Author: Neel Achary

Wood Mackenzie: Data centre metals demand isn’t an asset story. It’s a grid story.

Grid infrastructure requirements reshape base metals demand outlook to 2040

LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, June 16: Research from Wood Mackenzie finds that the base metals required to power the global data centre boom extend far beyond the servers, cooling units, and enclosures inside the facility. When grid reinforcement, transmission networks, and facility-level power systems are included, total system-level metals consumption reaches an estimated three to four times the volume implied by the asset itself.

The research, Data centre metals demand: it’s all about the infrastructure not internals (Wood Mackenzie, June 2026), sets out why the conventional framing of this demand story is incomplete, and what that means for commodity markets, infrastructure investment, and energy policy.

“Most assessments of data centre metals demand stop at the server room door,” said Shashank Sriram, Senior Research Analyst, Al

uminium Markets at Wood Mackenzie. That captures the smallest part of the picture. The infrastructure required to keep a modern data centre running, redundant power systems, on-site generation, transmission reinforcement, has a metals footprint that dwarfs what is happening inside the facility. At the system level, we are looking at three to four times the volume implied within the asset. For investors and grid planners, that is a material difference.”

Key findings at a glance

• Internal aluminium demand peaks at 0.6 to 0.9 million tonnes annually, declining from the late 2030s
• Cooling represents approximately 55% of internal aluminium demand; racking and enclosures approximately 25%
• Internal demand grows at approximately 8 to 10% CAGR to the early 2030s, then falls at approximately 2 to 3% per annum
• Annual data centre power capacity additions are projected to peak at approximately 30 to 33 GW in the early 2030s
• Asia-Pacific will exceed 50% of global additions at peak; North America leads early deployment

What is happening inside the facility

Inside the data centre, aluminium demand is concentrated in cooling systems, at approximately 55% of internal use, and racking and enclosures, at approximately 25%. Copper anchors performance at high-density nodes, driven by power density and system complexity rather than structure. Both metals grow at approximately 8 to 10% per year into the early 2030s, before plateauing and declining at approximately 2 to 3% per annum as efficiency gains and AI-driven design optimisation take hold. Total aluminium demand within the asset peaks at 0.6 to 0.9 million tonnes annually before trending lower toward the late 2030s.

In short, the internal demand profile is front-loaded and bounded, even as underlying compute demand continues to rise.

Where demand is actually being generated

The first structural shift occurs at the facility boundary. As grid connections slow and local power capacity tightens, operators are building power systems into the facility itself. On-site generation now spans solar and wind with storage, gas engines and turbines, solid oxide fuel cells, and emerging small modular reactor concepts. None of this scales with compute load. It sits alongside it, engineered to guarantee uptime regardless of what the grid does. Wood Mackenzie estimates that this layer alone effectively doubles the metals demand implied within the asset, with aluminium expanding across busways, structural housings, and distribution systems, and copper scaling across high-load interconnections and grounding infrastructure.

The second shift occurs at the grid. Annual data centre-driven power capacity additions are projected to rise from approximately 15 to 20 gigawatts today to a peak of approximately 30 to 33 gigawatts in the early 2030s, stabilising at structurally higher levels thereafter. Asia-Pacific will account for more than half of global additions during the peak phase. North America leads early deployment. These are not incremental grid connections. They are network reinforcement programmes responding to load profiles that existing infrastructure was not designed to absorb.

At this stage, metals demand is no longer driven by the data centre. It is driven by the power system required to sustain it. Aluminium dominates here, scaling across overhead transmission, conductors, and utility-scale generation frameworks. Copper scales across substations, underground connections, and generation-side electrical systems. The split between the two metals is not a function of price. It is determined by the physical limits of each application. Physics defines outcomes. Price influences the boundaries.

When all three layers are aggregated, total system-level metals consumption reaches an estimated three to four times the volume implied within the asset. The result, the report concludes, is not substitution between aluminium and copper, but co-dependent expansion across the base metals complex.

Noida International Airport Takes Flight A New Era of Connectivity and Growth Along the Yamuna Expressway

June 16 : The commencement of commercial flight services by IndiGo from the new Noida International Airport  at Jewar on June 15 marks a transformative milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure and economic development journey. In a landmark moment for Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure landscape, the airport welcomed its inaugural flight from Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, which landed at 8:05 AM on Monday. The return IndiGo service, flight 6E-2279, is scheduled to depart Noida at 6:55 PM and arrive in Lucknow at 8:00 PM. As the first airline to begin operations from the airport, IndiGo will connect the region to multiple cities across India, significantly enhancing accessibility and establishing the Yamuna Expressway corridor as one of the country’s most promising growth destinations.

The launch of flight operations is expected to catalyse investment, employment generation, logistics growth, tourism, and urban development across the region. With direct connectivity to more than 16 cities planned in phases, the airport is poised to emerge as a major aviation hub for North India, complementing Delhi-NCR’s expanding infrastructure ecosystem.

