Data Center Investment News — 22/11/2024
Rowan Digital Appoints Charley Daitch as CEO
Rowan Digital has appointed Charley Daitch as its new CEO, marking a pivotal step in its growth trajectory. With extensive experience in the data center and technology sectors, Daitch is tasked with steering the company through a period of rapid expansion. His leadership will focus on driving innovation, exploring new markets, and enhancing Rowan Digital’s competitive edge in the evolving data center landscape.
“I am truly fortunate to step into the CEO role having spent the last 12 months working closely with amazing teams across Rowan and with our growing customer base,” Daitch said. “I am grateful for John’s leadership to date and look forward to guiding Rowan on its future path of growth and innovation. Rowan has developed a compelling product solution for hyperscale operators and built a culture rooted in a commitment to excellence and complete customer focus.”
This strategic appointment aligns with the company’s vision to capitalize on emerging trends like hyperscale and edge computing, as well as sustainable infrastructure development.
Pure Data Centres and Dune Vaults Team Up for Hyperscale Data Centers in Saudi Arabia
Pure Data Centres has partnered with Dune Vaults to establish hyperscale data centers in Saudi Arabia, catering to the region’s increasing digital infrastructure needs. This collaboration aims to create facilities that provide secure, scalable, and sustainable solutions to hyperscale and enterprise clients.
Faisal AlRahbiny, founder and MD of Dune Vaults, said: “We are dedicated to establishing over 1GW of sustainable data center capacity in Saudi Arabia, aligning with market demand estimates and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 digital transformation goals. Through our strategic partnership with Pure DC, we are bringing advanced data center solutions to meet the needs of global hyperscalers whose presence in the Kingdom will accelerate digitization and economic growth.”
With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative emphasizing digital transformation, the partnership positions itself to meet the demand for advanced technological infrastructure. These data centers will enhance cloud adoption, AI integration, and regional connectivity. The alliance underlines Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a prominent player in the global digital economy, creating growth opportunities for both companies.
Data4 Breaks Ground on Greek Data Center Outside Athens
DATA4 has commenced construction on its new data center near Athens, Greece, signifying its expansion into the southeastern European market. The facility is designed to support increasing digitalization and cloud adoption across Greece and neighboring countries. With a focus on sustainability, the data center will feature energy-efficient designs and leverage renewable energy sources to minimize environmental impact.
The company announced plans for a 90MW campus in September. The €300 million ($331m) AT1 site is sat on 7.5 hectares. The first of the two buildings is due to go live in early 2027.
The project aligns with DATA4’s European growth strategy, targeting underserved markets to drive connectivity and economic development. Once operational, the data center will cater to hyperscale, enterprise, and government clients, facilitating digital transformation and regional innovation.
EZDITEK Breaks Ground on 24MW Data Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
EZDITEK has officially started the construction of a 24MW data center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a move that underscores the country’s commitment to digital transformation under Vision 2030. The facility will provide infrastructure tailored for hyperscale, enterprise, and government clients, supporting cloud, AI, and edge computing applications.
“As one of the most vastly developing and transforming cities in the world, Riyadh provides a natural hub for digital transformation. It is the heart of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) rapidly expanding technology sector, and this makes it the perfect location for our flagship data center,” said Ibrahim Almulhim, CEO at Ezditek. “We’re matching experience with delivery across the kingdom. Breaking ground on RUH01 marks a critical milestone in our mission to make it simple and efficient for organizations to grow their local presence in the KSA.”
Designed with sustainability in mind, the data center will implement energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy integration. This project highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global data center market and its ambition to become a technology leader in the Middle East. The initiative is expected to boost local economic development and technological innovation.
Cologix Buys Land in Ohio for 800MW Campus
Cologix has acquired a significant parcel of land in Ohio to develop an 800MW data center campus, one of its largest projects to date. This strategic investment underscores Cologix’s commitment to meeting the surging demand for digital infrastructure in North America.
“As the largest provider of colocation and interconnection solutions in Columbus, we are thrilled to deepen our investment in Central Ohio,” said Laura Ortman, CEO of Cologix. “This new eight-data-center campus is more than an expansion—it’s a testament of our commitment to high-capacity, resilient digital infrastructure that not only meets but anticipates our customers’ evolving requirements.”
The new campus will support hyperscale clients, cloud service providers, and enterprise customers, offering scalable and energy-efficient solutions. Designed with sustainability as a core principle, the facility will utilize advanced cooling systems and renewable energy sources. The project aligns with Ohio’s growing reputation as a prime location for data centers due to its connectivity and affordable power.
CleanArc to Develop 600MW Campus in Caroline County, Virginia
CleanArc is planning to construct a massive 600MW data center campus in Caroline County, Virginia, further solidifying the state’s reputation as a global data center hub. The project will cater to hyperscale and enterprise clients, emphasizing sustainable practices like renewable energy integration and efficient cooling systems.
Led by Vantage Data Centers founder Jim Trout, CleanArc aims to develop hyperscale data center campuses delivering 300MW+, and spanning 200-700-acres. The company had previously mentioned a 600MW, 650-acre campus in Virginia somewhere along Interstate 95 between Ashburn and Richmond, without providing much more detail. Caroline County, located south of Fredericksburg and North of Richmond, hasn’t traditionally hosted many data centers. But as developers and operators scramble for capacity amid the AI boom, several projects are potentially coming to the area.
