Data Center Investment News — 18/10/2024
AREA Group begins construction of 156-acre Malaysian data center campus
AREA Group has started building a 156-acre data center campus in Sedenak, Malaysia, as part of the Sedenak Digital Valley project, a key step toward bolstering Malaysia’s digital economy. The data center will support hyperscale clients and provide scalable infrastructure that allows for future expansion as demand for digital services grows.
This state-of-the-art facility will offer high-density computing capabilities, as well as connectivity and redundancy. AREA Group is focusing on implementing sustainable and green energy sources to power the campus, aligning with global trends for environmentally conscious IT infrastructure. The project also aims to position Malaysia as a crucial hub in the Asia-Pacific data center market, attracting international investment and boosting the country’s competitive edge.
Digital Edge launches data center in Seoul, South Korea
Digital Edge has launched a new data center in Seoul, South Korea, a facility designed to cater to hyperscalers, cloud service providers, and content delivery networks. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth within the Asia-Pacific region, as South Korea is seeing a surge in demand for advanced digital infrastructure.
Samuel Lee, Digital Edge CEO, said: “We are proud to partner with SK Ecoplant in the development of SEL2 to bring next generation digital infrastructure to Asia Pacific, and support the rapid rise of cloud and AI applications across South Korea. Seoul remains a key market within the region’s data center landscape and we are delighted to be able to continue to support the acceleration of its fast growing digital economy.”
The Seoul facility will support high-speed, low-latency connectivity, offering significant advantages to businesses operating in the region. Additionally, the data center incorporates energy-efficient cooling technologies, which align with global sustainability initiatives. Digital Edge’s new facility enhances its positioning in one of Asia’s most vibrant tech economies, helping meet rising digital and data service needs.
Damac’s Edgnex to develop 40MW data center in Madrid, Spain
Edgnex, a subsidiary of Damac Properties, is set to develop a 40MW data center in Madrid, Spain. The facility will serve as a key infrastructure piece for hyperscale and cloud providers as Spain’s demand for digital services continues to grow. This project aligns with Edgnex’s broader strategy of expanding its presence in Europe’s data center market.
Hussain Sajwani, founder of Damac Group, said: “We plan on investing €400 million ($435.8m) in our first 40MW investment in the Spanish data center space. Spain’s advanced connectivity, strategic location, and commitment to renewable energy make it an ideal hub for expanding our high-performance infrastructure.”
The Madrid data center will feature state-of-the-art technology and energy-efficient operations, ensuring minimal environmental impact. It will also provide robust connectivity to other European markets, enhancing Spain’s digital infrastructure and supporting businesses reliant on seamless data and cloud services.
Viettel aims to build 24 data centers in Vietnam by 2030
Viettel, Vietnam’s largest telecommunications company, has set ambitious plans to build 24 data centers across the country by 2030. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to transforming Vietnam into a regional digital hub.
Viettel Group’s chairman and general director Tao Duc Thang added that the company is seeking to create a large and advanced digital infrastructure to help “drive nationwide digital transformation.”
Viettel’s new facilities will provide advanced cloud computing and data storage services, addressing growing demand from government institutions, businesses, and hyperscale clients. The company also aims to leverage green energy solutions to minimize environmental impact. This project is a significant step in Vietnam’s digital transformation strategy, enabling the country to compete on a global scale and attract international technology investments.
80MW data center in Newham, East London, gets go-ahead
A new 80MW data center in Newham, East London, has received the green light for construction. This facility will play a key role in expanding the region’s digital infrastructure and addressing growing data storage and cloud service demands.
Matteo Colombo, managing director of digital infrastructure and asset management at Legal & General, said the company has a “positive legacy in Newham” through existing developments which has delivered homes, office space, and public facilities.
He said: “This data center signals our continued support for the Borough through the provision of catalytic capital to develop vital assets and boost productivity in this vibrant part of London.”
