Data Center Investment News — 27/10/2023
Microsoft Announces $3Bn for Australia’s Digital Infrastructure
Microsoft has pledged a significant investment of $3 billion in Australia’s digital infrastructure. This substantial commitment underlines Australia’s growing importance in the global digital economy.
Microsoft’s investment has been designed to enhance computing capacity by roughly 250% to address the growing demand for cloud computing services, forecasted to double from A$12.2 billion (US$7.73 billion) in 2022 to A$22.4 billion (US$14.2 billion) in 2026.
In line with Microsoft’s commitment to sustainability, the company said it plans to ensure its new data centres in Australia align with its goals of being carbon-negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030.
Microsoft’s investment will support the country’s technological advancements, foster innovation, and enhance digital services, positioning Australia as a key player in the digital landscape.
BAM Digital Realty Poaches Equinix MD to spearhead India Data Centre JV as CEO
BAM Digital Realty has appointed a former Equinix Managing Director to lead its India data centre joint venture as CEO. This strategic move demonstrates BAM Digital Realty’s focus on India’s burgeoning data centre market.
Arpit Agrawal, Head of Infrastructure for India and the Middle East at Brookfield, expressed his confidence in Velayuthan’s ability to steer the company into its next phase of growth.
He said, “His track record of creating value makes him an exceptional addition to the team, and we look forward to working with him.”
On his appointment, Velayuthan expressed his excitement about the opportunity to lead the stellar team at BAM Digital Realty.
He said, “I look forward to building on the strong foundation they have laid and taking it to the next level as we stay focused on serving the current and future technology needs of our clients.”
The appointment aims to leverage the executive’s expertise to drive the joint venture’s growth and establish a strong presence in India’s digital infrastructure landscape.
Digital Realty Continues Expansion in Switzerland with Hyperscale Data Centre
Digital Realty, a leading data centre provider, is expanding its footprint in Switzerland with the development of a hyperscale data centre.
The new facility will also fall under new directives around heat reuse. From 2025 onwards, the waste heat generated by the three existing computer centres should be fed into the Airport City energy network. The area to the south of Zurich airport would thus be supplied with heat and cooling with virtually zero emissions.
This expansion highlights Switzerland’s appeal as a hub for digital infrastructure investments. Digital Realty’s new facility will offer high-performance data services, catering to the region’s growing demand for advanced and scalable digital solutions.
Telehouse Breaks Ground on London Docklands Data Centre Development
Telehouse, a prominent data centre operator, has commenced construction on a new data centre development in London Docklands.
Takayo Takamuro, Managing Director of Telehouse Europe, said, “The opening of our new Administration Building will elevate Telehouse’s operational excellence, serving as a catalyst for sustainability and improved practices within the data centre industry.
“We are excited to implement enhanced service delivery to our clients with our new administrative centre of excellence, further solidifying our commitment to a first-class customer experience.”
This project underscores London’s status as a critical digital hub in Europe. Telehouse’s initiative aims to enhance the city’s digital infrastructure, providing businesses with reliable and secure data services, and supporting their digital operations and growth.
Aqaba Digital Hub to Launch $140M Jordan Data Centre
Aqaba Digital Hub is set to launch a $140 million data centre in Jordan. This development signifies Jordan’s commitment to digital transformation and technology-driven progress.
The data centre’s location in Aqaba, which recently welcomed the BlueMed cable, places it at an advantage with the cable being a segment of the Blue & Raman Submarine Cable Systems, a joint initiative by tech giants, Google and Sparkle.
This development plays a pivotal role in providing high-speed internet to a wide array of users, ranging from service providers and telecom operators to digital content providers and local and regional institutions.
The data centre will offer advanced infrastructure, supporting local businesses, government initiatives, and international enterprises, fostering innovation and economic growth in the region.
Blackstone’s QTS to Infuse $1.5Bn into Midwest US Data Centres
Blackstone-backed QTS Realty Trust has announced a substantial investment of $1.5 billion in Midwest US data centres.
Sara Zeigler, Economic Development Manager for the City of New Albany, said: “Data centres are key assets to the New Albany community, allowing us to diversify the types of companies within our business portfolio. QTS has a great track record of being invested in the communities where they have built facilities. The company’s core values align closely with ours, and we’re excited that they are choosing to call New Albany home.”
