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S’pore to trial cost-efficient tropical data centre

SINGAPORE — Data centres that can function under “tropical” conditions could soon be a reality, promising cost savings and greater eco-friendliness.

Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim at the Ministerial Forum on ICT on May 30, 2016. Photo: Toh Ee Ming

Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim at the Ministerial Forum on ICT on May 30, 2016. Photo: Toh Ee Ming

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SINGAPORE — Data centres that can function under “tropical” conditions could soon be a reality, promising cost savings and greater eco-friendliness.

Unlike traditional data centres, where servers must be kept cooled in a controlled environment of between 20°C and 25°C, and 50 and 60 per cent relative ambient humidity, a new data centre that can operate in temperatures of up to 38°C and humidity levels of at least 90 per cent will be set up for trials by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) by September. If successful, the tropical data centre, which is part of efforts to explore green technologies under Singapore’s Smart Nation Drive and which will be tested at a Keppel facility, could reduce energy consumption by up to 40 per cent, IDA estimates.

Running with simulated server loads, these servers will also be tested on how well they handle sudden peak surges or large data transfers between networks and storage devices. Tests on how they respond in various temperature and humidity levels would also be conducted.

Details of this trial were given on Monday (May 30) when Communications and Information Minister Yaacob Ibrahim spoke at the Ministerial Forum on ICT. “If successful ... not only will it expand the geographical limitation of siting data centres, it would also cut back on the existing energy requirements for the running of such centres,” he said.

In 2012, data centres accounted for 7 per cent of Singapore’s total energy demand and the number is projected to rise to 12 per cent by 2030.

During an annual industry briefing where the Government shared its ICT strategies last week, IDA managing director Jacqueline Poh said more data centres will be needed to support various Smart Nation initiatives, with at least a 25 per cent increase in utilisation expected.  

Separately, Dr Yaacob said on Monday that Singapore will be one of the first countries in the world to impose minimum standards for 4G mobile services, in line with the “growing usage and expectations of 4G connectivity services”. More details of the Quality of Service framework for 4G mobile services will be announced on Tuesday.

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