Data Center Investment News — 15/11/2024
Empyrion Digital makes first data center invesment in Thailand
Empyrion Digital, a next-gen digital infrastructure platform, has announced its first investment in Thailand with the development of a 12MW (IT Load) edge co-location data center in Bangkok. Named TH1, the facility will span 9,960 m² in Bang Na, Bangkok’s emerging connectivity hub, and will provide diverse fiber connectivity and proximity to key Internet Exchanges. Designed for AI and cloud computing needs, it will leverage advanced cooling technologies to achieve low PUE and WUE.
This project highlights Thailand’s growing importance in the CLMVT region (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand) and Bangkok’s position as Asia Pacific’s third-fastest-growing data center market. The country’s Cloud First policy, extensive 5G coverage, and robust power reserves further enhance its appeal for data center investments.
Scheduled for completion by Q1 2027, TH1 is Empyrion Digital’s fifth data center, following previous projects in Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, and Taipei. CEO Mark Fong emphasized the strategic importance of Thailand, noting the alignment with customer demands and the company’s growth-focused approach in Southeast Asia.
Iron Mountain acquires 66 acres outside Richmond for 200 MW data center campus
Iron Mountain has purchased 66 acres at 6110 Technology Creek Drive, within the White Oak Technology Park in Henrico County, Virginia, for just over $8 million. This newly acquired site is expected to house a data center campus capable of delivering over 200MW when fully developed, as announced during the company’s Q3 2024 earnings call.
Located along Elko Road, the property is adjacent to facilities from Bank of America and near the LL Flooring distribution center, recently sold to QTS for $104 million. The White Oak Technology Park also hosts data centers from Meta and QTS, with more developments underway.
Iron Mountain already operates a 142-acre campus in Manassas, Virginia, with up to nine planned facilities totaling 2 million square feet and 280MW. Five are operational, with two under development. This new Richmond site signals Iron Mountain’s ongoing commitment to expanding its presence in Virginia’s growing data center market.
South Africa’s Teraco Breaks Ground on 40MW Data Center in Johannesburg
Teraco has initiated the construction of a new 40MW data center in Johannesburg, South Africa. The facility will enhance Teraco’s capacity to serve the growing digital demands in Africa, driven by the adoption of cloud computing and digital transformation initiatives. As one of Africa’s leading colocation providers, Teraco aims to provide scalable, interconnected solutions that foster regional and international data traffic.
Jan Hnizdo, CEO at Teraco, said: “South Africa is a springboard for cloud provision into Africa and, as a result, has become the technology and data center hub for sub-Saharan Africa. Massive global investments into undersea cables, like Equiano and 2Africa, further strengthen this position. This will enable global cloud providers to service not only the South African market but also the rest of the sub-Saharan African region.”
This expansion will also improve access to cloud services, facilitating economic growth and innovation across the continent. The project reflects Teraco’s commitment to supporting Africa’s digital infrastructure evolution while meeting energy-efficient and sustainable construction standards.
Telekom Malaysia to Expand Data Centers in Cyberjaya and Johor
Telekom Malaysia has announced plans to expand its data center footprint with significant developments in Cyberjaya and Johor. This expansion aligns with Malaysia’s growing demand for digital infrastructure, fueled by increasing cloud adoption, e-commerce, and digital transformation initiatives. The new facilities will feature advanced technologies to ensure reliability, security, and energy efficiency.
Khairul Liza Ibrahim, TM Global’s EVP, said: “KVDC and IPDC are integral infrastructures in Malaysia’s digital ecosystem, serving as international gateways and interconnected points to support 5G networks. This second phase of our data center expansion will feature sustainable designs, boosting our capacity to support hyperscalers, OTT players, cloud, and next generation AI providers, as well as enterprises.”
Telekom Malaysia’s efforts aim to support both local and international businesses by enhancing digital connectivity and data processing capabilities. The expansion reaffirms the company’s position as a leader in Malaysia’s data center sector and contributes to the nation’s goal of becoming a regional digital hub.
South Korean Firm Magna PFV Finally Gets Green Light for Goyang City Data Center
After extensive regulatory reviews, South Korea’s Magna PFV has received approval to build a cutting-edge data center in Goyang City. The facility will leverage advanced technologies and prioritize energy efficiency, addressing the country’s surging demand for robust digital infrastructure.
Construction was scheduled to begin in the first half of this year, but was halted when residents began voicing concerns and claiming they had not been properly informed about the data center plans.
A legal review of the permit, with intent to cancel it, was issued through the city’s Emergency Response Committee. Almost 6,000 residents opposed the data center construction.
