PS Lee’s Post

My Take on Green Mark for Data Centres (GMDC) 2024: Advancing Sustainability The Green Mark for Data Centres (GMDC) 2024 framework, introduced by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Infocomm and Media Development Authority (IMDA) represents a major step in pushing data centres towards sustainable operations. As AI and cloud computing workloads increase, it’s vital that data centres meet rising demands while minimizing their environmental footprint. The updated framework tackles this challenge head-on, focusing on energy and water efficiency, carbon reduction, and advanced cooling solutions. 1. Stricter Power Usage Effectivenss (PUE) The new PUE thresholds—1.46 for GoldPLUS and 1.39 for Platinum certification at 25% IT load—are designed to drive energy optimization, even at partial loads where inefficiencies are common. These stricter standards align with the increasing power needs of AI workloads and ensure that cooling systems and energy usage remain efficient. 2. Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) For the first time, Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) has been introduced, with a focus on reducing water consumption in cooling operations. Data centres must achieve a WUE of 2.2 m³/MWh for partial credit and 2.0 m³/MWh for full credit. In water-scarce regions like Singapore, this shift is critical, pushing operators to optimize cooling systems and implement water recycling strategies. 3. Advanced Cooling Solutions The GMDC 2024 promotes innovative cooling solutions like immersion cooling and direct-to-chip cooling, essential for managing high heat densities in modern data centres. These technologies can significantly reduce both energy and water consumption, though their adoption may require significant upfront investment and expertise. 4. Carbon and Resilience The framework also emphasizes carbon footprint reduction, promoting the use of low-carbon materials and the tracking of greenhouse gas emissions. Resilience is supported through the use of efficient refrigerants and sustainable water management in cooling towers, ensuring long-term operational sustainability. 5. Intelligent Operations and Wellbeing Data centres are encouraged to adopt real-time monitoring systems to track energy and water usage continuously, ensuring efficiency. The framework also addresses employee wellbeing through improvements in air quality and biophilic design, highlighting the human element in sustainable data centre operations. Conclusion The GMDC 2024 sets a high standard for sustainability, balancing the operational growth of data centres with the need for responsible resource management. By promoting energy and water efficiency, advanced cooling technologies, and intelligent operations, it ensures that data centres are equipped to meet future challenges sustainably. #GreenMark #DataCentres #Sustainability #EnergyEfficiency #WaterEfficiency #CoolingSolutions #AIWorkloads #SingaporeDataCentres #ClimateAction

Criteria for Green Mark certification for data centres to be tighter from March 2025 Buildings seeking this certification will need to show higher levels of water energy as well, on top of energy efficiencymmary: The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) have announced stricter Green Mark certification criteria for data centres, effective from March 2025. These changes aim to enhance sustainability by tightening energy and water efficiency standards, in response to the growing energy demands from AI workloads. Key Updates to Green Mark Certification Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) Standards: Data centres must achieve a PUE of 1.46 at 25% IT load for Green Mark Gold Plus, down from 1.55. For Platinum certification, the PUE threshold is reduced to 1.39 from 1.5. PUE measures the ratio of total energy usage to the energy consumed by IT equipment, with lower values indicating higher efficiency. Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) Introduced: For the first time, data centres must meet specific water efficiency metrics, with a WUE target of ≤2.2 for half a point and ≤2.0 for a full point. This marks a shift from simply tracking water consumption to actively improving water efficiency. Cooling Innovations Required: Advanced cooling technologies like rear door heat exchangers, direct-to-chip cooling, and immersion cooling are recommended to meet these standards. These solutions are crucial as AI workloads increase server-rack densities, raising cooling demands. Certification Points System: Data centres will need to accumulate 40 points for Gold Plus and 50 points for Platinum, out of a maximum of 75. Industry Impact: These updates reinforce Singapore’s leadership in sustainable data centre operations, pushing the industry to adopt cutting-edge technologies to meet both energy and water efficiency goals. As AI and cloud computing grow, these standards will drive innovation and help reduce the environmental impact of data centres. Download GMDC 2024 here: https://lnkd.in/gzKBGsyt #GreenMark #Sustainability #DataCenters #EnergyEfficiency #WaterEfficiency #PUE #WUE #AIWorkloads #CoolingSolutions #SingaporeDataCenters #GreenDataCentre #ImmersionCooling #DirectToChipCooling #SustainableCooling #BCA #IMDA Jun Yuan Yong

