An upcoming data center being built in a picturesque Armenian gorge is set to be an eco-friendly marvel, utilizing the region’s naturally cool temperatures and local spring water to minimize its carbon footprint.
VSDATA, a prominent Eastern European technology firm, is gearing up to unveil its cutting-edge facility later this year, joining a wave of digital infrastructure companies leveraging unique climate conditions for efficient cooling.
Situated in a gorge within the South Caucasus region, where the air remains consistently 5°C cooler than surrounding areas, the data center’s strategic location will significantly reduce cooling expenses. With a capacity to accommodate 125 racks, the facility is scheduled to offer colocation services starting in 2026.
A spokesperson for VSDATA revealed, âWhile the company currently lacks clients, we are actively working towards attracting them,â as reported by SF.
Encouragingly, Armenia’s data center market has been on a rapid growth trajectory, buoyed by its favorable climate conditions and robust government and financial backing, as highlighted by a recent report.
By prioritizing sustainability, VSDATA is appealing to an industry grappling with the challenge of meeting energy demands responsibly. The adoption of natural cooling methods heralds a promising solution.
Shen Wang, principal analyst at Omdia, emphasized, âBalancing computational expansion with carbon reduction while simultaneously lowering operational costs is achievable. This isn’t just about being ‘green’. Embracing a low-carbon approach can yield substantial economic and social benefits for the data center sector, contributing significantly to global sustainable development.â
A Glimpse into Innovative Naturally Cooled Data Centers
While VSDATA’s state-of-the-art data center takes shape, several other projects worldwide harness unique climatic features to reduce their environmental impact.
True to its name, Green Mountain’s pioneering data center, SVG-RennesĂžy (also known as DC1-Stavanger), is a remarkable Tier III certified facility nestled within a former high-security NATO ammunition storage site nestled inside a mountain.
Similarly, Bluebird Fiber operates an subterranean data center in a limestone cavern in Springfield, Missouri, boasting enhanced security, environmental advantages, and optimized energy efficiency.
Noteworthy developments include the commencement of construction on a 5 MW data center housed within an active mine in the Italian Alps, showcasing the industry’s innovative strides towards sustainable practices.