The data center will utilize cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, including renewable energy sources and advanced cooling systems, to reduce its environmental footprint. The project is expected to attract major cloud providers and hyperscalers, enhancing London’s status as a data center hub in Europe. This development marks a significant investment in the UK’s digital economy, boosting its global competitiveness.
Blackstone to develop 300MW data center campus in Aragon, Spain
Investment firm Blackstone has announced plans to develop a 300MW data center campus in Aragon, Spain. The project will serve hyperscalers and large enterprises, addressing the rising demand for cloud services across Europe. The campus will be constructed in phases, with the first phase expected to be completed in the next few years.
According to the Aragón newspaper, the data center will have electrical capacity of 300MW when fully operational. The company is set to operate the site through its QTS unit. “We are delighted with this announcement and to be able to work with the Government of Aragon and the rest of the parties involved in this project,” Blackstone said.
Blackstone’s investment underscores its commitment to expanding its data center footprint in strategic European markets. The Aragon facility will incorporate green energy solutions, in line with Spain’s sustainability goals, ensuring that the project supports both technological innovation and environmental responsibility.
Amazon acquires 118 acres outside Atlanta, Georgia
Amazon has acquired 118 acres of land outside Atlanta, Georgia, as part of its strategy to expand its data center footprint in the United States. The land will be used to build a new data center campus, further supporting Amazon’s cloud services division, Amazon Web Services (AWS).
The Atlanta location is strategic due to its proximity to major technology hubs and availability of renewable energy sources, which aligns with Amazon’s sustainability goals. This expansion reflects the continued growth of cloud computing and the increasing demand for data storage and processing capacity. Amazon’s investment highlights its commitment to scaling its infrastructure to meet the needs of global enterprises.
Aurum Group and DigitalNexus form green data center JV
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.
Empyrion Digital appoints former Flow Digital Infrastructure CEO as Chief Commercial Officer
Empyrion Digital, a company focused on sustainable digital infrastructure, has appointed the former CEO of Flow Digital Infrastructure as its Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). The new CCO will lead the company’s commercial strategy, overseeing expansion efforts in key markets and fostering relationships with hyperscalers and cloud providers.
Wang expressed her enthusiasm for the new role on LinkedIn, stating: “I am pleased to join Empyrion Digital family. Looking forward to working with such talented team and supporting shareholders Seraya Partners.” Prior to joining Empyrion Digital, Wang served as the CEO of Flow Digital Infrastructure from January 2022 until recently.
Empyrion Digital’s focus on sustainable data centers positions it well to meet the rising demand for green IT infrastructure, particularly as more businesses adopt environmentally conscious practices. The CCO’s appointment signals the company’s commitment to aggressive growth, aiming to leverage his expertise in building out scalable, eco-friendly data centers across Asia-Pacific.
Singapore REIT wants to turn UK’s DWP tech hub into an 80MW data center
A Singapore-based real estate investment trust (REIT) has proposed converting the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) tech hub into an 80MW data center. The plan aligns with growing demand for digital infrastructure in the UK, especially as the need for cloud computing and data services escalates.
Joshua Liaw, CEO of Elite UK REIT said the firm has identified several high-yield assets within portfolio for strategic repositioning, with Peel Park being one.
“We believe (Peel Park) has significant potential to be transformed into a cutting-edge data centre campus. Its strategic location offers low latency and reduced emissions, making it highly attractive to data centre operators and end-users,”
The site offers strategic advantages due to its proximity to London and existing technological framework. The conversion project would involve significant investment in modernizing the facility, ensuring it meets current and future data center standards. This move would further strengthen the UK’s data center ecosystem and provide critical infrastructure for tech companies operating in Europe.
US tech firm CloudHQ to invest $1.9bn in UK data centrer
CloudHQ, a US-based tech firm, has announced plans to invest $1.9 billion in a new data center in the UK. This facility will serve hyperscalers, large enterprises, and cloud service providers, catering to the growing demand for data storage and cloud computing services.
