Data Center Investment News — 25/10/2024
Macquarie Technology Group Limited has successfully refinanced and increased its debt capacity to $450 million, a move that positions the company to drive future growth. This refinancing enables Macquarie to fund strategic expansions and support its long-term vision for providing advanced technology services.
Macquarie Technology Group’s Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder David Tudehope [pictured] commented: “Following the acquisition of the Macquarie Park Data Centre Campus and the commencement of the IC3 Super West construction, we have marked another milestone with this successful debt refinance process. The new facility will provide the capacity and flexibility to enable us to further invest and expand our data centre business. We have been delighted by the outstanding interest received from domestic and international financial institutions in this process and are looking forward to building strong relationships with the new group of lenders.”
The increased debt capacity also underscores investor confidence in Macquarie’s robust business model, which focuses on data centers, cloud, and cybersecurity. As the demand for digital infrastructure rises, this financial maneuver allows Macquarie to scale operations, invest in cutting-edge technologies, and strengthen its position in competitive markets.
Equinix launches first South African data center in Johannesburg
Equinix has inaugurated its first data center in Johannesburg, marking its entry into the African continent. This facility, strategically located in South Africa’s economic hub, is designed to support digital transformation across the region.
Sandile Dube, managing director for South Africa at Equinix said: “Our brand new JN1 data center in Johannesburg serves as a powerful platform for people and businesses to connect, innovate, and flourish not only in South Africa but also beyond. The new site presents a truly unique opportunity for South Africans as it places us firmly on the map and will be a key interconnection hub on the continent to some of the fastest growing countries and businesses in the world. It is a proud day for me to be leading this expansion into South Africa and I believe that this is a crucial milestone for the country in its digital and connectivity journey for thousands of residents.”
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the data center provides interconnectivity solutions for global companies operating in Africa, including cloud providers, financial institutions, and enterprise clients. With this launch, Equinix aims to facilitate digital business growth, drive cloud adoption, and support increased demand for data storage and processing in South Africa and neighboring markets.
Khazna announces 100MW Ajman data center, UAE
Khazna Data Centers has announced the construction of a 100MW data center in Ajman, UAE. This facility is part of Khazna’s expansion strategy to meet the growing data needs across the UAE and beyond. The Ajman data center will feature energy-efficient design and advanced infrastructure, supporting hyperscalers and enterprise clients with scalable, secure, and sustainable solutions.
Damianou said: “We are excited to be entering this promising partnership with Khazna, the largest data center operator in the United Arab Emirates, and a prominent member of the renowned G42 conglomerate. This partnership sets the foundation for exploring synergies in areas beyond infrastructure, such as artificial intelligence, smart mobility, and space solutions; areas that are essential to our vision of a digitally advanced Cyprus.”
As the largest provider of wholesale data centers in the UAE, Khazna’s investment underscores the UAE’s commitment to building a resilient digital economy. The new facility is expected to attract international clients and strengthen Khazna’s presence in the regional market.
Global Switch to sell Australia business to HMC Capital for AU$2.12bn
Global Switch, a prominent data center provider, has agreed to sell its Australian operations to HMC Capital for AU$2.12 billion. This transaction includes two data centers in Sydney, which are critical for serving hyperscalers and enterprise clients. HMC Capital’s acquisition is expected to enhance Australia’s data center landscape, supporting the region’s growing digital infrastructure demands.
Ashley Muldoon, CEO of Global Switch, said: “The proceeds from the sale of our historic economic interests in GSAH will enable us to accelerate our ambitions to meet the demand for data center capacity in our critical hubs around the world, and to continue to ensure that our customers’ needs are met as demand increases for AI and HPC deployments.”
This move aligns with Global Switch’s strategy to streamline its global portfolio while allowing HMC to strengthen its position in the Asia-Pacific market. The acquisition also reflects increasing investor interest in data centers as key assets in a digital-driven economy.
425MW solar farm and data center planned for US Navy airbase in California
A 425MW solar farm and data center are planned for development at a US Navy airbase in California, in a project focused on renewable energy and sustainable digital infrastructure. The solar farm will supply power to the data center, which is designed to meet the increasing demand for data storage while reducing its environmental impact.
Technical specifications for the data center have not been shared, but the report says it could open next year, and be constructed in five phases of 20-25MW, suggesting a total IT capacity north of 100MW. It will mainly use solar power, with battery energy storage system installed to capture and store energy for periods of low supply.
This initiative aligns with federal sustainability goals, aiming to create an energy-independent data center powered entirely by solar energy. By integrating renewable power sources, the project sets a benchmark for eco-friendly data center operations on a large scale.
ODATA to spend $1.3bn building two data centers in Colombia
ODATA has announced a $1.3 billion investment to build two new data centers in Colombia, expanding its footprint in Latin America. These data centers will support the region’s growing need for digital infrastructure, catering to hyperscalers, cloud providers, and enterprise clients.