This landmark development further strengthens the investment potential of the Yamuna Expressway, a corridor already witnessing unprecedented momentum through planned infrastructure initiatives, including logistics parks, industrial clusters, Film City, Medical Device Park, and Airport City developments under the YEIDA Master Plan 2041.

While several real estate developers have turned their attention to the Yamuna Expressway corridor in anticipation of the transformative impact of the Noida International Airport, ACE Group has been among the pioneers in recognizing and investing in the region’s long-term potential. Over the years, the company has built a diverse and impressive portfolio of residential, commercial, and plotted developments along the corridor, establishing a strong presence in one of North India’s fastest-growing real estate destinations.

Among the flagship developments is ACE Terra, a premium residential project in Sector 22D that has emerged as one of the most sought-after addresses along the Yamuna Expressway. Building on the project’s strong response from homebuyers and investors, ACE Group has recently unveiled Aurea, two exclusive new towers within the development. Offering thoughtfully designed luxury residences, expansive green surroundings, contemporary architecture, and world-class amenities, ACE Terra and Aurea together reflect the growing demand for high-quality living spaces in close proximity to the now operational Noida International Airport. The development offers residents the unique advantage of enjoying a refined lifestyle while remaining connected to one of India’s most significant infrastructure-led growth corridors.

ACE Group has also introduced ACE YXP, a first-of-its-kind lifestyle and commercial destination on the Yamuna Expressway to be operational this year. Featuring high-street retail, entertainment zones, dining avenues, studio residences, and leisure spaces, and many high-end brands are already on board. The project is envisioned as a vibrant commercial hub catering to the growing residential and business population expected to emerge around the airport ecosystem.

For those seeking long-term investment opportunities, ACE Group presents two integrated township developments along the Yamuna Expressway corridor, each combining strategic location advantages with modern infrastructure and future-ready planning.

The first is a 68-acre township anchored by ACE Estate, a premium plotted development offering investors the foundation of land ownership within a thoughtfully planned community. Complementing the plots is ACE Edit, which offers a contemporary mix of studio apartments and retail spaces, catering to the growing demand for flexible living and commercial formats in the airport-influenced corridor.

The second is a expansive 100-acre township built around ACE Acreville, an equally compelling plotted development evolving into a vibrant mixed-use destination. Within this township, ACE Verde stands as a premium residential development designed to deliver an elevated lifestyle experience amidst thoughtfully planned surroundings. Complementing the residential component is ACE Hive, a commercial project featuring fully furnished business suites managed by Sarovar Hotels, bringing hospitality-led services and professionally managed workspaces to the region.

Together, these developments underscore ACE Group’s vision of creating integrated communities that seamlessly blend residential, commercial, hospitality, and investment opportunities while capitalizing on the immense growth potential of the Yamuna Expressway corridor.

As Noida International Airport welcomes its first passengers, the surrounding region stands at the threshold of unprecedented transformation.

AVILOO turns battery anxiety into battery confidence with industry-first warranty for used EVs

London, June 16 : AVILOO, the global leader in independent EV battery diagnostics, today announces the launch of the AVILOO Battery Warranty in the UK – the first product of its kind to provide used EV buyers with genuine, financially backed protection based entirely on independent battery health data.

The warranty comes into effect in July in the UK, launching simultaneously in Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Austria, Belgium, Ireland and Switzerland, following successful rollouts in France and Sweden in June.

The used EV market in the UK is growing rapidly, but buyer confidence has not kept pace. For most consumers, the battery – the single most expensive component in any electric vehicle – remains an unknown quantity at the point of purchase. Manufacturer-reported health figures are neither independently verified nor standardised. The AVILOO Battery Warranty changes that.

How it works: for dealers

The Battery Warranty is issued as a standalone document, separate from AVILOO’s existing independent battery certificate. It is managed through AVILOO Connect, a new digital dashboard for professional EV remarketing, giving dealers, fleet operators, and remarketing platforms a single interface to manage battery test lifecycles from incoming inspection through to warranty issuance.

For each vehicle, an individual State of Health (SoH) floor is calculated using AVILOO’s proprietary diagnostics database – the largest battery health dataset in the world. The calculation sets the minimum SoH the battery must maintain at 20,000 kilometres over the one-year warranty period. Dealers can offer this warranty to buyers as a credible, independently underwritten selling point, without carrying the risk themselves.

How it works: for buyers

Buyers receive a one-year warranty period during which they can carry out an AVILOO FLASH Test – a three-minute, manufacturer-neutral diagnostic that assesses real battery capacity, thermal management, and charging capability against original factory specifications, covering 96% of EV models currently on the road.

If the battery’s SoH falls below the calculated threshold during the warranty period, the buyer receives £2,700 in compensation plus a full refund of the FLASH Test costs. This is a concrete, unconditional financial backstop, not a vague assurance.

