Launch of second data centre – Call for application

1. The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) have launched the second Data Centre – Call for Application (“DC-CFA2”), as part of continued efforts to facilitate the sustainable growth of data centres (DCs) in Singapore. At least 200MW of DC capacity will be made available, with potentially more through the adoption of new and innovative green energy pathways.

2. Under the DC-CFA2, EDB and IMDA will partner with industry to facilitate DCs that:

• Strengthen Singapore's international standing as a trusted hub for AI and DC investments, while enhancing infrastructure resilience and international connectivity; 
• Make significant contributions to Singapore's economic objectives through investments in innovation, talent development, and ecosystem partnerships; and
• Accelerate the use of green energy, to realise the broader goals of sustainable development.

Key DC-CFA2 Requirements

3. Applications will be assessed holistically based on their strategic value to Singapore's digital economy, broader economic contributions, and commitment to sustainability.

4. The DC-CFA2 key evaluation requirements are as follows:

Strategic: Strengthening Singapore as a hub

• The applicant should illustrate how its proposal would strengthen Singapore’s value proposition as a trusted hub for technology innovation in areas such as AI, as well as strengthen Singapore’s international digital connectivity and digital infrastructure resilience.

Economic: Broader contributions to Singapore’s economic objectives

• The applicant is to indicate the fixed asset investments and total business expenditure for the DC and propose other activities or partnerships that (i) drive the growth of Singapore’s digital economy, such as research and development, product innovation, and talent development initiatives, and (ii) improve the competitiveness of industries and companies based in Singapore, through the use of cutting edge technologies.

Sustainability: Best-in-Class Resource Efficiency and Use of Green Energy

• Best-in-class and efficient DC. The applicant should provide proposals on how it intends to run the most efficient DC that is best in class.

• Green Mark for DC Platinum Certification. The applicant(s) selected under the DC-CFA2 is required to obtain the BCA-IMDA Green Mark for Data Centres 2024 Platinum certification for its proposed DC.
• Best-in-class Facility Energy Efficiency. The applicant is to design, build and operate a DC that is best-in-class in terms of facility-level energy efficiency, and achieve a Power Usage Effectiveness¹ (PUE) of 1.25 (at 100% IT load) or better.
• Best-in-class IT Energy Efficiency. The applicant has to demonstrate optimisation of IT energy efficiency through the use of equipment that meet/exceed best-in-class IT energy efficiency standards as set out in the Singapore Standard on Energy Efficiency of Data Centre IT Equipment (SS 715:2025), and adoption of measures with users to optimise equipment utilisation.

• Use of green energy. The applicant should maximise the use of green energy to power its proposed new DC capacity, with at least 50% powered by eligible green energy pathways such as biomethane, low-carbon ammonia, low-carbon hydrogen, novel fuel cells with carbon capture & storage technology, or vertical building-integrated photovoltaics/building-applied photovoltaics.

5. The DC-CFA is the primary mechanism for DC capacity allocation. DCs interested in applying for the DC-CFA2 may contact IMDA and EDB via DC@imda.gov.sg.

6. Separately, for companies with uniquely differentiated value propositions, the Singapore Government maintains the Strategic Digital Infrastructure Scheme (SDIS) as part of a suite of economic tools to partner companies in their growth in Singapore. Through the SDIS, we seek proposals that deliver transformative and outsized strategic and economic outcomes for Singapore. Companies interested in the SDIS may contact EDB via EDB_Data_Centres@edb.gov.sg.