OData CEO Ricardo Alário said of the upcoming facilities: “The addition of these new data centers in Colombia further solidifies OData’s position as a leading data center provider in the country as well as the broader Latin American region. By expanding our footprint in Colombia, we are creating new opportunities for businesses and reinforcing our commitment to the country’s digital development. Our state-of-the-art, sustainable data centers provide the ideal infrastructure for large-scale cloud and artificial intelligence workloads, positioning Colombia as an attractive destination for technology companies.”
The facilities will feature state-of-the-art technology and energy-efficient systems, aligning with ODATA’s commitment to sustainable development. By establishing a presence in Colombia, ODATA aims to drive regional digital transformation, offer scalable solutions, and meet the rising demand for data storage and processing across Latin America.
$4.8bn data center campus proposed in Walla Walla, Washington
A $4.8 billion data center campus has been proposed for Walla Walla, Washington, aiming to create a high-tech hub that will serve hyperscalers, cloud service providers, and enterprise clients. This campus, planned for phased construction, will include multiple data center facilities equipped with advanced technology and sustainable infrastructure.
Advance Phase is likely a shell company for one of the large hyperscalers. The Herald reports that Advance is described as “an American multinational technology company, engaged in e-commerce, cloud computing, online advertising, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence services.”
If approved, the project will generate substantial economic benefits, including job creation and increased tax revenue for the local community. The proposed data center campus underscores the growing demand for scalable data solutions and digital infrastructure in the United States.
Large data center and energy park approved near Cardiff in Wales
Aurum Group and DigitalNexus have formed a joint venture to develop a green data center project, aiming to provide sustainable digital infrastructure. The partnership will focus on creating data centers that use renewable energy sources, advanced cooling technologies, and energy-efficient designs to reduce carbon footprints.
Syed Natif Nawaz, CEO of Aurum Group, said: “The formation of AuNex marks a significant milestone in our mission to drive innovation in critical infrastructure. By leveraging our collective expertise, we’re poised to redefine the future of data centers globally.”
This initiative comes in response to the increasing demand for eco-friendly data solutions, as businesses and governments worldwide push for sustainability in tech infrastructure. The JV’s first project will be a facility that caters to enterprises and hyperscalers looking for environmentally responsible options for their data storage and processing needs.
Stack launches first Japanese data center in Tokyo
STACK Infrastructure has launched its inaugural data center in Tokyo, marking the company’s entry into Japan’s high-demand digital infrastructure market. Located strategically in Tokyo, the facility is tailored to serve hyperscale, cloud, and enterprise clients. It is equipped with cutting-edge technology to meet Japan’s stringent requirements for energy efficiency and seismic stability.
“Our new Tokyo campus exemplifies Stack’s dedication to supporting the rapid growth and reliability needs of our clients in one of the largest and most competitive markets in the Asia Pacific region,” said Preet Gona, CEO, Stack APAC. “This facility not only reinforces our APAC portfolio but also exemplifies our strategic vision and leadership in pioneering next-generation digital infrastructure solutions that are both scalable and sustainable.”
This data center signifies STACK’s commitment to expanding in Asia, where demand for data storage and cloud services is rapidly rising. The Tokyo facility strengthens STACK’s global portfolio and positions it as a competitive provider of advanced, resilient digital infrastructure in the region.
Keppel to develop 80MW data center campus in Taiwan
Keppel Corporation is developing an 80MW data center campus in Taiwan, catering to the nation’s burgeoning demand for digital services and infrastructure. The project aligns with Keppel’s sustainability goals, incorporating energy-efficient systems and renewable power options.
Christina Tan, CEO of fund management and CIO of Keppel, said: “We are excited to enter Taiwan’s flourishing data center market with an attractive investment at an opportune time amid the boom in the AI and semiconductor sectors. With the potential to scale up to 80MW, the Taiwan DC Campus bolsters our strategy to grow our portfolio of AI-ready hyperscale data center assets across Asia.
Frederic Devos, CEO of DDSP, added: “We are proud to announce DDSP’s first data center campus in Taiwan, in partnership with Keppel, a Tier 1 partner. This exciting collaboration highlights our shared commitment to decarbonization, and sustainable growth to benefit our customers.”
Strategically located, the facility is expected to serve hyperscalers, cloud service providers, and multinational corporations. This expansion underscores Keppel’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific region and meeting Taiwan’s increasing demand for scalable, secure, and environmentally responsible data center solutions.
Sabey completes first data center at Round Rock campus, Texas
Sabey Data Centers has completed its first data center at the Round Rock campus in Texas, which is part of a planned expansion to accommodate growing data demands. The facility is designed for flexibility, supporting both hyperscale clients and enterprise users with scalable options.
“With our new Round Rock campus, Sabey reinforces its position as an industry leader delivering world-class data center facilities,” said Rob Rockwood, president of Sabey Data Centers. “This investment in the Austin market provides enterprises and hyperscalers with sustainable, secure, and highly connected capacity to scale their digital operations.”