Peter Kyle, Science and Technology Secretary, said: “Tech leaders from all over the world are seeing Britain as the best place to invest with a thriving and stable market for data centres and AI development. Today’s drumbeat of investment is a vote of confidence in Britain and our approach to work with business to deliver sustained growth for all.”
The data center will feature advanced energy-efficient technologies and is expected to have a strong focus on sustainability, aligning with the company’s global green infrastructure initiatives. This significant investment highlights the UK’s growing importance as a digital hub in Europe and reflects the increasing global demand for scalable, environmentally friendly data center infrastructure.
European hyperscaler Apto Dromeus Capital Group to build €330m data centre in Athens
Apto Dromeus Capital Group, a European hyperscaler, is set to invest €330 million in a new data center in Athens, Greece. This facility will support the region’s growing demand for digital services, offering scalable infrastructure for cloud providers and large enterprises.
Russell Poole, CEO, Apto, said: “We are delighted to partner with Dromeus to develop a hyperscale data centre in Athens. With many hyperscalers already announcing their presence in the market, we believe Greece is well positioned to support the growth of the cloud and AI sector in Europe, bringing significant investment and job opportunities.”
The data center will incorporate cutting-edge technology, including energy-efficient cooling systems and renewable energy sources, making it a sustainable option for hyperscalers. Athens is becoming a strategic location for data centers due to its connectivity to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and this investment will boost Greece’s digital economy while creating numerous job opportunities.
Khazna Data Centers unveils new 100MW AI facility for Ajman, UAE
Khazna Data Centers has announced plans to develop a 100MW artificial intelligence (AI) data center in Ajman, UAE. This facility will be tailored to meet the needs of AI-driven applications and workloads, providing high-density computing power and specialized infrastructure for AI development.
Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, commented on the project.: “At Etihad Water and Electricity, we are proud to provide the critical energy solutions that power major innovations across the Northern Emirates,” he said.
“Supplying the AI-optimised data centre in Ajman with reliable and efficient electricity underscores our role in enabling advanced technology infrastructures that support the UAE’s strategic goals in digital and economic growth. Our commitment to sustainable energy practices is fundamental to our support of projects that drive the nation’s progress in the age of artificial intelligence.”
Khazna’s new data center will also use sustainable practices, leveraging green energy sources and energy-efficient cooling systems to minimize environmental impact. The UAE’s growing emphasis on AI technology and innovation positions this project as a significant milestone in the region’s digital transformation. The facility is expected to attract global AI companies and tech innovators.
Strategic Real Estate Partners plan 320-acre Atlanta data centre campus
Strategic Real Estate Partners has announced plans to build a massive 320-acre data center campus in Atlanta, Georgia. The project will accommodate hyperscalers and enterprise clients, providing scalable, high-performance computing infrastructure to meet the growing demand for cloud and data services.
In addition to developing its own commercial and industrial real estate, Strategic specialises in advising industrial property owners and users at local, national, and international levels across tenant representation, landlord representation, acquisitions and dispositions and site selection.
The Atlanta site offers key advantages, including access to renewable energy sources, robust connectivity, and proximity to major technology hubs in the US. The data center will also incorporate sustainable technologies, focusing on energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. This ambitious project reflects the increasing need for large-scale digital infrastructure to support the expanding global digital economy.
Crusoe Energy Systems, Blue Owl Capital partner in $3.4bn AI data centre venture
Crusoe Energy Systems and Blue Owl Capital have partnered in a $3.4 billion venture to develop AI-focused data centers. These facilities will be powered by surplus natural gas, converting otherwise wasted energy into sustainable infrastructure for AI workloads. The data centers will be specifically designed for AI computing needs, providing high-density servers, advanced cooling systems, and low-latency connectivity.
Chase Lochmiller, CEO and co-founder of Crusoe, said: “We have designed this data centre to enable the largest clusters of GPUs in the world that will drive new breakthroughs in AI. An investment of this magnitude from a leading, trusted asset manager like Blue Owl and Primary Digital Infrastructure is a reflection of Crusoe’s proven ability to meet growing demand for AI compute, and to power these workloads sustainably.”