The center is expected to support AI, cloud services, and high-speed connectivity, boosting South Korea’s standing as a technology leader in the region. This project is part of Magna PFV’s broader strategy to enhance digital transformation and economic development. The approval also marks a milestone in ensuring that data centers comply with local regulations while promoting environmental sustainability.
Revised Gas-Powered 300MW Data Center Campus in the Works for Pittsylvania County, Virginia
Plans for a 300MW data center campus in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, are back on track with a revised proposal. The development will feature gas-powered backup systems and cutting-edge infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for hyperscale and enterprise data storage solutions. This project will provide significant economic benefits to the region, including job creation and increased tax revenues.
Irfan Ali, CEO of Balico, told DCD the revised site would initially host eight or nine data centers on a much smaller footprint, with the potential for expansion at a later date.
“Our first phase will be 300MW and we want to work with the community to show the benefits this development can deliver,” Ali said. “It will give residents the opportunity to see what we’re planning and how we’re going to minimize the impact of the data center on the surrounding area.”
The developers are committed to integrating environmentally friendly practices, focusing on energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. Once completed, the campus will enhance Virginia’s reputation as a global data center hub, providing critical infrastructure for expanding digital services.
DTCP Launches New Data Center Platform Greenscale
Digital Transformation Capital Partners (DTCP) has introduced GreenScale, a new data center platform focused on sustainability. GreenScale aims to develop state-of-the-art facilities with renewable energy integration and energy-efficient operations.
Thomas said: “GreenScale’s vision is to design, build, and operate over 1GW of capacity across Europe, enabling the industry transformation needed to provide AI, cloud, and high-performance compute environments to our customers in a sustainable way.”
By targeting key digital hubs worldwide, the platform seeks to cater to growing demand from enterprises and hyperscale providers for green data solutions. GreenScale’s launch highlights DTCP’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship in the digital infrastructure space. This initiative positions the company to address global sustainability challenges while meeting the needs of a rapidly evolving data-driven economy.
Tencent to Invest $500M for Data Center Development in Indonesia
Tencent has announced a $500 million investment to establish a state-of-the-art data center in Indonesia. This initiative aims to support the nation’s growing digital economy and provide robust infrastructure for cloud computing, gaming, and other digital services. The data center will cater to businesses in Southeast Asia, bolstering Tencent’s position in the region.
The $500m from Tencent will be invested by 2030 and will be used to deliver cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) services to the country.
Tencent currently has two data centers in Indonesia, both located in Jakarta.
The facility will emphasize energy efficiency and scalability, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals. This move is part of Tencent’s broader strategy to expand its global digital footprint and strengthen its presence in emerging markets.
Airtel’s Nxtra Plans 200MW Hyderabad Data Centers
Airtel’s Nxtra is set to develop 200MW data centers in Hyderabad to meet the increasing demand for cloud and data services in India. The facilities will support hyperscale, enterprise, and government clients, driving digital transformation in the region. These data centers will incorporate cutting-edge technologies, offering high efficiency and scalability.
“The Hyderabad data center should be ready in two years and reach full capacity in about five years,” said Ashish Arora, CEO of Nxtra by Airtel.
Airtel’s investment reflects its commitment to expanding India’s digital infrastructure, with a focus on sustainability by utilizing renewable energy sources. This project further strengthens Nxtra’s position as a leading data center provider in the Indian market.
Keppel Partner Aermont Acquires Spanish Data Center Firm Nabiax
Keppel Corporation and Aermont Capital have jointly acquired Nabiax, a prominent Spanish data center firm. This strategic move expands their footprint in the European digital infrastructure market. Nabiax operates several facilities across Spain and Latin America, catering to hyperscale clients and enterprises.
Jesús Olmos, founding partner and CEO of Asterion, said: “We are proud to have created – together with Telefónica – a company like Nabiax, that has allowed us to achieve differentiated returns for our institutional investors through the development of an industrial project that will enhance connectivity throughout Spain. We are convinced that Aermont is the right partner to continue supporting Nabiax in its growth story, aimed at creating essential infrastructure that drives digital transformation.”
The acquisition aligns with Keppel and Aermont’s growth strategy, leveraging Nabiax’s established presence to meet the increasing demand for data center services. This partnership underscores the growing investor interest in the European data center market, driven by the rising adoption of cloud services and AI technologies.
Lithuania’s Telecentras Launches Two Data Centers in Vilnius
Lithuanian telecom provider Telecentras has unveiled two new data centers in Vilnius, aiming to bolster the country’s digital infrastructure. The facilities are designed to support cloud computing, enterprise applications, and government digital services.
