GDS and SK ecoplant, the energy and environment subsidiary of South Korea’s SK Group, are joining forces to conduct a trial run of fuel cell-based power supply solutions for GDS’s forthcoming data center in Singapore. This trial aims to explore sustainable and environmentally friendly energy options for the data center facility in Singapore.
This collaboration builds upon a prior agreement between GDS and SK ecoplant to jointly promote the utilization of eco-friendly fuel cell power supply solutions for data centers across Southeast Asia.
Fuel cells, as opposed to traditional power sources, convert the chemical energy of hydrogen or other renewable energy sources into electricity, resulting in an exceptionally clean energy production process with significantly reduced or even zero emissions.
The first application, conducted in partnership with SK ecoplant, focuses on employing solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology to generate power using green hydrogen as the primary energy source. The second application involves supplying locally generated power from imported hydrogen sourced from energy partners.
During this trial, GDS will leverage cutting-edge technology and its extensive industry expertise to develop a top-tier data center in Singapore. SK ecoplant will collaborate closely with its strategic partner, Bloom Energy, to produce low-carbon electricity by deploying SOFC technology.
The initial phase of the trial will involve a small-scale installation of fuel cells, initially utilizing natural gas as a feedstock instead of hydrogen. Once the regional hydrogen infrastructure, supply chain, and regulatory frameworks are sufficiently established, GDS and SK ecoplant will explore the possibility of more widespread adoption of SOFC-enabled power generation in the future.
