Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) has announced the closure of five older data centers as part of its strategic shift towards establishing greener, artificial intelligence (AI)-ready data centers under the new brand Nxera. Singtel’s move is driven by a partnership with U.S. tech giant Nvidia, a leading player in the market for chips used in AI applications.
Singtel’s Chief Executive of Nxera and the digital infraco unit, Bill Chang, highlighted the collaboration with Nvidia, aiming to position Singtel as the cloud partner for the Nasdaq-listed company in Southeast Asia. Nvidia specializes in designing and selling graphic processor units (GPU), crucial components of AI infrastructure that significantly accelerate computational processes for deep learning.
In the memorandum of understanding with Nvidia, Singtel will provide GPU clusters to its customers, offering GPU as a service to democratize AI for enterprises. Chang emphasized the plan to make expensive GPUs available for rent, all managed in purpose-built AI data centers.
Despite the power consumption and heat generation associated with AI GPUs, Chang outlined Singtel’s commitment to environmental friendliness. The new AI data centers will run up to 100 kilowatt (kW) per rack, a significant increase compared to the current industry norm of 8 to 12 kW per rack. This involves the closure of five older data centers with an average power usage effectiveness (PUE) of 1.8, relocating customers to the new AI data center in Tuas.
The upcoming 58-megawatt data center, DC Tuas, is expected to achieve a PUE of 1.23, among the lowest in the industry. Singtel plans to incorporate next-generation liquid cooled systems with a submarine cable landing station for enhanced efficiency.
Singtel’s data centers will be hyper-connected, integrating fixed, mobile, and subsea networks across the region. DC Tuas, for instance, will have direct landing points for at least five submarine cables, providing access to domestic and international connectivity providers.
Singtel is collaborating with partners such as Gulf Energy, Medco Power, Sembcorp, and TNB Renewables to leverage their renewable energy expertise, aligning with the goal to achieve operational net-zero emissions by 2028. The telecom company aims to develop a sustainable data center platform in collaboration with technology partners, including local enterprises, focusing on innovative cooling methods and water usage efficiency.