Singapore launches new criteria for new data centre projects

Singapore has developed into a digital infrastructure hub in the Asia Pacific region over the last decade

Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Economic Development Board (EDB) recently announced a programme for applications to build new facilities, reported Data Center Dynamics.

Singapore has developed into a digital infrastructure hub in the Asia Pacific region over the last decade. For a 278 sq mi city-state, it already has 60 data centres, each with a footprint greater than 357 MW. 

The sector consumed more than seven percent of Singapore’s electricity, causing IMDA to temporarily pause data centre development in the Lion City in 2019. During this time, no new developments were allowed. Existing projects, however, were completed.

On 23 June, experts talked about greening data centres at a private session organised by Eco-Business and Equinix.

More: Singapore tops Knight Frank’s list of green-rated cities in the Asia Pacific region

While data centres have prioritised raising energy efficiency and reducing power consumption in their efforts of becoming more sustainable, the increasing demand for internet usage and quick transactions make it difficult to keep up.

Panelists suggested that to reduce energy consumption and costs, data centers could work with clients to transfer less critical information off real-time servers. 

Moreover, Yee May Leong, managing director for South Asia at Equinix said there should be greater self-regulation in the industry. 

Esther An, chief sustainability officer of City Developments Limited, also added that new facilities could opt for more environmentally friendly alternatives if the collaboration starts at the planning stage.

The new criteria drawn up by IMDA and EDB, according to The Straits Times, require at least 1.3 power usage effectiveness (PUE).

Data centers with a PUE closer to 1 are more efficient. Data centers recently built have a PUE of about 1.35, and those in the process of being built now have a PUE below the 1.3.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].