Players from across the data centre ecosystem gathered recently to debate everything from planning and power to investment and financing. In this episode, we report on the opportunities and challenges that were identified, and some of the solutions that were uncovered. Ashurst’s recent Data Centre Seminar featured some of the brightest minds and latest innovations. Fresh from attending the event, Ashurst’s Ruth Harris and Rebecca Clarke reflect on the highlights and key takeaways in this podcast episode. As Ruth and Rebecca explain, a wide variety of topics were covered in a short space of time at the Seminar. Discussions about planning and construction included practical tips for engaging with planning authorities and aligning data centre projects with local community benefits to accelerate project approvals. This was illustrated by expert guest Emma Williamson, who has worked extensively integrating data centres into urban regeneration schemes and harnessing their heat output for district energy networks. Rebecca and Ruth also explain how data centres contribute to local job creation in the construction sector and beyond. They emphasise the value of smaller regional data centres, and they also ponder the power supply and sustainability issues that were flagged by industry leaders Tim O’Reilly and Edward Sargent. All in all, it’s an episode that underscores how vital (and valuable) data centres will continue to be as AI and the digital world expand in the years to come. To listen to this and subscribe to future episodes, search for “Ashurst Legal Outlook” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast player. To read more about data centres, head to Ashurst's data centre insights hub. And to find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts, visit ashurst.com/podcasts. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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