The data centre industry is in the spotlight like never before. With AI driving unprecedented computing demand, power grids under strain, and sustainability challenges rising, the way we think about digital infrastructure is changing fast. While hyperscale facilities often dominate the conversation, a new model is emerging as the practical answer: micro data centres (MDCs).
The global challenges facing data centres
AI’s energy and cooling demands – Artificial intelligence workloads are reshaping IT infrastructure. Racks consuming 40–100 kW or more put immense pressure on traditional power and cooling systems. Many operators are turning to liquid cooling and advanced energy management, but these solutions are complex and costly.
Power grid bottlenecks – In many regions, grid capacity simply can’t keep pace with data centre demand. Some operators are turning to natural gas or alternative sources, but long-term sustainability remains an issue.
Water scarcity – Cooling towers at hyperscale data centres consume vast amounts of water. With many regions already facing water stress, this is becoming a critical concern for regulators and communities alike.
Sustainability pressure – Customers, investors and governments are all demanding greener infrastructure. Emissions reduction targets are ambitious, and achieving them at hyperscale is difficult and resource-intensive.
New data centre hubs – Countries such as Vietnam, Chile and Australia are emerging as attractive new locations for AI infrastructure, thanks to abundant renewable energy and growing demand. However, building large-scale facilities takes time — often years.
Data sovereignty – As more organisations seek control over their data — particularly in regulated sectors like government, finance and healthcare — cloud-on-premises models are growing. These require secure, flexible, and localised infrastructure.
Why micro data centres are the smarter solution
Micro data centres directly address these global challenges:
- Efficient cooling – precision, closed-loop systems keep workloads cool without wasting energy and resources.
- Flexible power deployment – MDCs can be installed where capacity exists, and paired with on-site renewables or micro-grids.
- Sustainability by design – modular and scalable, they reduce both embodied carbon and ongoing energy use.
- Faster deployment – MDCs can be deployed in weeks, not years, helping new hubs and industries meet demand quickly.
- Support for data sovereignty – MDCs deliver cloud-like power on-premises, giving organisations compliance and control.
- AI-ready infrastructure – compact but powerful, MDCs enable edge AI deployments without waiting for hyperscale upgrades.
The challenges facing data centres are complex, but the solution doesn’t always have to be. Micro data centres combine efficiency, sustainability, and speed of deployment in a way that aligns perfectly with today’s demands.
At Zella DC, we’ve been delivering MDCs to industries and governments worldwide for over 15 years. As the digital infrastructure landscape evolves, our solutions are proving to be not just an alternative, but the smarter choice.
Contact us to explore how micro data centres can help you meet today’s IT challenges.
