GPU Cloud Provider CoreWeave Launches Two New Data Centers in the UK
CoreWeave, a leading GPU cloud firm, has made its debut in the UK data center market with the launch of its first two operational sites. Located in Crawley and London’s Docklands, these new facilities are pivotal to CoreWeave’s broader expansion in Europe and represent a significant step toward meeting the growing demand for AI infrastructure.
CoreWeave’s Strategic Move into the UK Market
In October 2024, CoreWeave inaugurated its first UK data center within Digital Realty’s Crawley campus, followed by the second location in London’s Docklands, under Global Switch’s management in December 2024. These facilities are set to house some of Europe’s largest deployments of Nvidia’s H200 GPUs, a critical component for AI workloads.
Mike Mattacola, Chief Business Officer at CoreWeave, emphasized that these launches align with the company’s strategy to expand in Europe, with the UK being a key market. “We are pleased to be partnering with Digital Realty and Global Switch to deliver the next generation of AI infrastructure in the UK,” he stated.
Details of CoreWeave’s New Data Center Sites
Crawley Facility – Digital Realty’s Role
The Crawley location, part of Digital Realty’s Manor Royal Industrial Estate, provides more than 200,000 square feet of space and 24MW of power. This facility is equipped to support AI applications with some of the largest Nvidia H200 GPU deployments in Europe. Digital Realty’s UK and Ireland Managing Director, Séamus Dunne, noted that this partnership enables companies to scale their AI capabilities using high-performance infrastructure.
London Docklands – Global Switch’s Collaboration
CoreWeave’s second data center site in the UK is located in London’s Docklands, within a Global Switch facility. This site is strategically positioned to cater to the increasing demand for AI infrastructure in the UK. Ashley Muldoon, CEO of Global Switch, highlighted the importance of resilient and energy-efficient solutions to meet the growing customer demand in the region.
Global Switch plans to expand its Docklands campus further with a new 40MW data center. This development, slated for completion soon, will increase the company’s campus size to 1.2 million square feet, reinforcing its capacity to support demanding AI operations.
CoreWeave’s UK Expansion Tied to £1 Billion Investment
The opening of these two sites is part of CoreWeave’s broader £1 billion ($1.2 billion) investment in the UK, a strategic initiative announced last year. This investment also includes a subsequent £750 million ($909 million) expansion plan unveiled in October 2024.
CoreWeave’s UK operations are part of a larger international growth strategy, which includes its continued expansion in North America and Europe. Notably, the company is collaborating with EdgeConneX in Spain and EcoDataCenter in Sweden and has plans for new facilities in Norway, reflecting its global ambitions in AI cloud services.
Strengthening AI Infrastructure in Europe
The UK, being CoreWeave’s European headquarters, is a critical hub for the company’s ongoing AI infrastructure projects. CoreWeave’s shift from its origins in cryptomining to focusing on GPU cloud services for AI workloads marks a significant milestone in its evolution. The company’s global data center count has reached 28 by the end of 2024, with 10 more facilities scheduled for launch in 2025.
Industry Reactions to CoreWeave’s Expansion
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, expressed her support for CoreWeave’s investment, stating, “This investment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK’s digital technology sector and is exactly the kind we want to see as we grow the economy and use AI to drive efficiency.”
This endorsement highlights the importance of AI-driven innovations in shaping the future of the UK’s digital economy. CoreWeave’s entry into the market not only meets the immediate need for AI infrastructure but also aligns with the UK’s long-term ambitions for digital transformation.
FAQ Section
1. What type of GPUs will CoreWeave deploy in its UK data centers?
CoreWeave will deploy Nvidia’s H200 GPUs, which are optimized for AI and high-performance computing workloads.
2. What is the size of CoreWeave’s data center facilities in the UK?
The Crawley facility offers over 200,000 square feet of space, while the London Docklands facility is part of a larger campus expansion plan set to reach 1.2 million square feet.
3. How is CoreWeave contributing to AI infrastructure growth in Europe?
CoreWeave is expanding its data center footprint across Europe, including partnerships in Spain, Sweden, and Norway, as well as the UK, to meet the growing demand for AI and cloud services.
4. How much has CoreWeave invested in the UK?
CoreWeave has made a £1 billion ($1.2 billion) initial investment in the UK, with plans for a further £750 million ($909 million) expansion.
5. Why is CoreWeave’s entry into the UK market significant?
It marks a milestone in CoreWeave’s European expansion and positions the UK as a key location for AI infrastructure, supporting the country’s digital transformation goals.
