Data Center Investment News — 24/05/2024
Czech firm Seznam.cz launches third data center in Prague
Seznam.cz, a leading Czech internet company, has inaugurated its third data center in Prague, enhancing its IT infrastructure capabilities. This new facility aims to support the company’s growing data needs, ensure better service reliability, and provide a robust platform for future technological advancements. The data center is equipped with cutting-edge technology, ensuring high energy efficiency and sustainability.
Vlastimil Pečinka, technical director at Seznam.cz, said: “We have managed to introduce several innovations here, which, for example, do not exist in Nagoya, which is only a year old. A significant novelty is that we omit the UPS and batteries on one power branch. In this way, we will fully rely on the redundancy of power sources in IT technology.”
It is strategically located to offer optimal connectivity and service to Seznam.cz’s vast user base. The development underscores Seznam.cz’s commitment to maintaining high service standards and fostering technological innovation in the region.
Rowan to Develop Two More Data Center Campuses at Quantum Loophole’s Maryland Site
Rowan, a prominent player in the data center industry, has announced plans to develop two additional data center campuses at Quantum Loophole’s expansive Maryland site. This development will significantly expand Rowan’s capacity to meet the increasing demand for data processing and storage solutions.
The company – previously known as Rowan Green Data – hasn’t shared planned specifications, but images suggest Project II, to the northeast of the original site, will span four buildings. Project III, located to the north of the original site and west of Project II, looks set to span three buildings.
The Maryland site is known for its strategic location and advanced infrastructure, making it an ideal choice for large-scale data center operations. These new campuses will incorporate state-of-the-art technology and sustainable practices, emphasizing energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. Rowan’s expansion reflects the growing importance of robust data infrastructure to support digital transformation and economic growth.
NTT Plans Another 12MW Data Center to JKT2 Campus in Jakarta, Indonesia
NTT, a global technology and business solutions provider, is set to expand its JKT2 campus in Jakarta, Indonesia, by adding a new 12MW data center. This expansion aims to address the burgeoning demand for digital services and cloud solutions in Southeast Asia. The new facility will leverage advanced technologies to deliver high-performance, reliable, and secure data services.
“The launch of the new JKT2A underscores our leadership position in the country, as we grow our global data center footprint to meet the increasing demand,” said Doug Adams, CEO and president, Global Data Centers, NTT Data. “We are ready to provide our clients with the flexible facility designs required to enable them to achieve their business objectives. As part of this, we are committed to delivering critical data capacity that supports the digital economy in Indonesia.”
It will also adhere to stringent environmental standards, ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability. NTT’s investment in Jakarta underscores its strategic focus on enhancing digital infrastructure in key emerging markets, supporting regional digital transformation initiatives.
Vantage Seals $750 Million Financing to Fund EMEA Data Center Roll-Out
Vantage Data Centers has secured $750 million in financing to support the expansion of its data center footprint across the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region. The funds will be used to accelerate the development of new data center facilities, enhancing Vantage’s capacity to meet the growing demand for digital infrastructure.
“With the unprecedented scale that we are seeing with high-performance computing, including AI, and digital transformation through cloud adoption, Vantage is well positioned to continue expanding our footprint with high-quality and sustainable data centers to keep pace with customer demand,” said Nick Haslehurst, CFO of Vantage Data Centers, EMEA.
This financial boost underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in key markets and providing scalable, high-performance data solutions. Vantage’s strategic roll-out will focus on state-of-the-art facilities designed for optimal efficiency and sustainability, catering to the evolving needs of enterprises in the EMEA region.
£3bn data center in Lincolnshire, UK, could support district heating system
Humber Tech Park in Lincolnshire, UK, is set to implement a district heating system as part of its sustainable development initiatives. This innovative system will utilize waste heat generated by the data centre operations to provide heating to nearby residential and commercial buildings.
The company is seeking permission to build a three million sq ft (278,000 sqm) facility which will offer 386MW across three buildings. It says these will be suitable for “training AI systems,” though does not go into detail on the type of hardware on offer. Alongside the data centers, a district heating unit could be constructed. This would be up to eight meters high, according to the application. In the planning documents, the developer states: “The development proposals could be designed in a way to capture and harness the heated air so that it could be used as part of a district heating network. This would be an additional but separate benefit for climate change and would assist in reducing carbon emissions in other ways.”
The project represents a significant step towards energy efficiency and carbon reduction, aligning with broader environmental goals. By repurposing waste heat, the tech park aims to enhance its sustainability credentials and contribute to the local community’s energy needs. This initiative highlights the potential for data centers to play a pivotal role in advancing green energy solutions.
20MW Data Center Planned in Prince George’s County, Maryland
Plans are underway for a new 20MW data center in Prince George’s County, Maryland. This development aims to bolster the region’s data infrastructure, providing advanced facilities to support the growing digital economy. The new data center will feature cutting-edge technology and robust security measures, ensuring high availability and reliability for its clients.
The company claims the site will have a PUE of 1.1 thanks to a proprietary cooling system. TPC says its HDAC system supplies dual-temperature chilled water for both air-cooled and liquid-cooled IT equipment.
TPC is led by CEO Brad Moore, who also leads data center investment firm Twin Palms Capital Group. TPC is a subsidiary of Twin Palms. The company seems to be working with real estate company Konterra Realty for the project.
It is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including job creation and increased investment in the local area. The project underscores the strategic importance of enhancing data center capacity to meet the rising demand for digital services and cloud computing.
African Development Bank to Build Data Center in the Republic of Congo
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced plans to construct a new data center in the Republic of Congo. This initiative is part of the AfDB’s broader strategy to enhance digital infrastructure across Africa, promoting economic development and technological innovation.
Michel Ngakala, coordinator of the Central Africa Fibre-Optic Backbone project, said: “Congo will soon be the only country in Central Africa to have its own data center. Ultimately, the video conferences we run here will no longer go through a server in Europe, America, or elsewhere, before coming back to us. Everything will happen right here.”
The data center will provide critical IT infrastructure to support local businesses and government operations, fostering greater connectivity and data security. This project aligns with the AfDB’s mission to drive inclusive growth and improve living standards across the continent by leveraging digital technologies. The facility will also emphasize energy efficiency and sustainability, contributing to the region’s environmental goals.
ST Digital to Build Three Data Centers in West Africa
ST Digital is set to develop three new data centers in West Africa, marking a significant expansion of its digital infrastructure in the region. These data centers will be located in strategic locations to maximize coverage and accessibility, supporting the burgeoning demand for digital services. Each facility will incorporate advanced technologies to ensure high performance, reliability, and security.
Anthony Same, group director general of ST Digital, said: “To provide local Internet access, we are building ISPs (Internet service providers) in each of our data centers. You won’t suffer submarine cable cuts if you host in our data center.” ST Digital said it is also on its final investment round to continue its expansion across Africa. The Cameroon-based company already provides cloud services in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Togo, Gabon, and Cote d’Ivoire.
ST Digital’s investment reflects its commitment to fostering digital transformation and economic growth in West Africa. The new data centers will also prioritize energy efficiency and sustainable practices, aligning with global environmental standards.
Nabiax Secures 10MW Deals for Data Center Campuses in Madrid
Nabiax, a leading data center operator, has secured deals amounting to 10MW for its campuses in Madrid. These agreements highlight Nabiax’s capacity to attract significant clients and provide robust data infrastructure solutions.
The company plans to invest €47 million ($51m) to complete the capacity expansion, which will take the company’s total installed capacity to 36MW. “We continue to provide quality service to all our customers and continue to expand our operations to consolidate our leading position in data centers nationwide, and our role as the partner of choice for hyperscalers in Spain,” said Emilio Diaz, CEO of Nabiax.
The new deals will enable Nabiax to expand its service offerings and enhance its position in the competitive data center market. The Madrid campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and designed for high efficiency and sustainability. This development underscores Nabiax’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for reliable and scalable data center services in Spain and beyond.
Meta Named as Company Behind 328-Acre Data Center in Davenport, Iowa
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has been identified as the firm behind the development of a massive 328-acre data center in Davenport, Iowa. This significant investment reflects Meta’s ongoing efforts to expand its data infrastructure to support its global operations. The new data center will be one of the largest in the region, featuring cutting-edge technology to ensure high performance and energy efficiency.
The project was subject to receiving financial support from the State of Iowa High Quality Jobs Program, administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The financial incentive for the state included the creation of 35 jobs and a minimum $800 million capital investment.
The project is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the local community, including job creation and increased economic activity. Meta’s investment underscores the critical role of data centers in supporting the company’s expansive digital ecosystem.
Prime Data Centers Expands into Spain, Plans Madrid Facility
Prime Data Centers is expanding its operations into Spain with plans to develop a new facility in Madrid. This strategic move aims to tap into the growing demand for data center services in Southern Europe. The Madrid facility will be designed to meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and sustainability.
“With 44MW of take-up in 2023, power challenges limiting FLAPD markets, and information governance mandating in-country data center presence, it is clear that Madrid is poised for strong growth over the foreseeable future,” said Nicholas Laag, founder and CEO of Prime Data Centers. “Alcobendas is an ideal location for Prime’s first data center in Madrid with an established ecosystem that offers easy access to fiber and experienced, skilled labor.”
Prime Data Centers’ expansion into Spain underscores its commitment to providing top-tier data infrastructure solutions in key international markets. The new facility will enhance connectivity and support digital transformation initiatives across the region, catering to a wide range of clients, including enterprises and cloud service providers.
Microsoft and G42 to Build Geothermal-Powered Data Center in Kenya
Microsoft and G42 have announced a partnership to build a geothermal-powered data center in Kenya. This innovative project aims to leverage Kenya’s geothermal resources to provide a sustainable and energy-efficient solution for data center operations. The facility will support Microsoft’s growing cloud services and digital infrastructure needs in Africa.
