On 30 May 2024, at the ATxSummit, Deputy Prime Minister Mr Heng Swee Keat launched the Green Data Centre (“DCs“) Roadmap (“Roadmap“) to guide digital sustainability and to chart green growth pathways for DCs. Under the Roadmap, at least 300 megawatts (“MW“) of additional DC capacity will be provided, with the possibility of achieving additional capacity through the use of green energy. The possible 300-and-more MW is expected to significantly add to the existing 1.4 gigawatts of computing capacity in Singapore, with an added emphasis on energy efficiency, use of green (low-carbon) energy and water usage targets, and an emphasis on industry partnerships as catalysts.
The challenge of managing DCs’ resource footprint, while a global one, is augmented within Singapore as a compact microcosm. The ability to expand DCs’ capacity in a sustainable manner will depend on the ability to make DCs green. Singapore, applying its advantage as a regional data centre hub and a dynamic international business hub, is taking the lead in crafting innovative strategies for the long-term sustainable growth of DCs through the Roadmap.
This Update highlights (i) the Roadmap’s key recommendations; (ii) the steps that players in the DC ecosystem should start implementing to achieve the energy efficiency and water usage targets that will become applicable over the next 10 years; and (iii) the Government grants and other assistance available to support the move to a sustainable digital future.
For more information, click here to read the full Legal Update.
