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 or 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 Roadmap advances the work of the Digital Connectivity Blueprint launched in June 2023 that sets out Singapore's ambition for a future-ready and world class digital infrastructure. The Roadmap outlines Infocomm Media Development Authority's ("IMDA") plans to partner the industry to innovate and accelerate DCs' sustainability, while recognising that the pathways to be taken would be exploratory and require shared commitment. The Roadmap is therefore a living document and pioneers an ecosystem approach to push the boundaries to meet a sustainable digital future.
For more information, click here to read our Legal Update which 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.
