DataVolt, a Saudi developer, investor, and operator of data centers, has partnered with NEOM, the sustainable region to develop the first net-zero AI data center in Oxagon, northwest Saudi Arabia. The deal is a significant milestone in the region’s transformation into a data-driven, sustainable economy. The collaboration will build energy-efficient data centers that address global environmental issues in line with Saudi Arabia’s vision.
Phased Development and Massive Investment
The project will roll out in phases, starting with the first phase, which will receive a $5 billion investment. The initial phase, which consists of a cutting-edge 1.5-gigawatt unit, will be operational by 2028. To service the demand for data processing while minimizing its contribution to the environment, the factory will utilize energy-saving equipment and advanced computing.
A Growing Need for Sustainable Solutions
The IEA notes that data centers consume 1 to 1.3 percent of global electricity, with power demand rising due to AI growth. The rising energy consumption and carbon emissions highlight the urgent need for clean, sustainable solutions for the industry’s future.
Vishal Wanchoo, CEO of Oxagon said, “The Kingdom is at the forefront of the global energy transition. At Oxagon, we are accelerating a renewable energy industrial ecosystem that is set to power businesses with green energy and technology solutions.
He added, “The agreement with DataVolt highlights the potential impact of the sustainable infrastructure Oxagon offers its tenants and sets the foundations for the first green-AI workload to come on-stream in KSA along with the necessary computing power for regional and global impact.”
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As part of the agreement, Oxagon will provide the land and infrastructure support for the development of the facility. The data center also aims to run entirely on renewable energy, using advanced cooling technologies to achieve net zero emissions. This will help tackle the global challenges of power availability and the carbon footprint of traditional data centers.
Oxagon’s Red Sea location offers excellent access to subsea cables and fiber connectivity, ideal for DataVolt’s green AI factory. The region’s renewable energy, green hydrogen resources, and growing industrial ecosystem create the perfect environment for this sustainable data center.