Signing ceremony held at AirTrunk’s JHB1 data centre, marking another step towards AirTrunk’s renewable energy goals in Malaysia
Asia Pacific & Japan (APJ) hyperscale data centre specialist, AirTrunk, has signed an agreement with Pekat Solar to develop rooftop solar at its Johor Bahru (JHB1) campus. The project is AirTrunk’s first onsite renewable generation initiative in the region, further advancing the company’s progress towards its Net Zero by 2030 target.
The solar generation system at JHB1 will deliver 1 megawatt (MW) of renewable energy and is in addition to AirTrunk’s larger renewable virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA), the first for a data centre in Malaysia under Malaysia’s Corporate green Power Programme. Under the VPPA, AirTrunk as the offtaker will procure renewable energy from the 30MW solar farm that ib vogt is currently developing.
AirTrunk JHB1, which officially opened in July, incorporates energy efficiency throughout the data centre design including a design PUE of 1.15 and the first direct-to-chip liquid cooling technology, deployed alongside traditional indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) and high-density racks. The liquid cooling innovation reduces energy consumption by up to 23 per cent, enabling JHB1 to be AI-ready.
AirTrunk VP and Country Head, Malaysia, Pei Jet Lim acknowledged that the new rooftop solar system is one of the key steps in AirTrunk’s renewable energy progress in Malaysia, “AirTrunk is delivering shared value in Malaysia, enabling the growth of the digital economy, driving employment opportunities, supporting our communities and stewarding the sustainable use of water and energy. Along with the renewable VPPA, and reduced energy consumption through liquid cooling, the rooftop solar project supports the energy transition as we continue to grow in Malaysia.”
AirTrunk Energy Transition Director, Katherine Tjandra said: “Combined with larger-scale power purchase agreements, onsite generation is an essential part of the suite of solutions in AirTrunk’s renewable energy roadmap. We are embedding sustainability into our operational DNA by utilising available space on our campuses for solar power, reaffirming AirTrunk’s focus on developing and operating sustainable digital infrastructure.”
The project will be installed by Pekat Solar, one of Malaysia’s leading solar contractors in delivering renewable energy solutions across the country.
Pekat Solar’s Business Development Director, Liho Tee said “We are excited to partner with AirTrunk on this meaningful initiative and blending Pekat’s expertise in solar energy to enhance both the resilience and sustainability of the AirTrunk campus. This project not only underscores our shared commitment to driving the energy transition but also showcases how corporate action can contribute to a more sustainable future for Malaysia.”
Onsite renewable generation at AirTrunk JHB1 forms part of a broader program of work to meet AirTrunk’s decarbonisation goal and promote environmental stewardship across the entire AirTrunk platform.
ENDS