Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has inaugurated the world's largest solar-powered data centre, located in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and developed by Data Hub Integrated Solutions LLC.
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Guinness World Records recognises it as the largest solar-powered data centre in the world, with a capacity of more than 100 MW and an area of over 16,000 square meters. The opening ceremony saw Moro Hub sign contracts with significant technology clients and partners, including Huawei, Microsoft, Dell, and VMware. The initiative aligns with Dubai's Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Dubai Net Zero Emissions Strategy 2050.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director/CEO of Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, described the data centre as "yet another achievement that raises the UAE's profile as a leading global player in advancing sustainability and the green economy".
At the inaugural ceremony, Sheikh Hamdan received an update on various technological services while Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, applauded the project as a "bright sign in Dubai's journey towards a sustainable future that takes into account environmental needs".
Dubai's Moro Hub data center, located on the premises of a solar power plant owned by DEWA, was recently recognised as the largest solar-powered data center in the world. The Tier III facility boasts a 100 MW capacity and covers an area of 16,031 m2.
As per the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Dubai Net Zero Emissions Strategy 2050, the goal is to generate all energy using clean sources by 2050 while also reducing water and electricity consumption by 30% before 2030. The data center is designed for use by hyperscalers and is operated by Moro Hub, a subsidiary of the Digital DEWA branch.
Huawei was responsible for constructing the 100 MW data center, which became the second such facility in Dubai to run solely on solar power. However, the first one commissioned in October 2020 covers only 3,402 m2 with a capacity of 8.8 MW. Despite being the largest of its kind, the Moro Hub data center only takes into account the covered area, and there might soon be new rivals for this title since "green" solutions continue to gain popularity globally, especially in the data center market.
The Green Data Center in Dubai also prioritizes water conservation through the implementation of innovative practices. It utilizes advanced cooling technologies that require minimal water usage. These technologies include indirect evaporative cooling and economizers, which significantly reduce the amount of water needed for cooling purposes.
In addition to water conservation, the center focuses on reducing waste generation and promoting recycling efforts. It employs a comprehensive waste management system that includes sorting, composting, and recycling of various materials. By minimizing waste sent to landfills, the center contributes to the preservation of resources and reduces its environmental impact.
The center's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its operations. It actively engages with the local community and promotes awareness about environmental issues. It collaborates with organizations and educational institutions to conduct workshops, trainings, and campaigns on responsible data management and sustainable practices.
Furthermore, the Green Data Center in Dubai is designed to be scalable and adaptable to future technological advancements. It has the flexibility to accommodate increasing data storage demands while maintaining its commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability.
points about Dubai's Green Data Center:
1. Energy Efficiency: The center incorporates energy-efficient designs and technologies to minimize power consumption. This includes the use of energy-efficient servers, power management software, and optimized cooling systems. These measures result in significant energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.
2. LEED Certification: The Green Data Center in Dubai is designed and constructed to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards. LEED is a globally recognized green building certification program that evaluates the sustainability and environmental performance of buildings. Achieving LEED certification demonstrates the center's commitment to sustainability and its adherence to stringent green building practices.
3. Collaboration with Renewable Energy Providers: The center collaborates with renewable energy providers to ensure a constant supply of clean energy. By partnering with solar and wind energy companies, the center ensures that a significant portion of its power requirements comes from renewable sources, further reducing its carbon footprint.
4. Sustainable Materials: The construction and operation of the data center prioritize the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. From the building materials to the server racks and cabling, efforts are made to choose materials that have low environmental impact and can be recycled or reused at the end of their lifecycle.
5. Research and Development: The Green Data Center serves as a hub for research and development in sustainable data storage technologies. It partners with universities, technology companies, and research institutions to explore and implement innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
6. Government Support: The development and operation of the Green Data Center are supported by government initiatives and policies that promote sustainability. Dubai's government has placed a strong emphasis on transitioning to a greener economy, and the Green Data Center aligns with these goals, positioning Dubai as a leader in sustainable technology infrastructure.
Overall, Dubai's Green Data Center represents a significant step towards sustainable data storage solutions. Its emphasis on energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, waste management, and collaboration with stakeholders highlights its commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint.