EfficiencyIT & MSSL partner on sustainable modular AI centres

EfficiencyIT has announced a formal strategic partnership with Michael Smith Switchgear (MSSL) to deliver secure, scalable, and sustainable prefabricated data centre solutions for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) applications across the UK and Europe.

The alliance aims to address the growing demand for resilient, eco-conscious modular infrastructure, aligning with the UK Government's AI Opportunities Action Plan by supporting both public and private sector requirements for advanced computing systems and sustainable supply chains.

Focus on modular AI deployment

The partnership unites EfficiencyIT's experience in high-density data centre engineering with MSSL's capabilities in the manufacturing and installation of electrical control and distribution equipment. The companies will collaborate from the initial concept through to final delivery, aiming to reduce the time, cost, and environmental impact associated with deploying HPC and AI workloads.

According to the terms of the agreement, EfficiencyIT's ModularDC solutions will be enhanced by MSSL's switchgear and power equipment, providing access to UK-manufactured, prefabricated data centre modules. These include next-generation uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), low-voltage (LV) switchgear, and other critical components required for high-density, energy-efficient computing environments.

The partnership is intended to help customers in government, enterprise, and the life sciences rapidly expand their computing capabilities while remaining compliant with increasingly stringent sustainability targets. The shared approach emphasises the use of UK supply chains and the reduction of Scope 3 emissions in response to the UK government's calls for more sustainable digital infrastructure.

Sustainability at the core

Both EfficiencyIT and MSSL have established credentials in sustainable operations. EfficiencyIT holds PlanetMark accreditation and was recently recognised by its strategic partner Schneider Electric as one of 16 EcoXpert partners globally for its sustainability impact. The company has also been awarded a Royal Warrant of Appointment by His Majesty King Charles III, signifying its role in supplying IT infrastructure services to the Royal Household and reflecting its commitment to resilient and sustainable solutions.

MSSL is also a recipient of the Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Award and has halved its carbon footprint through initiatives such as renewable energy adoption and achieving carbon-neutral status in 2022. The company was most recently honoured with The King's Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, one of the highest accolades for UK businesses, and has participated in government case studies to showcase its journey during COP26.

The two companies say their partnership signals a shared commitment to supporting the transition to a lower-carbon, innovation-driven economy and helping customers achieve similar sustainability ambitions. This includes strengthening local supply networks and delivering end-to-end frameworks, from design and fabrication to installation and ongoing maintenance, to comply with international standards for energy efficiency, resilience, and security.

Quotations from leadership

"As demand for AI infrastructure intensifies, the data centre industry cannot afford to compromise on security, sustainability or resilience," said Nick Ewing, Managing Director at EfficiencyIT. "By formalising our partnership with Michael Smith Switchgear, we're ensuring that organisations across the public and private sectors can rapidly scale their data centre and AI compute environments without compromising on environmental commitments, supply chain security, or regulatory compliance."

Sean Smith, Managing Director at MSSL, commented: "EfficiencyIT shares our passion for environmental stewardship and supporting UK-based manufacturing with the highest standards of sustainability. Our combined experience provides a powerful proposition for customers looking to accelerate their AI and high-powered data centre, energy or electrical projects, and we look forward to collaborating to help meet and exceed these ambitions."

Supporting government ambitions

EfficiencyIT and MSSL aim for the ModularDC solutions to meet the government's objectives by providing resilient, efficient, and quickly deployable infrastructure tailored for advanced AI and HPC requirements. By producing solutions within the UK, they aim to reduce environmental impact across the supply chain as well as support local employment and industrial capacity.

The partnership encompasses design, integration, installation, and ongoing services, enabling customers to scale their AI or critical power environments without incurring significant time delays or increased environmental impact.

Both companies have been recognised for their sustainable business practices and support clients in reducing the environmental impact of digital infrastructure, in line with national and international regulatory frameworks.