Data Centres, BESS, and Building the AI Backbone in Scotland, Giles Hanglin, CEO of Apatura

In this episode of the Hypercube Podcast, Adam sits down with Giles Hanglin, CEO of Apatura, to unpack the strategic collision of AI, energy infrastructure, and data centres in Scotland.

Giles shares how Apatura is evolving from battery energy storage to developing gigawatt-scale data centre campuses, capitalising on grid connections originally intended for BESS projects. With over 3 GW of projects now pivoted towards data centre use, Giles explains why Scotland – often overlooked compared to Ireland – is uniquely positioned to become a global hub for AI-driven computing, thanks to its abundant green power, lower temperatures, and strong connectivity.

The conversation explores how hyperscalers are seeking final demand connections and grid resilience, the opportunity to use surplus heat for local community benefit, and how regional pricing dynamics could supercharge data centre development in the central belt. Giles also reflects on the challenges of scaling a fast-moving private business and the need for government support, planning reform, and talent pipelines to capture this transformative opportunity for the Scottish economy.

Whether you’re in energy, infrastructure, or AI, this episode provides an insider look into one of the most compelling industrial plays happening on UK soil.

Adam and Giles explore:

• How Apatura is transforming grid-connected BESS sites into AI-ready data centre campuses
• Why Scotland is primed to lead: abundant green power, cooler climate, and strong fibre connectivity
• The role of batteries in providing grid resilience and powering data centres with curtailed wind
• Opportunities to reuse surplus heat from data centres for local communities and infrastructure
• The potential for £70 billion in investment and long-term job creation across Scotland

Useful Links

• Apatura's website: https://apatura.energy/
• Connect with Giles on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-hanglin/
• Join Hypercube's Beyond Energy Community: https://wearehypercube.com/join-the-community/