Datagrid has received approval for the planned data center on the outskirts of Invercargill. On the 43 acres of land, a $700 million facility is planned to be built that will house a “hyperscale” data center. Southland has been highlighted as a potential significant centre for the expanding global data business thanks to the area’s mild environment, abundant land, and renewable energy sources.
Members of the Waihopai Runaka, a foundation that supports community development, people with disabilities, arts, culture, and heritage, education, training, and research, emergency and disaster relief, employment, environment, and conservation, organized the blessing ceremony that took place in Makarewaa and people from the Southland community showed up to support the event as well.
Datagrid has the ability to serve a diverse range of companies who were looking for a means to store their data away from larger data centers. The facility’s plans needed to be finished, and the project needed to request resource consent from the Southland District Council and Invercargill City Council, according to Remi Galasso, chief executive officer of Datagrid.
Given that three power lines crossed the area, he believed that the placement was ideal. The third line originates from PowerNet, and they connect Manapouri to Tiwai Point.
“It is perfect because we will be able to build a power substation and get direct power from those lines. The land is also secure because it is located out of the flood and tsunami zone.” Galasso said.
Moreover, they anticipate having one or two landing [stations] in New Zealand at the very least. Their group is preparing for possible landings on Bluff or Oreti Beach. Other landing points would be built in Christchurch and Dunedin, making it an “ambitious undertaking.”
Furthermore, Southland Mayor Gary Tong said the project would provide jobs and opportunity for the district.
“It is very exciting. It’s been on the go for two years and it’s fantastic that Remi and his team in due diligence have been able to locate the property in Southland.” said Southland Mayor Gary Tong
