Regional, Blog
Green Transition: Data Centre Resilience in Southeast Asia
19 June 2025
Green Energy Potential in Southeast Asia
Countries in Southeast Asia evaluate their green energy potential through technical studies, strategic policy roadmaps, and targeted investments, each reflecting their unique geographic and economic circumstances.
Singapore: Pioneering the Green Charge
Singapore stands at the forefront of renewable energy adoption, with a primary focus on solar power. With a technical potential of up to 8.6 GWp by 2050, this renewable source could meet about 10% of projected electricity demand.
Key initiatives include:
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- The Green Plan 2030 aims to triple solar capacity to 2 GWp by 2030 and increase renewable energy's share in the power mix to 40% by 2035.
- Investments in a regional power grid and renewable energy imports from neighbouring countries, targeting up to 16 GW of imports by 2045 from Indonesia, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
A notable example is the Tuas Nexus project, which integrates waste and water management with renewable energy production, showcasing Singapore’s commitment to sustainability.
Further Reading:
- Energy Tracker Asia: Renewable Energy in Singapore: Sources, Plan and Strategy
- EMBER: Regional grids key to Singapore’s energy future
Malaysia: Harnessing Abundant Renewable Resources
Malaysia's green energy strategy is driven by comprehensive frameworks like the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap (MyRER). These frameworks focus on:
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- Assessing the baseline capacity and potential for solar, hydro, and other renewable sources.
- Setting ambitious targets, such as 31% renewables by 2025 and 70% by 2050.
- Implementing large-scale solar projects and enhancing net energy metering.
With an estimated 138 GW of untapped solar potential in Peninsular Malaysia alone, there are significant opportunities for large-scale renewable projects. The Bakun Hydroelectric Dam stands as a testament to the country's dedication to hydropower to meet energy demands while minimising carbon emissions.
Further Reading:
- Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia: MyRER – Renewable Energy Malaysia
- EMBER: Solar generation in Peninsular Malaysia cost 53% lower than fossil fuels in 2023
Indonesia: Unlocking Expansive Renewable Potential
On the other hand, Indonesia boasts a massive renewable potential of over 3,686 GW, with 333 GW deemed financially viable for immediate development. Key strategies include:
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- Conducting extensive studies on solar, wind, and hydro resources, assessing financial viability and addressing grid integration challenges.
- Setting goals for a 23% renewable share by 2025, with a push to reach 50% by 2030 through investments in storage and advanced grid technologies.
The Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant, anticipated to be Southeast Asia’s largest, exemplifies Indonesia's commitment to integrating solar energy into its grid.
Thailand: Implementing Smart Energy Solutions
Thailand’s energy transition approach typically involves evaluating resource availability, setting progressive renewable targets such as 30% by 2037, and incentivising private sector involvement through various programs. The Mae Moh Solar Farm is a prime example, demonstrating the country's capacity for large-scale solar energy production.
The Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant, anticipated to be Southeast Asia’s largest, exemplifies Indonesia's commitment to integrating solar energy into its grid.
Challenges of Renewable Energy for Data Centres
For a data centre, power isn't just "on" or "off." It must be perfect. When a grid dependent on renewables experiences cloud cover, a drop in wind, or switching issues, it can introduce micro-disruptions, such as voltage sags, frequency fluctuations, and brownouts. To sensitive IT equipment, these are catastrophic events that can lead to data corruption, equipment damage, and immediate downtime.
This is where a facility's on-site power infrastructure transitions from being a simple backup to its most critical asset.
Resilient Power Infrastructure: Overcoming Hurdles
Data centres strive to meet the dual demands of sustainability and reliability, and a strategic approach to resilience becomes essential. If you have time, we do recommend you dive deeper into information on Resilience by Design: Power Protection Strategies for Data Centres.
Key Strategies for Resilient Power Infrastructure
Energy Efficiency: Optimising energy use is crucial. Data centres are integrating energy-efficient technologies, such as advanced cooling systems, which can significantly reduce power consumption, thereby shrinking their carbon footprint.
Scalable Infrastructure: Building scalable infrastructure ensures that data centres can adapt to the evolving energy landscape. This includes modular designs that allow for the seamless integration of new technologies and renewable energy sources.
Collaboration and Innovation: Partnerships with tech innovators and energy providers can accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge solutions. Collaborative efforts can lead to breakthroughs in energy storage and grid management, enhancing resilience.
Risk Management: Proactive risk management strategies are vital. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in energy supply and developing contingency plans to mitigate potential disruptions.
The path forward for Southeast Asia’s data centres lies in embracing these strategies, fostering innovation, and cultivating partnerships that align with environmental goals. By doing so, the region can not only sustain its digital growth but also set a benchmark for sustainable practices globally. As the Green Transition unfolds, data centres will play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient, sustainable digital ecosystem.
Future Outlook: Sustainable Data Centres
The future looks bright: data centers in Southeast Asia are poised to play a crucial role in the region's green transition. With progressive policies, cutting-edge power infrastructure, and a commitment to innovation, operators can achieve remarkable sustainability while ensuring consistent uptime resilience. What’s the next challenge? Will regional power grids, hydrogen solutions, and AI-driven energy management lead the charge in the digital and green transformation? We’ll discover the answers in the near future.
Conclusion
The Green Transition in Southeast Asia is more than a sustainability initiative; it is a critical step toward building a resilient digital future. By embracing renewable energy sources, overcoming challenges with innovative designs, and fostering regional collaboration, data centres can achieve the delicate balance between sustainability and reliability. As these countries continue on this path, they will not only enhance their digital infrastructure but also contribute significantly to global environmental goals.
Call to actionThe power infrastructure principles discussed here are explored in greater detail, with actionable checklists and strategies, in our comprehensive guide.
Download "The Downtime Defence Guide: 5 Costly Design Mistakes to Avoid" now to fortify your facility’s power foundation.
Or, contact our expert teams to discuss how we can tailor a resilient power solution for your specific needs in Southeast Asia.
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