Singapore is accelerating its efforts to transform Jurong Island, traditionally the hub of its energy and chemicals industry, into a centre for low-carbon innovation and sustainability as part of its long-term economic and environmental strategy. To mark the island’s 25th anniversary, government and industry stakeholders announced six new partnerships aimed at boosting green technologies and decarbonisation initiatives across the 3,000-hectare industrial zone. These efforts align with national goals to increase sustainable output and develop cleaner industrial processes.
A key highlight of the green push is the establishment of a data centre testbed powered by green energy, which will allow researchers, developers and operators to trial advanced technologies designed to reduce the energy footprint of data centres — facilities known for their high electricity use. The testbed will serve as a living laboratory for innovations in cooling, energy efficiency, and integration with renewable and low-carbon power sources. It forms part of the planned 700 MW low-carbon data centre park on Jurong Island, intended to meet growing demand from the digital economy while advancing sustainability.
Under initiatives such as the Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed (STDCT 2.0), led by partnerships between JTC and the National University of Singapore (NUS), the focus will be on developing solutions suited to Singapore’s hot, humid climate. Research will include liquid cooling, seawater heat rejection, microgrid systems, and integration with low-carbon energy sources such as hydrogen-ready power plants, helping ensure future facilities are both energy- and water-efficient. The project will also support skills development and workforce training in sustainable digital infrastructure.
These green data centre initiatives are part of broader sustainability and industrial transformation efforts on Jurong Island, which also include dedicating roughly 300 hectares to renewable and low-carbon energy projects such as solar, hydrogen, ammonia and battery storage. By co-locating digital infrastructure with clean-energy systems and decarbonisation technologies, Singapore aims to maintain its competitive edge as a global industrial centre while advancing its environmental and climate goals.
(Sources: The Straits Times; Medium)
