Thursday, June 20, 2024 12:01 p.m
London’s Royal Docks in Newham is to house a new data center to power the capital’s growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI).
Ada Infrastructure, the data center arm of GLP Capital Partners (GCP), has been granted planning permission by Newham’s Strategic Development Board to build a data center campus in London’s Royal Docks, near the Excel Centre.
The 210 megawatt Docklands data center will be one of the largest in the capital and will include three 70 megawatt buildings and a community multi-purpose facility that will deliver job training programmes.
“This new data center development embodies our commitment to driving positive change through the use of sustainable technologies and materials, an extensive environmental, health and safety program, and continued investment in the communities in which we work and live,” said Jennifer Weitzel, president of Ada Infrastructure.
The approval comes on the heels of Labour’s technology manifesto, published last week, which includes the classification of data centers as nationally significant infrastructure projects. Labor is seeking to address the current shortage and meet growing demand for cloud computing and AI through planning reforms.
Weitzel added: “In addition to working with local partners to provide job training and employment opportunities, the future-ready project, including energy-efficient systems, clean positive landscaping and rigorous physical and cyber security protocols, will set new standards for safe and sustainable development in the age of AI.” “
The data center will use energy solutions such as air and liquid cooling systems that do not rely on large amounts of water and low-carbon building materials. The campus will also be integrated with a district heating system for more efficient energy use.
It was designed to support large-scale AI applications and meet the power and cooling requirements of increasing AI workloads from enterprises in the city.
Robert De Jong, Director of the Royal Docks Center for Sustainability, said: “We are delighted to see significant improvements in the public realm, which will greatly benefit those who live, work and study in the local area, as a result of the new data campus.
“These designs are highly sustainable, in line with [University of East London’s] intrinsic values and evolved to improve design and architectural approach as well as improve access to public space,” he added.
The plans include improved pedestrian and cycle paths along the River Thames.
Nick Cook, President of GCP Europe, said: “We are delighted to see our vision for a large data center come to life in Docklands. We will continue to use our significant footprint across Europe to support the growth of our data center and clean energy strategies.”