This significant funding emphasizes the Midwest’s increasing significance in the American data centre landscape. QTS’s investment will enhance digital capabilities in the region, providing businesses with robust and scalable data solutions.
365 Data Centres Names First Chief Operating Officer
365 Data Centres has appointed its first Chief Operating Officer, enhancing its leadership team. This strategic move showcases 365 Data Centres’ commitment to operational excellence.
Bob DeSantis, CEO of 365, said: “Now that we have fully integrated the acquisition of SunGard’s U.S. colocation and network businesses, it is time for 365 to add this very senior C-Level position. Having worked with Bob for many years at Xand and TierPoint, I am confident that his customer solutions approach will immediately contribute to our customer growth, operating efficiency, and resiliency. This appointment not only rounds out 365’s highly effective senior leadership team which has been responsible for the company’s success to date but also enables me to primarily focus on the future needs of our customers, growth and expansion capital, and strategic initiatives.”
The appointment aims to streamline operations, improve service delivery, and bolster the company’s position in the competitive data centre market.
Stack Infrastructure Expands Boardroom with New Development Officer
Stack Infrastructure has expanded its boardroom by appointing a new Development Officer. This appointment highlights Stack Infrastructure’s focus on strategic growth and development initiatives.
Brian Cox, Chief Executive Officer of STACK Americas, said: “The expansion of STACK’s senior leadership team is directly correlated to the strategic nature of our business and solving our clients’ future digital infrastructure needs. Tim’s incredible success leading the Development Team and STACK’s strong focus on delivering expert solutions are unparalleled in the industry.”
The new officer’s expertise will play a crucial role in driving expansion plans, ensuring the company’s continued success in the evolving data centre industry.
DataBank Hopes to Cash in with New Data Centre
DataBank has announced plans for a new data centre project, emphasising its growth ambitions. This initiative reflects DataBank’s confidence in the market’s demand for data services.
DataBank’s Vice President of Construction, Tony Qorri, said: “The SL6 expansion is primed to support the Salt Lake City area that is one of the fastest-growing technology hubs in the country,” said DataBank Vice President of Construction, Tony Qorri. “Our infrastructure resources are particularly helpful for data science innovation and supporting the region’s many tech startups. Salt Lake City is a go-to data centre destination, not only for innovators but also as an alternative to expensive data centres in California.”
The new data centre will contribute to the company’s revenue generation, catering to the digital needs of businesses and organizations, and strengthening DataBank’s market presence.
Vantage Data Centres Completes $1Bn Washington Campus
Vantage Data Centres has completed its $1 billion Washington campus, showcasing its commitment to infrastructure development.
Simon Casey, vice president of construction, North America at Vantage, said: “We have been incredibly pleased to be part of this growing, close-knit community, and our team takes great pride in being an active corporate citizen by working closely with and supporting local organizations such as the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, the Quincy Community Food Bank, Veterans Operation Creation and the Grant County Industrial Alliance.”
This achievement underlines Vantage Data Centres’ dedication to delivering cutting-edge data services. The Washington campus will support businesses with high-performance digital solutions, fostering innovation and economic growth in the region.
Atman Breaks Ground on 43MW Campus Outside Warsaw, Poland
Atman, a major data centre operator, has initiated construction on a 43MW campus outside Warsaw, Poland. This development reinforces Poland’s position as a prominent data centre market in Europe.
“Looking at the growth dynamics in similar markets, such as Madrid, and as PMR analysts’ forecasts show, the Polish data centre market is facing very dynamic growth, multiplying the access power for customers,” said Sławomir Koszołko, president of the management board of Atman. “The intensive development of new technologies, including the demand for computing power used by AI systems, gives an idea of the huge amount of data to be stored and the potential for growth of the domestic data centre market. In line with its long-term strategy, Atman aims to support this development while fulfilling its mission of providing uninterrupted access to data.”
Atman’s new campus will enhance the country’s digital infrastructure, supporting businesses with advanced data services and fostering technological progress.
