SINGAPORE — Keppel Data Centres Holding Pte Ltd and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (MHI-AP) have inked a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore the implementation of the hydrogen-powered tri-generation plant concept for data centers in Singapore.

Together, the parties will study how a hydrogen-powered tri-generation plant-supported data center can meet the expanding needs of the digital economy in a safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly manner.

Firstly, the use of hydrogen as an energy source can potentially be more environmentally friendly, as the combustion of hydrogen does not produce greenhouse gas emissions.

Secondly, as a tri-generation plant produces heat, power, and cooling, a tri-generation plant-supported data center can not only tap on the electricity produced by the plant, thereby reducing its reliance on the national grid, but also tap on the chilled water produced by the plant to cool the data center’s systems and facilities.

As part of the memorandum, Keppel Data Centres and MHI-AP will also explore producing hydrogen fuel for the tri-generation plant through the steam methane reforming (SMR) process. By incorporating carbon capture and storage capabilities, both parties will seek to ensure that the process is carbon neutral.

“As a leading designer, developer, and operator of data centers across Asia Pacific and Europe, Keppel Data Centres is committed to drive sustainable solutions for the industry,” said Wong Wai Meng, CEO of Keppel Data Centres. “The exploration of hydrogen infrastructure is part of our strategy to work toward decarbonization. We are happy to collaborate with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and tap on their vast experience and technology capabilities in our journey.”  

“Hydrogen will be a key energy carrier in the global effort toward decarbonisation,” said Yoshiyuki Hanasawa, executive vice president and chief regional officer for Asia Pacific and India and managing director of MHI-AP. “Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group has long-term expertise in hydrogen and remains focused on providing reliable and innovative cross-industry solutions aimed at ensuring a smooth energy transition. With Singapore set to become a global data center hub, we look forward to partnering with Keppel Data Centres to support Singapore in creating a sustainable energy future.”

One of the possible data center projects that might benefit from the hydrogen powered tri-generation plant concept is the floating data center park project in Singapore that Keppel Data Centres is currently pursuing.