This development highlights Virginia’s continued appeal as a prime location for data centers due to its robust connectivity, energy infrastructure, and supportive policies. The campus is expected to create substantial economic benefits for the local community through job creation and infrastructure investments, aligning with CleanArc’s mission to support the digital economy sustainably.
Yondr Group Launches Data Center in Northern Virginia
Yondr Group has launched a new data center in Northern Virginia, reinforcing the region’s status as a leading data center hub. The facility is part of Yondr’s strategy to expand its global footprint and cater to growing demand from hyperscale clients and enterprises. With a focus on sustainability, the data center incorporates energy-efficient designs and renewable energy solutions to minimize its carbon footprint.
A further 240MW is planned at a parcel adjacent to the site which will be part of the same Yondr campus. In total, Yondr’s Loudoun County campus will reach 336MW of IT capacity. The data center uses a closed-loop cooling design to reduce reliance on local water supplies which will help Yondr meet its goal of achieving net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
The launch reflects Yondr’s commitment to delivering high-performance, scalable infrastructure that supports digital transformation. This expansion also positions the company to tap into the lucrative North American market, driving growth and innovation.
Colt DCS, RMZ Form $1.8 Billion Indian Data Centre JV
Colt Data Centre Services (DCS) and RMZ Corp have joined forces to establish a $1.8 billion joint venture to develop data centers in India. The collaboration aims to build state-of-the-art facilities catering to hyperscale clients and enterprises, addressing the country’s burgeoning demand for digital infrastructure.
“In terms of our expansion, India remains a strategic country of focus and key in terms of delivering against our aggressive growth strategy. The partnership with RMZ will provide the opportunity to further accelerate and execute our ambitious plans,” said Niclas Sanfridsson, Colt DCS’ CEO.
The JV’s projects will focus on sustainable and energy-efficient solutions, leveraging India’s growing cloud adoption and digital transformation. This partnership underscores India’s emerging role as a key player in the global data center market, attracting international investments and fostering technological advancements.
Ferrovial Taps Data Centre Veteran to Lead Digital Infrastructure Push as CEO
Ferrovial has appointed an industry veteran to spearhead its digital infrastructure initiatives as the new CEO. With a robust background in data center operations and technology leadership, the executive is expected to drive the company’s strategic expansion into the rapidly growing digital infrastructure sector.
Ignacio Madridejos, CEO of Ferrovial, said: “Ferrovial brings distinctive expertise in complex data center construction projects. Our proven track record of engineering excellence and value creation positions us well to expand our role as a global investor and developer of digital infrastructure. We welcome András’s leadership in driving our continued success and innovation in this strategic area.”
This move aligns with Ferrovial’s broader vision to diversify its portfolio and capitalize on the increasing demand for cloud and digital services globally. The new leadership is likely to focus on innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships to establish a strong foothold in the competitive market.
Core Scientific, CoreWeave, Port Muskogee Break Ground on 100MW Data Centre
Core Scientific and CoreWeave have started construction on a new 100MW data center in Port Muskogee, Oklahoma. This facility is part of a strategic collaboration to address the growing demands of high-performance computing, including AI and blockchain applications. Designed with sustainability in mind, the data center will incorporate cutting-edge technologies for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
“This cutting-edge project was made possible thanks to the foresight demonstrated by Port Muskogee’s team, Mayor Patrick Cale, and the state of Oklahoma. Their support and determination make Muskogee a focal point for one of the most important and dynamic technology developments in modern times, creating an economic and job creation engine for the region. We look forward to serving as a contributing member of the local community for years to come.”
The project is expected to significantly contribute to the local economy by creating jobs and boosting technological infrastructure. This investment reinforces both companies’ commitment to scaling their capabilities in the competitive data center industry.
Stream Data Centers Taps Ex-Microsoft Executive to Lead Strategic Expansion
Stream Data Centers has appointed a former Microsoft executive to oversee its strategic growth and expansion efforts. The new hire brings deep expertise in technology operations and global market strategies, which will be instrumental in enhancing Stream’s footprint in the hyperscale and enterprise data center sectors.
Michael Lahoud, Co-Managing Partner at Stream Data Centers, added: “We are thrilled to be working with AJ in his dual roles. His extensive experience in site acquisition and development makes him an invaluable addition to our team. His proven track record in the industry and innovative approach to location strategy will significantly enhance our ability to meet our clients’ needs.”
The appointment reflects the company’s focus on innovation, customer-centric solutions, and sustainability. Stream Data Centers aims to strengthen its position as a leader in the industry by leveraging the executive’s experience in scaling large infrastructure projects and fostering technological advancements.
Equinix Announces Its Highly Sustainable SG6 Data Center
Equinix has unveiled plans for its SG6 data center in Singapore, designed with sustainability as a core priority. The facility will incorporate cutting-edge energy-efficient technologies, including innovative cooling systems and renewable energy integration, to minimize its carbon footprint. SG6 aims to meet the growing demand for data infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region while aligning with global sustainability goals.
SG6 will also feature a green facade, a roof garden, and naturally ventilated corridors. Notably, it will have both horizontal and vertical solar panels rated at 800kW peak, making it only the second data center in Singapore to use vertical solar panels, an emerging technology.
“Where we could, we really stretched the boundaries. Instead of just a concrete block [for servers], we made sure that it was a building that represented, in all its genuine makeup, a sustainable-looking building as well,” explained Leong.
The data center will support hyperscale and enterprise customers, offering advanced connectivity and scalability. This launch underscores Equinix’s commitment to leading the industry in sustainable practices and addressing the environmental challenges of data center operations.