Marcus Berger, CEO of AVILOO, said:

“The AVILOO Battery Warranty raises the used electric vehicle market to a new level. For the first time in the UK, we are providing the foundation for a warranty based solely on objective, independent measurement data. This builds trust and gives British dealers and buyers a level of certainty that simply has not existed before. The UK has one of Europe’s most dynamic used EV markets, and we see enormous appetite from both dealers and consumers to get this right. With the Battery Warranty, we are setting a new industry standard – one that provides orientation for all market participants, strengthens the case for electric mobility, and ensures that used EVs are seen not as a risk, but as a sustainable, trustworthy choice.”

Already trusted by Europe’s biggest automotive names

AVILOO’s credentials in independent battery diagnostics are already well established. Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Porsche Holding have each selected AVILOO as their preferred third-party battery testing provider for dealerships across Europe, with the FLASH Test deployed on both own-brand and trade-in vehicles.

Leasing majors Ayvens and Arval use AVILOO as part of their end-of-lease remarketing process. Auction groups BCA and Cox Automotive have integrated the FLASH Test into their European operations. Major dealer groups Hedin and Emil Frey are also live. All relationships are underpinned by European-level agreements.

Navitas Solar Announces Rs. 1,500 Crore Integrated Manufacturing Expansion in Gujarat with 3.6 GW Cell Line and Pilot Wafer & Ingot Line

Surat, June 16 : Navitas Solar, one of India’s solar manufacturers, today announced a proposed investment of approximately INR 1,500 crore towards an integrated manufacturing expansion in Gujarat. The project includes a 3.6 GW high-efficiency solar cell manufacturing facility and a pilot wafer & ingot line, marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to deepen backward integration and strengthen India’s domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem.

The proposed expansion is designed to enhance domestic value addition, reduce long-term dependence on imported components and support India’s broader clean energy and manufacturing ambitions. The project will be developed in phases, with Phase I targeted for commissioning in 2027 and subsequent capacity additions planned thereafter, subject to market conditions and project readiness.

As part of the project, civil work covering over 10 lakh sq. ft. is currently underway. Navitas Solar has put in place the required technology tie-up for the planned manufacturing line and appointed senior leadership to spearhead the new business vertical. The company is further strengthening its project execution, manufacturing, technology and quality functions with experienced talent to support the successful implementation of the expansion and its long-term growth plans.

The cell manufacturing facility is being designed as a highly automated and future-ready production platform capable of supporting next-generation solar technologies. The manufacturing line will be developed with upgradeability and flexibility to adapt to evolving technology pathways, including potential transitions to advanced cell architectures, subject to market and technology readiness.

Along with this investment, a strategic pilot wafer & ingot line is planned in 2027 as a part of its long-term roadmap for deeper backward integration. The initiative is expected to strengthen internal capabilities, enhance technology understanding and support future localization requirements across the solar value chain.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Vineet Mittal, Director Finance & Strategy, Navitas Solar, said,

 “India’s clean energy transition requires strong domestic manufacturing capabilities across the entire solar value chain. Our planned integrated manufacturing expansion in Gujarat is a strategic step towards building a future-ready platform across modules, cells and deeper backward integration. With civil work underway, technology partnership in place, key government approvals secured and senior leadership appointed to drive the project, we are progressing with a clear focus on execution, quality, innovation and long-term competitiveness. This expansion reflects our commitment to strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem, enhancing supply-chain resilience and supporting the country’s vision of becoming a global clean energy manufacturing hub.”

The expansion comes at a pivotal time for India’s solar sector, following the Government’s implementation of the ALMM List-II framework for solar PV cells.  As domestic module manufacturing capacity continues to expand, the availability of approved domestic solar cells is becoming a critical factor for project planning, supply-chain security and long-term competitiveness. Navitas Solar’s proposed 3.6 GW cell facility is aligned with this national policy direction and is expected to support the industry’s transition towards higher domestic value addition, reduced import dependence and stronger clean energy self-reliance.

The project is expected to generate nearly 1,000 employment opportunities across manufacturing, engineering, operations, project execution, quality assurance and research functions, while also creating significant indirect employment across logistics, ancillary industries and supporting services. Navitas Solar currently has an annual solar module manufacturing capacity of 3 GW and offers a comprehensive portfolio of Mono PERC and high-efficiency TOPCon modules ranging from 40W to 720W. The company also has upstream integration through its subsidiary, Navitas Alpha Renewables Pvt. Ltd., which manufactures solar encapsulants, further strengthening the group’s position across the solar manufacturing ecosystem.

With this planned Rs. 1,500 crore investment, Navitas Solar is taking a significant step towards becoming a more integrated, technology-driven and future-ready solar manufacturer, reinforcing its long-term commitment to innovation, self-reliance and India’s clean energy future.