craig also shares his perspective on startup tech, smarter not newer design, and why collaboration still feels more talked about than practiced.

It’s an honest, thought-provoking follow-up to Craig’s first appearance - don’t miss it.

🎧 Topics include:

• Key takeaways from OCP 2025
• The rise of rack density and the “500kW by 2030” challenge
• How hyperscalers are influencing the market—and when adoption will really happen
• The innovation bottleneck caused by NDAs and over-regulation
• What smart design actually looks like in cooling
• The role of power availability and why cloud still dominates over AI

Connect with Robert: www.linkedin.com/in/robertussher Connect with Craig: www.linkedin.com/in/craig-macfadyen-5b4b811a

Is AI truly revolutionising the way we understand clients and employees? Or is it just another buzzword being tossed around?

In this episode, Ryan Scott, Chief Technology Officer at DNA Behavior, joins me to break down the real-world impact of AI in behavioural data analytics. We dive into how DNA Behavior is leveraging AI to predict client behaviour with 70% accuracy - without even requiring a questionnaire. Ryan and I explore the shift towards decentralised AI, the challenges of integrating AI-driven insights into enterprise workflows, and the ethical dilemmas of AI-powered sales intelligence.

As data centres race to support the growing compute demand for AI, will AI factories dominate, or will the future lie in edge computing? And with AI accelerating at an unprecedented pace, what safeguards are needed to ensure responsible development?

From Microsoft’s AI-driven infrastructure expansion to the challenges of balancing transparency with competitive advantage, this episode unpacks the key questions shaping AI’s future.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on AI, ethics, and where the industry is heading next.

🔗 Connect with Robert: www.linkedin.com/in/robertussher

🔗 Connect with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwadescott/

🚨 Microsoft is making waves in the data center world – but not in the way you’d expect.

The tech giant has canceled multiple U.S. data center leases, scaled back international expansion, and reallocated billions in AI spending—but why?

In this quick Hot Take, we break down:

- Microsoft’s shifting AI and cloud strategy – is this a cost-saving pivot or something bigger?

• Pre-committed global data center investments getting cut – what’s behind the sudden change?
• Is AI infrastructure spending slowing down? Or is this a strategic retreat?
• Apple stepping in – are they about to capitalise on Microsoft’s pullback?
• Is this a tech decision… or a political statement?

Something big is brewing in the data center world. Listen now to hear my take on what it all means for AI, cloud, and Big Tech’s next moves.

🎧 Tune in and join the conversation: www.linkedin.com/in/robertussher

France and the UAE are making waves with a $30-$50 billion investment in a 1-gigawatt AI data center—but why now, and why Europe? 🇫🇷🇦🇪

With France offering 35 potential sites and the UAE backing the deal, this move signals a shift in AI dominance beyond the US and China. Could this mark the start of Europe’s AI infrastructure revolution? And what does this mean for global AI competition?

🎙️ Listen now to hear our take on this game-changing alliance and what it means for the future of AI and data centers.

👉 Join the conversation on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robertussher

How are modular solutions transforming the future of data centers? And what role does engineering heritage play in shaping today’s innovations?

In this episode, Robert sits down with Lewis Cobb, Head of Modular Data Centre Projects at Durata, to explore the shift towards modular construction in the data center industry. With a background at Rittal and a deep understanding of mission-critical power, Lewis discusses how Durata is refining modular strategies to provide scalable, efficient, and high-performance solutions.

They delve into Teesside’s legacy as "Ironopolis", the increasing demand for prefabricated data center solutions, and the industry’s evolving approach to AI-driven workloads, cooling innovations, and program management. From hyperscalers to enterprise deployments, discover why modular construction is gaining traction and how Durata is positioning itself at the forefront of this movement.

🔗 Connect with Robert: www.linkedin.com/in/robertussher

🔗 Connect with Lewis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-cobb-duratamdc/

How is liquid cooling revolutionising the data center industry? And what does it take to stay ahead in a world where efficiency and sustainability are king?

