In support of Malaysia’s aspiration to be the next regional hub for data centres, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has formed a strategic partnership with GDS IDC Services (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (GDS) through the provision of high voltage electricity supply to GDS’s first data centre campus in the country.
The collaboration, via an Electricity Supply Agreement (ESA), was sealed in October 2022. Under the ESA, TNB aims to fulfil the power requirement of GDS’s data centre campus at the Nusajaya Tech Park in Johor Bahru.
TNB has taken steps to enable the data centre to start operations in July 2023 through an interim supply of 16MW. Plans are underway to ensure the increased maximum demand of 85.5MW is delivered within 2023.
TNB President and Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Indera Ir. Baharin Din said, through its provision of power supply, TNB is complementing the government’s foreign investment-friendly policies to nurture a healthy data centre market and help the industry achieve its business objectives.
Speaking at the Signing Ceremony of the Supplemental Agreement to the ESA held at TNB Platinum, Bangsar on 21 March 2023, he said as the national utility corporation, TNB is fully committed in delivering timely and reliable electricity supply to the project within the agreed time frame.
The agreement was signed by TNB Chief Retail Officer, Kamal Arifin A. Rahman and GDS Chief Operating Officer, Jamie Khoo. The ceremony was witnessed by Ir. Baharin Din and GDS Founder, Chairman & CEO, William Wei Huang.
Noting that TNB and GDS shared common goals and ambitions towards a greener future, Baharin said, “We are confident that our collaboration with GDS has great potential to benefit both parties as well as Malaysians. In support of GDS’ aspiration of becoming the first data centre company to achieve carbon neutrality, with 100% use of renewable energy by 2030, TNB will extend its collaboration into the provision of smart energy solutions.”
He added that this collaboration “is one of many initiatives that is accelerating the growth of the nation’s digital economy, which is further driven by the increased usage of cloud-based services, IoT, big data analytics and the rapid pace of digitalisation in the region.”
William meanwhile said, “We are very delighted to deepen our relationship with TNB. With TNB’s unwavering commitment in providing reliable electricity supply to our data centre campus in Johor, GDS is well-positioned to offer world-class data centre services in the region, further strengthening Malaysia’s digital infrastructure and accelerating its digital transformation and growth.
“In addition, we look forward to the collaboration with TNB in the adoption of renewable energy as part of our sustainable development efforts, such as a smart green solution, including rooftop solar with GSPARX, connectivity solution with Allo, and new green technology with TNB Renewables.
“Through this strategic partnership, we believe we can make significant contributions to support Malaysia’s ambition in becoming a data centre hub and driving the regional digital economy. We are grateful for TNB’s support and strive to foster a fruitful partnership ahead.’’
In driving the nation’s energy transition, TNB is focused on providing sustainable energy solutions to nurture a conducive marketplace for both local and foreign investors. These initiatives are anchored on TNB’s aspiration of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
