Faster, Greener, Stronger: The Green Data Centre Revolution

16 / 08 / 23 - 1 minute read

Green data centres sit at the intersection of the digitalisation and sustainability megatrends. Helping enable technological development, their rapid recent growth is unlikely to abate any time soon, with global demand for technology and connectivity trending inexorably upward and hastened by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, through a range of innovative measures, more energy efficient approaches to operating data centres help generate sustainable outcomes.

Under the waves near the shoreline of the Orkney Islands, a metallic cylinder that could be mistaken for a torpedo sits on the seabed. Meanwhile, row after row of server racks sit deep underground in a disused Norwegian mine; despite the heat they emit, the temperature remains cool thanks to the proximity of a nearby fjord. In Finland, households receive respite from the freezing winter due to heating generated as a waste by-product of technology hardware. While these scenes would not look out of place in a futuristic science fiction film, they all exist in the present day and represent a nascent, fascinating opportunity in infrastructure – the ‘green’ data centre.

For professional investors only.

 

Authors

Thomas Dutka

Justin Webb

Thomas Dutka

CFA Director, Investment Solutions

Thomas authors macroeconomic research covering current global financial and political developments, and infrastructure-specific research. He also contributes to strategic asset allocation processes, and portfolio construction and manager research with an emphasis on fixed interest, credit and cash. Prior to joining PATRIZIA, Thomas worked within the origination team of Macquarie Asset Management’s structured product division, developing complex, bespoke investment solutions for clients. He has also practised as a corporate lawyer at a leading Australian lawfirm. Thomas is a CFA Charterholder.

Thomas Dutka

Director Investment Solutions

Justin Webb

Managing Director Infrastructure Investment Solutions

Justin leads the Investment Solutions team, which is responsible for providing strategic advice and building investment strategies for institutional and government clients. Justin’s particular fields of expertise centred around developing and managing investment risk management strategies and developing alternative asset portfolio plans for institutional investors, focusing on liquidity and illiquid asset investment programs. Justin is a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors with extensive experience in infrastructure investment, corporate finance and financial modelling together with performance analysis, reporting and alternative asset management. Justin sits on PATRIZIA’s Listed and Unlisted Infrastructure Investment Committees and is member of PATRIZIA Infrastructure’s Valuation Committee.

Canberra, Australia

Justin Webb

Managing Director Infrastructure Investment Solutions