The data center will be powered by geothermal energy using heat naturally stored under the earth’s crust. The Olkaria region has abundant geothermal resources, and Kenya’s state-owned energy provider, Kenya Electricity Generating Company, operates four geothermal power plants in the region, with installed capacity of over 700MW.
By utilizing renewable energy, the data center will significantly reduce its carbon footprint, aligning with Microsoft’s commitment to environmental sustainability. This project highlights the potential for renewable energy sources to play a pivotal role in the future of data center development, promoting sustainable growth and technological advancement in the region.
Digital Edge Breaks Ground on Navi Mumbai Campus in India
Digital Edge, a leading data center solutions provider, has initiated construction on a new data center campus in Navi Mumbai, India. This project represents a significant investment in India’s digital infrastructure, aiming to support the region’s growing demand for cloud and data services.
Its current portfolio is comprised of more than a dozen data centers in construction or operation across the APAC region; including eight in Japan across Tokyo and Osaka; three in South Korea spanning Seoul, Busan, and Incheon; one in Manila, Philippines; and one in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Navi Mumbai campus will feature state-of-the-art facilities designed for high performance, scalability, and energy efficiency. Digital Edge’s expansion into India highlights the strategic importance of the Indian market in the global digital economy. The new campus is expected to provide robust support for enterprises and cloud service providers, fostering digital transformation and economic growth in the region.
Aligned Breaks Ground on Ohio Data Center Campus
Aligned has commenced construction on a new data center campus in Ohio, aiming to meet the rising demand for scalable and efficient data infrastructure. This facility will incorporate Aligned’s advanced cooling and power management technologies, ensuring high energy efficiency and operational reliability.
At full build-out, the campus will host four buildings. Aligned’s website says the NEO-01 data center will total 96MW across 200,000 sq ft (18,580 sqm). The facility will offer densities beyond 300 kW per rack via air-cooled, liquid-cooled, or hybrid cooling solutions – all within the same data hall – including Aligned’s Delta waterless heat rejection technology.
The Ohio campus is strategically located to provide optimal connectivity and service to clients across the Midwest. Aligned’s investment underscores its commitment to expanding its footprint in key markets and delivering high-performance data solutions. The project is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including job creation and enhanced digital infrastructure in the region.
Damacs Edgnex Plans 15MW Data Center in Jakarta, Indonesia
Damacs Edgnex is planning to develop a 15MW data center in Jakarta, Indonesia, expanding its presence in Southeast Asia. This new facility will address the increasing demand for digital services and cloud solutions in the region.
Hussain Sajwani, founder and chairman of Damac Group, said: “Edgenex identifies and invests in current and next-generation digital hubs. With this announcement, we are pleased to support the government’s efforts and bring our expertise in setting new standards for data centers in Southeast Asia, which will catalyze further technology innovation and growth across the region.”
The Jakarta data center will feature advanced technologies to ensure high performance, reliability, and security. It will also prioritize sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient designs and practices. Damacs Edgnex’s investment in Jakarta highlights its strategic focus on key emerging markets, aiming to support regional digital transformation and economic development.
Bulk to Double IT Capacity at Oslo Internet Exchange Facility in Norway
Bulk Infrastructure is set to double the IT capacity at its Oslo Internet Exchange (OS-IX) facility in Norway. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for data center services in the Nordic region, enhancing connectivity and data processing capabilities.
“We have designed the expansion of OS-IX with high-density workloads in mind, to be ready for both AI and HPC requirements, as well as more traditional data center services. Both AI, HPC, and traditional customers will benefit from OS-IX being Norway’s most connected data center, with a high number of global network operators present to help our customers execute their business,” said Rob Elder, chief commercial officer at Bulk.
The OS-IX facility is strategically located to provide low-latency connections to major European and global networks. Bulk’s investment underscores its commitment to providing high-performance, sustainable data infrastructure. The expansion will also incorporate advanced energy-efficient technologies, aligning with Bulk’s focus on sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of data center operations.
Soluna Secures $30M Funding for Texas Data Center Expansion
Soluna has secured $30 million in funding to expand its data center operations in Texas. This funding will enable Soluna to enhance its capacity to support high-performance computing and blockchain applications. The Texas facility will feature state-of-the-art technology and energy-efficient designs, ensuring optimal performance and sustainability.
“Spring Lane Capital has proven to be the company’s most strategic partner. We are honored to partner with them again on Project Dorothy 2. This continues our momentum of bringing more projects to shovel-ready status and beyond as we grow our assets under management,” said John Belizaire, CEO of Soluna.
Soluna’s expansion is driven by the increasing demand for robust and scalable data infrastructure, particularly in the tech and cryptocurrency sectors. The project is expected to bring economic benefits to the local area, including job creation and increased investment in the region’s digital economy.