In this episode, Christopher Bentley, President at Liquid Cooling Startup, InfraTechDC, dives deep into the advancements in direct-to-chip cooling and the evolving landscape of energy efficiency. From his formative years learning the intricacies of problem-solving to his innovative approach to cooling solutions, Christopher shares how his journey has shaped his expertise.

Join Christopher and Robert as they discuss:

The science behind direct-to-chip cooling and heat extraction.

The challenges and opportunities in capturing and reusing heat generated by GPUs and CPUs.

How liquid cooling systems can help data centres achieve net-zero goals by 2030.

The role of military discipline and ingenuity in navigating complex industry challenges.

Christopher also sheds light on emerging technologies, partnerships, and the exciting future of sustainable cooling solutions.

Connect with Robert: www.linkedin.com/in/robertussher

Connect with Christopher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mr-c-bentley/

"Stargate, Billion-Dollar Investments, and the Data Center Power Players"

In this quick Hot Take, we explore the $400 billion Stargate project, Elon Musk’s clash with Oracle, and the jaw-dropping investment plans from Microsoft ($80B by 2025) and Meta ($65B in 2024).

Is the industry experiencing a groundbreaking leap forward, or is there more smoke than fire? 🤔

Tune in to hear our thoughts on these massive moves in the data center world and what it all means for the future of AI and infrastructure.

🎙️ Listen now and join the conversation on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robertussher

What role do polypropylene pipes play in revolutionising cooling solutions for modern data centres? How are they helping meet the demands of AI factories and high-density computing?

In this episode, I sit down with Jerry Chizmadia, a seasoned expert with over 15 years of experience in direct-to-chip cooling and a deep network of partnerships across the industry. Representing Aquatherm North America, Jerry explores how polypropylene pipes are quietly driving efficiency and innovation in the liquid cooling space.

We discuss:

• The evolution of liquid cooling, from the “Wild West” of CDUs to today’s advanced systems.
• How collaboration among OEMs and installers is shaping future cooling strategies.
• The impact of AI-driven workloads and emerging trends like immersion cooling.
• The untapped potential of district heating and energy reuse in data centres.

With practical insights and forward-looking perspectives, this episode is a must-listen for data centre professionals and innovators alike.

Connect with Robert: www.linkedin.com/in/robertussher

Connect with Jerry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-chizmadia-development/

We change things up in this episode as I join Andy Davis on an episode of the Inside Data Centre Podcast, to explore some of the hottest topics shaping the data centre industry today.

Here’s what we cover:

• Cooling Technologies: I share insights into the latest advancements in cooling and their impact on data centre performance and sustainability.
• Career Development: A look at my journey, how I've grown my career in the data centre sector, and advice for those looking to follow a similar path.
• Industry Trends: We delve into key issues like sustainability, energy efficiency, and the ongoing search for top talent.

Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways and expert perspectives. Don’t miss it! Listen to Andy's Inside Data Centre Podcast here - Inside Data Centre Podcast

Learn more about DataX Connect here - DataX Connect 

Follow Robert: LinkedIn

Follow Andy: LinkedIn

Is liquid cooling the key to the future of data centers? How is the Open Compute Project (OCP) steering the industry toward innovation and efficiency?

In this episode, we talk with Cosimo Pecchioli, IT Hardware & OEM Partnership Director at bp (Castrol) and Co-Leader of the Cooling Environment Project at the OCP Foundation. Cosimo dives into the pivotal role OCP plays in fostering collaboration and setting guidelines that are transforming data center cooling on a global scale.

From the challenges of adapting legacy infrastructure in the U.S. to the regulatory-driven advances in Europe, we discuss how liquid cooling is moving from niche to mainstream. Cosimo offers expert insights into PG25 adoption, hyperscaler influence, and why the future of cooling is undoubtedly liquid.

Whether you’re a data center professional or simply curious about the next frontier in energy efficiency, this conversation delivers valuable perspectives on technology, sustainability, and industry collaboration.

Connect with Robert: www.linkedin.com/in/robertussher

Connect with Cosimo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosimo-pecchioli-10249210/