This collaboration highlights a growing trend toward environmentally conscious data center solutions that align with global sustainability goals. Crusoe’s innovative approach to using flared gas for energy positions this partnership as a leader in green data center development, particularly in the AI sector.
DataBank raises $2 billion in equity to propel data centre growth
DataBank, a leading provider of data center services, has raised $2 billion in equity to support its growth plans. The funds will be used to expand DataBank’s portfolio of data centers across key markets in the United States and internationally.
Derek Chu, Head of American Real Assets at AustralianSuper comes at an exciting time in DataBank’s growth trajectory with “strong tailwinds across the sector, coupled with DataBank’s ambitious expansion program and diverse business base.”
“We’re delighted to be helping DataBank, and its experienced leadership team, capitalize on the unprecedented demand for cloud and AI infrastructure. DataBank will grow and further diversify our global digital infrastructure exposure, a sector we believe will help deliver sustainable, long-term performance for more than 3.4 million members,” Chu added.
This capital raise comes as demand for data storage and cloud services continues to rise, driven by digital transformation efforts across industries. DataBank’s expansion will focus on building out scalable, energy-efficient facilities that cater to hyperscalers, enterprises, and government clients. The investment will also enhance the company’s ability to integrate green technologies, ensuring sustainability remains a key focus.
GDS Holdings to build first Singapore data center
GDS Holdings, a Chinese data center operator, has announced plans to build its first data center in Singapore. This facility will cater to hyperscalers, cloud service providers, and large enterprises, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure in one of Asia’s most important digital hubs. GDS Holdings’ decision to enter the Singapore market comes as the demand for data storage and cloud services continues to grow across Southeast Asia.
he acquisition comes on the heels of GDS International being awarded new data center capacity by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Economic Development Board (EDB) under the Pilot Data Centre Call for Application (DC-CFA) initiative.
The new data center will feature advanced energy-efficient systems and is expected to comply with Singapore’s strict environmental and operational standards. This expansion marks a significant step in GDS’s international growth strategy, particularly in Asia.
European AI hyperscaler nScale appoints new COO and CFO
European AI hyperscaler nScale has made key leadership appointments by bringing in a new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). These strategic hires aim to drive the company’s next phase of growth, particularly in the AI sector, where nScale has been expanding its infrastructure.
Joshua Payne, CEO of Nscale, said: “Karl and Ron are joining our leadership team at a pivotal moment. Our team, infrastructure and partnerships have expanded rapidly as we continue to provide customers with unmatched access to sustainable, high-performance, and cost-effective AI compute.”
Havard, COO at Nscale, commented: “I’m excited to be part of Nscale’s mission to democratise AI compute through scalable, purpose-built AI infrastructure that has sustainability at its heart. Combining truly sustainable AI with European sovereignty and compliance is a unique and powerful offering.”
The new COO will oversee operational scaling efforts, while the CFO will focus on optimizing financial strategies to support this rapid growth. As AI adoption continues to accelerate globally, nScale’s data centers are expected to play a pivotal role in supporting high-performance computing workloads. These appointments signal the company’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team as it prepares for further expansion.
V.tal launches new data centre subsidiary with $1bn investment
V.tal, a Brazilian digital infrastructure provider, has announced the launch of a new data center subsidiary backed by a $1 billion investment. This subsidiary will focus on expanding V.tal’s data center operations, both in Brazil and across Latin America. The investment will be used to build new facilities that offer advanced infrastructure for cloud service providers, hyperscalers, and enterprise clients.
Pedro Henrique Fragoso, who will lead the new subsidiary as its CEO, said: “The data centre business is becoming increasingly strategic for V.tal, which has significant knowledge in investments and infrastructure projects. Considering that, we have decided to separate the unit. We have developed a robust plan for the construction of new edge and hyperscale data centres that will place us on a new level in this market.”