This state-of-the-art data center incorporates sustainable technology and high-security measures, reflecting Sabey’s commitment to eco-friendly infrastructure. By establishing a presence in Texas, Sabey is strategically positioned to meet regional demand for robust, efficient data services, supporting both local and national clients.
Blackstone’s data centre development pipeline exceeds $100bn
Blackstone’s data center development pipeline has exceeded $100 billion, making it one of the largest global investors in digital infrastructure. With projects spanning several regions, Blackstone aims to support the expanding demand for data storage, cloud services, and digital transformation.
The AirTrunk deal was the largest individual commitment.
“New commitments were concentrated in some of our favourite thematic neighbourhoods, including digital infrastructure; renewable energy and power solutions; and enterprise software,” Gray said.
Unsurprisingly, the intersection between its data centre and renewable energy investments is not lost on Blackstone.
“There is much more we’re doing and plan to do in this area, including addressing the [data centre] sector’s growing power needs, which we believe will create enormous additional opportunities for investment over time,” Schwarzman added.
The firm focuses on acquiring and developing energy-efficient, scalable data centers to cater to hyperscalers, enterprises, and cloud service providers. Blackstone’s expansive pipeline reflects its strategy to capitalize on the digital economy’s growth while addressing environmental concerns through sustainable practices in data center operations.
NEXTDC acquires new AUS$353M data centre site in Sydney
NEXTDC has acquired a new site in Sydney for AUS$353 million, marking a significant investment to expand its data center footprint. The site will house a large-scale facility designed to meet Australia’s increasing digital infrastructure needs.
The acquisition price for the S7 site is approximately AUS$353 million (roughly US$236.5 million), with the settlement expected to occur progressively throughout fiscal year 2025, contingent on meeting specific conditions outlined in the purchase agreement.
Pending development approval, the site is expected to support a data centre facility with a capacity of around 550 MW, in addition to serving as a hub for mission-critical operations, administrative offices, and collaborative spaces for customers.
Equipped with energy-efficient technology and offering flexible options for hyperscale clients, the facility aligns with NEXTDC’s commitment to sustainable growth. This acquisition enables NEXTDC to serve a growing customer base in Sydney, supporting digital transformation and offering advanced connectivity options in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
DTCP-backed Maincubes completes land purchase for new German data centre near Berlin
Maincubes, supported by DTCP, has completed the purchase of land near Berlin to establish a new data center. This expansion reflects Maincubes’ commitment to supporting Europe’s growing demand for digital infrastructure, especially in Germany.
Our new location in Nauen is an ideal step toward achieving this vision. Strategically situated near Berlin, which is quickly becoming Germany’s second major digital infrastructure hub alongside the Rhine-Main area, and well supported by regionally generated renewable energy, it aligns perfectly with our mission to create the smartest places for our digital future.”
The facility will cater to hyperscalers, cloud providers, and enterprise clients, emphasizing high security and energy efficiency. This project aligns with Maincubes’ strategy to build resilient, scalable, and environmentally friendly data centers, positioning it as a leading provider in the European digital infrastructure market.
Italy set to attract $3.3bn foreign data centre investment, Minister reveals
Italy is set to attract a $3.3 billion foreign investment in its data center sector, as revealed by the Minister of Digital Transformation. This investment will drive the development of digital infrastructure, meeting the rising demand for data services across Italy.
Industry analysts estimate that each gigawatt of data centre capacity requires approximately US$10 billion in capital expenditure. Based on this metric, the proposed US$33 billion investment could potentially result in the development of roughly 3GW of data centre capacity across Italy.
Whilst The Tech Capital has not been able to verify the minister’s comments, his announcement highlights Italy’s growing attractiveness as a hub for data centre investments, particularly due to its strategic location.
The government’s strategic focus on digitalization, combined with Italy’s central location in Europe, makes it an attractive destination for international investors. This influx of capital will enable the country to modernize its data infrastructure, foster economic growth, and support digital transformation initiatives nationwide.
$5bn data centre campus in the works for Walla Walla County in Washington State
A $5 billion data center campus is being developed in Walla Walla County, Washington, to meet the escalating demand for data infrastructure. The project will include multiple data centers, designed to support hyperscale clients, cloud providers, and enterprises.
According to a report, Advance Phase would have one year to close the deal and the port will be able to repurchase half the property for half the original sale price if construction does not commence in a suitable time frame.
Other data centre projects are also posited for the industrial park. A US$3 billion 100 acre site proposal was submitted in March 2023, and a 50-75 acre proposal with US$300-500 million of capex was received in September 2023.
With sustainable technology and advanced facilities, the campus is set to become a significant digital hub. This development will contribute to the local economy, creating jobs and enhancing the region’s technology landscape, while offering scalable data solutions for a wide range of industries in the U.S.