Green Mountain’s LON-East facility in Romford represents a new wave of data centres designed with the future in mind. It’s not just about delivering high-performance computing power—though it certainly does that. It’s about creating a facility that’s efficient, flexible, and seamlessly integrated into both the technology landscape and the local community.
A New Approach to Data Centres
Walking through the LON-East site during its expansion phase, it’s hard not to be struck by the scale of the operation. Although the building is still under construction, the underlying capabilities are already impressive. Beneath the surface, a network of critical systems supports a range of industries, ensuring that the UK’s digital infrastructure continues to function smoothly. In many ways, this data centre is part of the nation’s digital backbone.
For years, London’s Docklands have served as a key hub for infrastructure. But as Simon Blackburn, Green Mountain’s UK Managing Director, pointed out, “Power is scarce west of the M25.” With limited land and a strained grid, expanding data centre capacity in London is becoming increasingly difficult. Romford, however, offers more room for growth. The LON-East site currently operates with a 7MW live capacity, with plans to add 13.6MW by the end of 2025 and another 16MW available for tailored build-to-suit solutions.
This growth is powered by two independent renewable energy feeds, ensuring that the facility is both sustainable and capable of handling the demanding workloads of AI, which requires high-density, energy-intensive solutions. And with the rapid pace of technological advancements in AI, the data centre’s design incorporates future-proof cooling systems. While air cooling is standard, the site is equipped with liquid-to-liquid and direct liquid cooling systems, providing the flexibility to handle new AI technologies as they emerge.
Sustainability with a Human Touch
Green Mountain’s Nordic roots are reflected in the design philosophy of the Romford facility. The focus is on modularity, efficiency, and sustainability—values that are deeply embedded in the facility’s operations. The building itself is a prime example of resourcefulness, with a re-used existing structure that has achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating. The generators run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), and the facility’s energy-saving measures include LED lighting, 97.5% UPS efficiency, and plans for heat reuse.
But what truly sets this facility apart isn’t just the sustainability practices—it’s the way Green Mountain approaches community engagement. From newsletters updating local residents on construction progress to a £30,000 donation to Romford causes, the company goes beyond the typical corporate responsibilities. It’s a perfect blend of high-tech infrastructure and local consideration.
A Strategic Foothold for the Future
While Romford’s data centre is an impressive local project, it’s also part of Green Mountain’s wider ambition to build a network of sites across the UK that complement their existing operations in the Nordics. Given the ongoing challenges with the national grid—especially in areas like West London where no grid upgrades are expected until the late 2020s—Green Mountain is positioning itself in regions with greater power stability and opportunities for expansion.
With its proximity to key infrastructure hubs like Docklands and Slough, and strong partnerships with companies like CBRE for operations and TClarke for construction, Romford is ideally situated to serve a range of clients, from hyperscalers to fintech companies and AI-driven businesses. The site has ample room for future growth and scalability, all while maintaining a commitment to responsible, community-minded development.
The Evolution of Data Centres
The most significant takeaway from visiting Green Mountain’s Romford data centre isn’t the technology—it’s the shift in how data centres are being built. As AI becomes increasingly integral to business operations, these facilities are evolving from mere infrastructure to trusted, transparent, and community-oriented hubs.
Romford is a facility that doesn’t just support critical operations—it’s also engaged with its local community and preparing for future innovations in AI that we may not even fully understand yet. When you see the quiet cooling systems and realize that vital fuel reserves are carefully embedded beneath the ground, it’s clear: the best infrastructure is often the kind we don’t notice, but rely on every day.