Green Hydrogen Far Pricier Than Projected, Says New Harvard Research Summary: A recent study by Harvard University researchers, published in Joule, reveals that green hydrogen may be far more expensive than previously projected, particularly when factoring in storage and distribution costs. While green hydrogen has been touted as a key decarbonization solution, particularly for sectors like heavy industry and transportation, the study suggests that its economic viability may be more limited than expected. The authors, led by Roxana Shafiee, highlight that even if production costs decrease, the high costs of delivering green hydrogen—ranging from $500 to $1,250 per ton of CO2 abated—make it a prohibitively expensive solution for many sectors. This study underscores the importance of diversifying decarbonization strategies rather than solely relying on green hydrogen. Innovations in storage and distribution are crucial, but continued investment in other early-stage decarbonization technologies is essential for achieving a low-carbon future. Key highlights include: Green hydrogen’s current carbon abatement costs range from $500–1,250 per ton of CO2. Storage and distribution costs limit the economic competitiveness of green hydrogen. The study calls for broader investment in various decarbonization pathways, not just hydrogen. #GreenHydrogen #Decarbonization #CarbonAbatement #EnergyTransition #CleanEnergy #HydrogenEconomy #RenewableEnergy

Over Half of Singapore Firms Plan to Invest S$700,000 or More in Digital Sustainability Efforts Summary: A recent survey reveals that more than half of Singapore companies plan to invest at least S$700,000 in sustainability initiatives over the next two years, with digitalisation emerging as a top priority. Conducted between April and May 2024, the survey polled 500 business leaders from various industries, highlighting that 53% aim to adopt digital solutions such as AI-driven automation and carbon management tools to enhance resource efficiency. Compliance and commercial value are cited as equal drivers for sustainability efforts, with 37% motivated by regulatory requirements and the potential for long-term profitability. Other motivators include improving brand reputation (33%) and managing climate risks (32%). However, businesses still face challenges, with economic uncertainty (45%), budget constraints (41%), and lack of incentives (40%) being the primary barriers to further investment. Greenwashing concerns are also significant, with 73% of leaders worried about future accusations, and 49% having faced criticism already. #Sustainability #Digitalisation #ESG #GreenBusiness #AI #Singapore #CarbonManagement #SustainableInvestments #GreenTechnology #ClimateAction

Nvidia's Ian Buck Shares His Vision of the GPU Data Center Summary: Nvidia's VP of accelerated computing, Ian Buck, envisions a future where data centers are transformed into "AI factories." With Nvidia’s shift from focusing solely on chips to building integrated platforms, the next generation of GPUs, such as the Blackwell architecture, are designed for seamless integration with CPUs and NV Link for high-performance AI workloads. Nvidia’s approach marks a shift from traditional CPU-based infrastructure, with companies now accelerating their operations by swapping out CPUs for GPUs to handle growing AI demands. This transformation has been accelerated by Nvidia's platform-centric strategy, emphasizing AI-driven productivity and reshaping the data center landscape. Key innovations include the Blackwell GPU, with its 700W thermal design point (TDP) to fit seamlessly into existing Hopper infrastructures. However, larger GPUs, such as the NVL72, reaching 1,200W, necessitate liquid cooling to fully unlock their performance potential. Nvidia’s involvement in the US Department of Energy's Coolerchips program highlights the increasing need for advanced cooling solutions as GPUs become more powerful and data centers evolve into high-performance AI factories. #Nvidia #GPUs #AI #DataCenters #AIComputing #BlackwellGPU #LiquidCooling #TechInnovation #AcceleratedComputing #AIInfrastructure #DataCenterTransformation

2024 - A Turning Point for Foreign Investment in China’s Data Centre Industry Summary: In 2024, China introduced significant policy reforms that have begun opening up the data centre sector to foreign investment. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) launched pilot programs in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan, and Shenzhen to allow foreign entities to invest in internet data centre services under the Value-Added Telecommunication Services (VATS) classification. These new regulations represent a marked departure from the previous restrictions that prohibited foreign ownership in the data centre industry. Additionally, China has adjusted its data export regulations through the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). The newly implemented measures simplify the cross-border transfer of personal information and exempt smaller data exports from the rigorous security assessments mandated in earlier laws. These changes are expected to reduce compliance complexities, making China’s data centre market more attractive to foreign operators and fostering greater international collaboration. This liberalisation of both investment and data transfer policies in 2024 is positioning China as a more open and dynamic environment for foreign data centre operators looking to capitalise on the country's growing digital economy. #ChinaDataCenters #ForeignInvestment #DigitalEconomy #DataTransfer #VATS #DataRegulation #AI #CloudComputing #DataExport #InternationalBusiness #DataCentreExpansion #TechInnovation

Could AI Data Centers Actually Slow Climate Change? Summary: The surge in AI usage has led to massive growth in data center power consumption, which is projected to triple by 2030, consuming 11-12% of U.S. power. While data centers are heavily reliant on electricity—often from fossil fuels—the push toward nuclear power could offer a solution. Traditional nuclear power has faced challenges due to disasters like Chernobyl, while new technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) promise safer, quicker deployments. Tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are leading the charge in incorporating nuclear power into their data center operations. Microsoft has struck a deal to reopen the Three Mile Island plant, Google plans to build seven SMRs, and AWS is investing $500 million into nuclear projects, including SMRs in Virginia and Washington. If successful, these initiatives could drive wider adoption of SMRs and help curb the greenhouse gas emissions generated by data centers. As AI data centers continue to grow, they may ironically push forward cleaner energy solutions, potentially slowing climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. #AI #DataCenters #ClimateChange #NuclearEnergy #SMRs #Sustainability #GreenTech #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #TechInnovation #CarbonNeutral

