Google has completed the construction of its fourth data center in Singapore, bringing its investment in the country's infrastructure to US$5 billion. This figure is up from US$850 million in 2022, when the third data center was opened.
Singapore is one of 11 countries where Google operates data centers. The first data center in Singapore was launched in 2014, followed by the second in 2015. All Google data centers in Singapore are located in Jurong West.
Google is expanding its cloud region in Singapore to serve customers ranging from startups to government agencies, and to meet the growing demand for cloud services both locally and internationally.
According to Tech in Asia, a Google-sponsored study found that businesses in Singapore could reap US$147.6 billion in economic benefits by 2030 from the full adoption of AI products, including cost savings and increased revenue.
Google's data centers in Singapore use recycled water for cooling and are equipped with water monitoring systems to prevent energy waste. Google is committed to making this sector more sustainable.
According to The Straits Times, the plan was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat at the Asia Tech x Singapore event on May 30. The plan includes increasing Singapore's data center capacity by 300 MW over the next few years, with 200 MW specifically earmarked for operators using green energy options. The plan also includes improving energy efficiency by upgrading equipment and reducing the energy required for cooling by raising the operating temperature to 26 degrees Celsius.
Data centers in Singapore currently account for 82 percent of emissions from the country's information and communications sector and 7 percent of total electricity consumption.
Google uses recycled water to cool its data centers in Singapore due to the hot weather, reducing carbon emissions by 10 percent compared to air cooling. This water is reused multiple times to minimize water consumption.
In addition, the data centers utilize light rather than electricity to power networks, with optical switches using small mirrors to transmit data.
This method reduces energy consumption by up to 40 percent compared to traditional electrical networks.
