As data center construction continues to expand globally, Asia has emerged as a major hub driven by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud-based platforms, supportive government policies and widespread use of the Internet of Things (IoT).
However, the rapid growth of data centers raises important environmental concerns and presents the industry with a crucial question: How can we meet increasing demand in Asia while scaling responsibly?
Growing demand
As tech giants develop their AI solutions, data center construction is increasing rapidly in Asia, and with the rise of AI, driven by cloud-based platforms and digitalization, the need for secure and resilient data centers is increasing.
Asia offers new opportunities due to low land, energy and construction costs. Driven by the developing countries in the region, the continent also offers a dynamic and flexible landscape for data center companies to realize and learn from their potential.
While the cost of building data centers varies worldwide, typically between $9 million and $15 million per megawatt, Asia offers cheaper options with costs ranging from $8 million to $10 million.
Therefore, countries in Asia are eager to support data center construction as it stimulates economic growth, accelerates innovation and enables local companies to use high-performance computing.
However, this growth also poses risks to the environment and the community. Companies are challenged to ensure sustainability by implementing solutions for efficient energy consumption, effective thermal management and an integrated approach to the design, construction and operation of data center facilities.
Rapid growth poses risks to the environment
AI, particularly advanced forms such as deep learning, requires significant computing power and energy, posing a challenge for sustainability. The AI lifecycle, from training to inference, requires both significant and efficient energy consumption.
In old data centers, power is supplied via various local networks with low or medium voltage. Standby generators, transformers, load banks, and cooling system heat removal are typically located outside of buildings with underground fuel oil storage tanks. Generators were typically located on the ground floor or roof and provided sufficient power for IT equipment and cooling needs, while power distribution was low voltage with two separate circuits for each cabinet.
With the advent of AI installations, the demand for electricity has increased significantly. AI cabinets now require much higher power loads and densities, leading to more frequent use of dual high-voltage feeders and block distributions and reducing the number of cabinets per power block.
Data centers must adapt their energy infrastructure to accommodate groups of AI cabinets. The high utilization of AI processors in these clusters requires careful planning of the energy infrastructure as well as improvements to IT equipment to improve temperature tolerance.
Future-proof data centers
Asia, with its immense potential, is at the forefront of this revolution. AI is fundamentally changing the landscape and requires bold solutions for the planning, construction and operation of data centers.
As a global leader in this space, Mace supports efforts to rethink the way data centers are deployed in the region and make them more efficient, resilient and environmentally friendly through initiatives such as:
1. Integration of renewable energies: Using solar, wind and hydropower to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
2. Green building certifications: Pursuing LEED certification and other green building standards for sustainable construction practices.
3. Energy efficiency: Implement advanced cooling solutions such as liquid immersion cooling and direct-to-chip cooling to reduce energy consumption.
4. Water protection: Use of water-efficient cooling towers and closed cooling systems to minimize water consumption.
5. Recycling and waste reduction: Implement comprehensive recycling programs for e-waste and building materials.
However, achieving these sustainability initiatives and technological advancements will require significant changes in business practices and project management, including the following:
1. IInvestments in research and development: Increased funding for research and development to develop new cooling and power solutions.
2. Collaboration with stakeholders: Collaborate with governments, utilities and technology partners to create supportive ecosystems.
3. Training and development: Skilling the workforce to manage and operate advanced data center technologies.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all projects comply with local and international regulations for sustainability and efficiency.
5. Scalability and Flexibility: Designing data centers with modular components to enable scalability and adaptability to future technologies.
The critical aspects of project delivery cannot be achieved without diverse expertise combining project management, cost and business management, procurement, design and sustainability. Bringing in the right partner that seamlessly brings together global knowledge with local expertise ensures delivery meets demand and data centers thrive both now and in the future.