V.tal’s data centers will be designed to accommodate high-performance computing and AI workloads, incorporating cutting-edge technologies to meet growing demand. This move positions V.tal as a key player in Latin America’s data center market, addressing the region’s increasing need for scalable digital infrastructure.
NEXTDC plans 550MW data center campus in Sydney, Australia
Australian data center operator NEXTDC has unveiled plans for a massive 550MW data center campus in Sydney. The facility will be one of the largest in the region, designed to meet the needs of hyperscalers, cloud providers, and enterprise clients. NEXTDC’s new campus will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, including energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources to minimize environmental impact.
NextDC has six data centers in Sydney in operation or development totaling just under 500MW and 178,500 sqm (1.9 million sq ft). As well as S3 and S6 in Artarmon, NextDC operates three data centers (S1, S2, and S5) in Macquarie Park and one (S4) in Horsley Park.
The project reflects the growing demand for data storage and cloud services in Australia, as digital transformation accelerates across industries. This campus will significantly enhance Sydney’s position as a digital hub, offering critical infrastructure to support the region’s expanding technology sector.
Edged & Merlin break ground in Lisbon, Portugal
Edged Energy and Merlin Properties have broken ground on a new data center campus in Lisbon, Portugal. This project marks a significant investment in Portugal’s digital infrastructure, supporting the region’s growing demand for data storage and cloud services. The Lisbon campus will provide scalable solutions for hyperscalers and cloud service providers, with a strong focus on sustainability.
“Portugal has always been a key real estate market for Merlin, representing a significant part of our portfolio, with assets worth ca. €1.2 billion in offices, logistics, and shopping centers, to date,” said Merlin CEO Ismael Clemente. “The new asset class driving the growth of the company, data centers, will give Portugal significant protagonism. The country enjoys a superb location for sub-sea cable communications, robust electric grid, and an abundance of renewable energy, all in an investor-friendly environment, open to innovation and with very attractive economic fundamentals.”
The facility will utilize green energy sources and advanced cooling systems to minimize its environmental footprint. The project is expected to boost Lisbon’s position as a digital hub in Southern Europe, attracting global tech companies and promoting economic growth in the region.
Digital Realty partners with Ecolab on AI water solution for US data centers
Digital Realty has partnered with Ecolab to implement an AI-powered water management solution across its US data centers. The solution aims to optimize water usage, reducing waste and enhancing efficiency in cooling systems, which are critical for data center operations. By leveraging AI technology, the system will provide real-time insights into water consumption and offer recommendations for improvement.
“Collaborating with Ecolab on this AI-driven water conservation initiative aligns with our goals of improving water use efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. We’re excited about the potential of this solution to set a new standard in water conservation for data centers,” said Aaron Binkley, vice president of sustainability at Digital Realty.
This initiative aligns with Digital Realty’s broader sustainability goals, as the company seeks to minimize its environmental impact while meeting the growing demand for data services. The partnership with Ecolab underscores the importance of innovative water management in creating sustainable data centers.
e& and AWS opens three data centers in the Middle East
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has officially launched three new data centers in the Middle East, expanding its global cloud infrastructure network. These facilities will offer cloud computing services to businesses and governments across the region, supporting digital transformation initiatives and providing scalable infrastructure for AI, machine learning, and other advanced technologies.
e& group CEO, Hatem Dowidar, said: “This agreement with AWS demonstrates our shared long-term strategic goal to create an ecosystem that supports today’s digital needs and lays the foundation for future growth.
“We are enabling businesses across the region to lead in an AI-powered, data-driven economy. By investing in both critical infrastructure and talent development, we’re again supporting the region’s economy, digital resilience, and, most importantly, its people, who will be instrumental in realizing the UAE’s vision of becoming a world-leading digital powerhouse.”
The data centers will adhere to AWS’s high standards for security, performance, and sustainability, incorporating renewable energy and advanced cooling systems to minimize environmental impact. The launch of these data centers reflects AWS’s commitment to expanding its presence in emerging markets and supporting the growth of the digital economy in the Middle East.