Damac’s Data Centre Unit to Expand into APAC
Damac’s data centre unit is expanding its operations from the Middle East into the Asia-Pacific region.
“The proposed size of the land is approximately 1.21 hectares. Currently, Damac is evaluating Cyberjaya and CBD KL [Kuala Lumpur Central Business District] as options,” he said after meeting Damac Group founder and chairman Hussain Sajwani. Damac hasn’t made any official announcements yet. The development would be Damac’s first data centre outside the Middle East. Fahmi said Damac has also secured land in Indonesia and Thailand but didn’t provide details.
This expansion signifies the company’s global ambitions in the data centre industry. Damac’s move into APAC aims to capitalize on the region’s growing digital demands, providing businesses with high-quality and reliable data solutions.
Aurum Nowais Group Signs MOU for 50MW Data Centre in Saudi Arabia:
Aurum Nowais Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development of a 50MW data centre in Saudi Arabia. This agreement underscores Saudi Arabia’s focus on digital transformation and technology-driven initiatives.
Venkat Bussa, founder & CEO of Aurum Equity Partners, said: “We’re excited to collaborate with Al Nowais Group to develop a data centre driving digital transformation in Saudi Arabia, supporting sustainable growth and tech advancement.”
The new data centre will contribute significantly to the country’s digital infrastructure, supporting businesses and fostering economic growth.
Elea Digital Inaugurates Expansion of Rio de Janeiro Data Centre
Elea Digital has inaugurated the expansion of its Rio de Janeiro data centre, showcasing the company’s commitment to growth.
“It is very important to be associated with digital infrastructure, but it is also essential to think of Elea as a company that values sustainability,” said Alessandro Lombardi, president of Elea Digital. “This is a data centre that has always paid great attention to the environment, with the use of clean energy. It won’t be any different now.”
This expansion project highlights Rio de Janeiro’s role as a digital hub in Brazil. Elea Digital’s expanded facility will offer enhanced services, supporting businesses with reliable and scalable data solutions, and fostering innovation and digital progress in the region.
Edge Centres Launches Data Centre in St. Louis, Missouri
Edge Centres has launched a new data centre in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, reinforcing the city’s position as a digital hub in the Midwest.
The company has installed a Point of Presence (PoP) in CoreSite’s One Wilshire carrier hotel data centre in Los Angeles, California.
It then launched its first facility in St. Louis – and bought a company hosting out of the same building – before acquiring a second in the state located in Columbia. The company recently acquired a former Switch & Data facility in Reston, Virginia.
This project underscores St. Louis’s growing appeal for data centre investments. Edge Centres’ new facility will provide businesses with advanced data services, supporting their digital initiatives and ensuring seamless connectivity.
LCL to Expand Aalst and Diegem Data Centres in Belgium
LCL, a leading data centre services provider, has announced plans to expand its Aalst and Diegem data centres in Belgium.
“To maintain our leading position in the Belgian data centre sector, we need to continue to expand our existing data centres and equip them with sustainable innovations. This is essential if we are to host and serve as many customers as possible. The investments we will make represent a step forward for our company and for existing and future customers,” said Laurens van Reijen, managing director of LCL Data Centres.
This expansion signifies Belgium’s significance in the European data centre market. LCL’s initiative aims to enhance the country’s digital capabilities, offering businesses secure and scalable data solutions, fostering innovation and technological progress.
VNPT Unveils Its Eighth and Largest Data Centre in Vietnam
Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) has unveiled its eighth and largest data centre in Vietnam. This launch showcases VNPT’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s digital transformation initiatives.
Covering an area of 23,000 square meters and furnished with 2,000 rack cabinets, the Hoa Lac Data Centre stands as a pioneering achievement in Vietnam’s technological landscape. This facility, a testament to significant investments in the country’s technological backbone, signifies a transformative moment in Vietnam’s data capabilities. This data centre has also achieved an Uptime Tier III certification for its impeccable design, construction, and operational sustainability. This prestigious certification ensures that the facility maintains resilience and seamless operation, even during maintenance and upgrades.
The new data centre will offer cutting-edge services, supporting businesses, government agencies, and enterprises, fostering technological innovation and contributing to Vietnam’s digital economy.