“The new data centers are energetically more than four times more efficient, compared to the average level of existing state servers. Due to their higher efficiency, they would allow savings of over 30 million kWh of electricity and reduce CO2 emissions by about 15 t/year,” added Telecentras manager, Remigijus Šeris.
Telecentras emphasizes high energy efficiency and robust security measures in its operations. This development reflects Lithuania’s commitment to becoming a regional technology hub, attracting international businesses and investors. The new data centers will enhance connectivity and scalability, contributing to the country’s digital transformation goals.
Ark Breaks Ground on Green Bay Data Center Expansion in Wisconsin
Ark Data Centers has commenced construction on an expansion project for its Green Bay facility in Wisconsin. The new development will add significant capacity to the existing infrastructure, catering to hyperscale and enterprise customers.
The company acquired land and a data center in the village of Harrison, just southeast of Appleton, from Kimberly-Clark late last year. It officially launched the facility in June.
This project underscores Ark’s commitment to providing scalable and energy-efficient solutions to meet the rising demand for digital infrastructure. The expansion will also create local job opportunities and contribute to the economic development of the region. Ark’s Green Bay facility is set to play a key role in supporting cloud and AI-driven services in the Midwest.
DataPrana Breaks Ground on Immersion Cooled Data Centre in Texas
Dataprana has initiated the construction of an innovative immersion-cooled data center in Texas. This facility will leverage cutting-edge cooling technology, significantly reducing energy consumption and improving operational efficiency.
Dataprana boasts that the cooling method maintains optimal hardware temperatures year-round and minimizes environmental impact. The company has also taken steps to reduce noise and pollution, with the hopes that the facility will be able to coexist in the community.
“Dataprana strives to go beyond the basics by creating a positive impact in our areas of operation, and this project is a reflection of that,” said Grusha.
Designed to cater to hyperscale and AI workloads, the data center aligns with Dataprana’s commitment to sustainable and scalable digital infrastructure. The immersion-cooling technology enhances performance while maintaining an eco-friendly footprint, setting a benchmark for future data center designs. This initiative highlights Texas’s growing role as a hub for advanced data infrastructure in the U.S.
HMC Capital Adds to Newly Launched Digital Infra REIT with $400M Acquisition
HMC Capital has expanded its recently launched Digital Infrastructure REIT with a $400 million acquisition. This strategic move underscores HMC’s commitment to growing its presence in the digital infrastructure space.
“What I seek is a leading colocation data centre platform with a high quality and diverse customer base across government, hyperscale and enterprise customers,” Di Pilla said.
The new assets will bolster the REIT’s capabilities in delivering high-quality services across cloud computing, data storage, and connectivity. With this acquisition, HMC aims to cater to the increasing demand for robust and scalable data infrastructure, driven by digital transformation and cloud adoption globally.
STC Invests $300 Million Expanding Bahrain’s Digital Infrastructure
Saudi Telecom Company (STC) has announced a $300 million investment to enhance Bahrain’s digital infrastructure. This expansion includes developing advanced data centers to support growing cloud and digital service demands in the region. STC aims to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a regional technology hub, boosting economic growth and innovation.
In addition to STC, 2Africa consortium members include Meta, Telecom Egypt, China Mobile International, MTN GlobalConnect, Orange, Vodafone, and the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC).
The new infrastructure will focus on scalability and energy efficiency, aligning with global sustainability goals. This investment reflects STC’s broader strategy to lead in the Gulf’s digital transformation efforts.
Hogan Lovells Advises Mainova Webhouse on €475 Million Data Center Financing
Hogan Lovells has advised Mainova Webhouse GmbH on securing €475 million in financing for data center projects in Frankfurt, Germany. This significant funding will facilitate the development of state-of-the-art data centers designed to meet the growing demands of digitalization and cloud computing.
The extensive financing process, intensively prepared since late 2023, involved negotiations with a variety of potential lenders. The financing is supported by a banking consortium consisting of ING Bank, Investec Bank Plc, KfW, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Kommunalkredit Austria AG, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, Norddeutsche Landesbank – Girozentrale, and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) Frankfurt Branch. KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH serves as both agent and security agent, with Rothschild & Co acting as financial advisor and Ashurst LLP acting as lenders’ legal advisers.
The projects are expected to bolster Frankfurt’s reputation as a leading European data center hub. The deal highlights the increasing importance of robust digital infrastructure to support technological innovation and economic growth across the region.