The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and GSA Data Center 01 Company Limited (GSA) have signed a local currency green loan of THB 900 million (approximately $26.8 million) to finance the development, construction, and operation of a 25.6-megawatt colocation green data center in Samut Prakan province, Thailand. The facility is designed to be highly energy-efficient, targeting a power usage effectiveness rating of 1.4, and will achieve Tier III certification to ensure an uptime of 99.982%. GSA also aims for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for the project.
ADB Country Director for Thailand, Anouj Mehta, highlighted that this marks the bank’s first lending in the data center sector in both Thailand and the region. He emphasized that as digital service demand grows, prioritizing energy efficiency and renewable energy in data centers is essential to reduce carbon emissions, support environmental goals, and foster a greener, resilient digital infrastructure. The investment is expected to serve as a benchmark for green financing in the regional data center market while enhancing Thailand’s digital economy.
Southeast Asia is witnessing rapid data center expansion to meet the needs of digitalization, which is driving a significant increase in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This underscores the necessity for sustainable solutions to support global digital transformation. The Samut Prakan data center will lease most of its space to large technology firms, artificial intelligence companies, and graphic processing service providers, with renewable energy procurement options available for tenants requiring green power sourcing.
The project aligns with Thailand’s sustainability commitments, supporting a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, carbon neutrality by 2050, and net zero emissions by 2065. ADB’s Bio Circular Green Growth (BCG) technical assistance, backed by the Republic of Korea e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund, provided environmental and social due diligence, including emissions projections and renewable energy procurement strategies.
Yupapin Wangviwat, Chief Financial Officer of Gulf Development, stated that the green loan for GSA’s first data center in Thailand represents a pivotal step in advancing digital infrastructure with sustainability at its core. The financing demonstrates institutional confidence in GSA’s long-term vision and reinforces a shared commitment to environmentally responsible digital development in the region.
GSA, founded in 2022, is a joint venture between Gulf Development, Singtel, and AIS, combining expertise in power production and telecommunications. The green data center is scheduled to commence commercial operations in 2025. ADB, established in 1966 and owned by 69 members including 50 from the region, continues to support inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific through innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships.