Top 10 Global Data Centre Markets Summary: The global data centre market is rapidly growing, driven by technologies like AI, cloud computing, and the demand for scalable and sustainable solutions. Ranked by power consumption, these are the top 10 data centre markets: 1. Northern Virginia: The largest global market, benefiting from government proximity, strong fiber connectivity, and competitive power rates. 2. Beijing: A key hub for cloud providers, focusing on energy efficiency and adhering to strict regulations amidst China's digital transformation. 3. London: A major European-North American connectivity hub, rapidly expanding as part of the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure. 4. Singapore: Southeast Asia’s leading hub, known for its strategic location, energy efficiency, and strong regulatory framework. 5. Tokyo: A vital connectivity point between Asia and North America, with data centres designed for earthquake resistance and hyperscale development. 6. Frankfurt: A central European hub with a strong focus on sustainability and renewable-powered data centres. 7. Shanghai: Rapidly expanding as a financial and technology hub, emphasizing green technology and compliance with data localisation laws. 8. Sydney: A fast-growing APAC market, driven by cloud adoption and digital transformation, with a focus on sustainability. 9. Dallas: A central, low-risk location for scalable hyperscale solutions, benefiting from affordable power and strong connectivity. 10. Silicon Valley: A tech giant hub with innovative, energy-efficient solutions overcoming land and power constraints. #DataCenters #AI #CloudComputing #Sustainability #Hyperscale #EdgeComputing #GreenDataCenters #GlobalTech #DigitalInfrastructure #DataCenterExpansion

Amazon invests in nuclear SMR company, signs several SMR deals to power data centers Company to invest in X-energy, fund SMR deployment in Washington, and explore SMR use in Virginia with Dominion Summary: Amazon Web Services (AWS) has made significant investments in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to power its growing data center operations. AWS has signed agreements in Washington and Virginia, partnering with Energy Northwest and Dominion Energy, respectively. In Washington, the plan involves the construction of up to 960MW of nuclear capacity, with the first phase delivering 320MW by the early 2030s. In addition, Amazon has invested in X-energy, a key player in SMR technology, which will develop the reactors for these projects. These initiatives align with Amazon’s Climate Pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. AWS is also exploring SMR deployment near Dominion’s North Anna nuclear station in Virginia, potentially bringing 300MW of clean energy to the region. These efforts reflect a broader trend among major tech companies, such as Microsoft and Google, to leverage nuclear power for carbon-free energy to meet their operational demands. AWS's focus on SMRs showcases a push toward scalable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions as data center capacity continues to surge globally. Despite enthusiasm, SMRs remain a developing technology facing regulatory and operational hurdles. #AWS #NuclearEnergy #SMR #CleanEnergy #DataCenters #Sustainability #NetZero #EnergyTransition #ClimatePledge #CarbonFreeEnergy #TechInnovation

Southeast Asian energy transition stalling amid sparks of progress Summary: Southeast Asia’s energy transition faces a complex landscape of opportunities and obstacles, with progress hindered by a reliance on fossil fuels, insufficient investment, and regulatory challenges. Coal remains a dominant energy source, particularly in countries like Indonesia and Thailand, creating a significant roadblock to decarbonization. However, countries like Vietnam and the Philippines are emerging as leaders in renewable energy deployment, particularly in solar and wind sectors, where large-scale projects are beginning to take off. Despite these sparks of progress, financial constraints remain a persistent challenge. The region requires substantial investments to modernize its energy infrastructure and scale renewable energy capacity. Public-private partnerships are critical to bridging this gap, with international investors showing interest in ASEAN’s growing green energy market. However, a lack of cohesive policies across the region and varying degrees of government support for renewable projects make it difficult to achieve widespread progress. In addition to financial and regulatory barriers, the region faces technical challenges in integrating renewable energy into existing grids. Many countries have outdated energy infrastructure, making it difficult to accommodate the intermittent nature of solar and wind power. Cross-border energy cooperation could provide a solution by enhancing energy security and allowing for a more efficient distribution of renewable resources across national borders. To accelerate the energy transition, Southeast Asia will need to adopt a more coordinated approach. Stronger commitments from governments, combined with comprehensive energy policy reforms, will be essential to attract further investment and drive large-scale adoption of clean energy. A regional shift toward decarbonization could also benefit from collaboration with international organizations and global funding initiatives that support climate action. If Southeast Asia does not take more aggressive steps, it risks falling behind on its climate goals, particularly the region’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century. The stakes are high, as failure to transition to cleaner energy sources could have severe environmental and economic consequences, including rising energy costs, increased carbon emissions, and a reduced ability to compete in the global market. #EnergyTransition #SoutheastAsia #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #ASEAN #ClimateAction #GreenInvestment #NetZero #Decarbonization #EnergyPolicy #CoalPhaseOut #SolarPower #WindEnergy