Saudi Arabia is making a bold move toward sustainable digital infrastructure with a $5 billion investment in a net-zero AI data center. Developed by DataVolt, the facility will be located in Oxagon, the industrial hub of Neom, a futuristic city designed as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative. The data center is set to play a crucial role in supporting AI workloads while maintaining carbon neutrality.
A Landmark Net-Zero AI Data Center
The Oxagon data center will integrate advanced computing densities and energy-efficient architectures to accommodate AI-driven applications. With a planned capacity of 1.5 gigawatts (GW), the facility will operate solely on renewable energy sources, including green hydrogen and solar power. This approach aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and embracing sustainable energy solutions.
The project will be implemented in multiple phases, with the first phase, backed by the initial $5 billion investment, expected to be completed by 2028. This initial phase will establish core infrastructure capable of supporting AI and high-performance computing operations.
Driving the Net-Zero Data Center Trend
As the demand for AI-powered solutions rises, data centers must evolve to balance performance with environmental responsibility. While AI has increased the need for data processing and storage capacity, it also offers solutions for optimizing energy consumption and improving efficiency. The transition to net-zero operations is not just about energy consumption—it requires a holistic approach that includes renewable energy adoption, efficient cooling technologies, and sustainable construction practices.
Beyond Energy Consumption: A Holistic Approach to Net-Zero
Achieving net-zero emissions in data centers requires more than just renewable energy integration. Industry experts emphasize that factors such as location, climate, and infrastructure design play a vital role in reducing overall energy demand. By leveraging environmental conditions, optimizing cooling systems, and adopting new energy storage solutions like hydrogen fuel cells and utility-scale batteries, data centers can significantly lower their carbon footprint.
Additionally, addressing embodied emissions—those generated during construction and hardware manufacturing—is crucial. Sustainable design choices, such as using low-carbon building materials, enabling component recycling, and incorporating modular designs for easier upgrades, contribute to a data center’s long-term sustainability.
Lessons for Indonesia’s Digital and Sustainability Goals
Saudi Arabia’s investment in net-zero AI data centers serves as an inspiration for Indonesia, which is rapidly advancing its digital economy and data center industry. With Indonesia’s growing demand for cloud services, AI-driven applications, and digital infrastructure, there is an urgent need to align data center development with sustainability goals.
Indonesia has significant renewable energy potential, including solar, geothermal, and hydropower, which could support the development of net-zero data centers. As the government pushes forward with digital transformation and green energy initiatives, integrating sustainable data center practices can enhance energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and position Indonesia as a leader in eco-friendly digital infrastructure.
By learning from global leaders like Saudi Arabia, Indonesia can develop a resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible data center ecosystem, ensuring long-term digital growth without compromising sustainability.
Source: Data Center Knowledge, “Net-Zero AI Data Center Project Gets a $5B Boost in Saudi Arabia”
