Bain Capital and Aquila Group partner to build a leading sustainable data center platform across Europe
Our parent company, Aquila Group, has entered a partnership with Bain Capital, one of the world’s leading private, multi-asset alternative investment firms, through which the latterhas acquired 80% of AQ Compute.
The partnership with Bain Capital, with a targeted multi-billion Euro investment volume, is aimed at significantly accelerating AQ Compute’s plans to develop and operate sustainable data centers for hyperscale and AI customers across Europe. Together, the partners aim to build a leading European data center platform, utilizing clean energy wherever feasible.
The role of data centers: data centers are essential to support an increasingly connected world, driven by rapidly expanding sectors such as AI applications, cloud computing, and big data analytics.
In 2024 alone, the world is expected to generate 1.5 times the amount of digital data it did just two years ago, which highlights the exponential growth in demand for data processing and storage capabilities. We are witnessing one of the biggest trends of our time, with AI set to significantly increase the demand for data centers, particularly hyperscale facilities, which dominate current development queues but face limitations in power and space.
AQ Compute’s future role within Aquila Group: AQ Compute will continue to play a vital role within Aquila Group, leveraging strong synergies with other business units to drive innovation and growth across the group’s ecosystem.
AQ Compute’s data centers will be sustainably powered, whenever feasible, with clean energy from Aquila Clean Energy, reinforcing a shared commitment to a greener future and strengthening the collaboration between the two companies.
The partnership enables AQ Compute to leverage Bain Capital’s expertise in building a leading pan-Asian data center platform. Bain Capital offers a robust capital basis for AQ Compute, allowing to expand their operations and advance their data center business to the next stage.
Please read the complete press release for further insights.
AQ Compute starts construction works on a 60 MW data center in Barcelona
PRESS RELEASE
AQ Compute starts construction works on a new data center in Barcelona
First phase of the 60 MW campus of new site AQ-BCN1 expected to be completed in 2025.
Hamburg, Barcelona, 27 June 2024 – AQ Compute, a provider of colocation data centers with a strong focus on sustainability, has started construction works on its second data center. After the first site near Oslo commenced commercial operations in February 2024, the company is further expanding its presence in Europe. The new facility is currently being built in Parc de l’Alba (Cerdanyola del Vallès) in Barcelona. The AI-ready campus is designed to have independent buildings with the following characteristics:
- 60 MW data center campus; with independent data center buildings, the first of them 15 MW
- 100% renewable energy supply
- Cooling for high density racks, compliant with the AI requirements
- 43,000 sqm total plot space
- Tier III design principles
- 24/7 remote hands services available
- Training, innovation and R&D center available
Strong collaboration with renowned market participants
CBRE Project Management is acting as project manager. Moreover, AQ Compute is cooperating with PQI, a 70/30 joint venture between PGI Data Centers and PQC, as design partner for its new data center. The construction work will be carried out in collaboration with GSE as the general contractor.
Henry Daunert, CEO of AQ Compute, comments: “With the start of construction of our data center in Barcelona, we are continuing our company’s growth strategy. We see an increasing demand for power-intensive IT applications and corresponding server capacities, which highly require energy and cost-efficient solutions, while simultaneously focusing on sustainability. This is exactly where our data centers come into play.”
Aina Juliol, CEO at PQI Engineering, adds: “We are looking forward to this joint, pioneering project in which we are contributing with all our knowledge and expertise of IT consulting services, architectural & MEP engineering design from almost 30 years of experience in the market to ensure its success.”
Joan Carles Aguado, Country Manager of GSE Spain and Portugal, says: “It is an honor to collaborate on this project with AQ Compute, a brand of Aquila Group, with whom we have successfully partnered on projects both here on the Iberian Peninsula and internationally.”
Please read the entire press release, also in Spanish.
AQ Compute, Press contact:
Beilquadrat GmbH, Sascha Lindemann, Phone: 040-8821532-27, Email: sascha.lindemann@beilquadrat.de
AQ Compute cooperates with CleanHub to actively reduce plastic waste
PRESS RELEASE
AQ Compute cooperates with CleanHub to actively reduce plastic waste
- The collaboration aims at the reduction and collection of ocean-bound plastic waste as well as the promotion of a circular economy.
- AQ Compute sponsored a CleanHub beach clean-up in Indonesia on June 8, World Oceans Day.
Hamburg / Berlin, 10 June 2024 – AQ Compute has entered into a cooperation with Berlin-based start-up CleanHub to support the mitigation of plastic and promote a circular economy. The European colocation data center provider committed to avoiding 4,300 kg of plastic waste from entering the oceans this year – the equivalent of 430,000 plastic bottles – through collection on beaches. The collected waste is weighed and recorded using track-and-trace technology and is taken to a Material Recovery Facility. Moreover, AQ Compute pledged to collect an additional kilogramme of ocean-bound plastic for every newsletter subscription it receives. The cooperation also creates sustainable and decent jobs with fair wages in the global south through waste collection. To mark the launch of this collaboration, AQ Compute sponsored a clean-up of a beach in Ambon, Indonesia, organised by CleanHub on World Oceans Day on June 8. This has a direct impact on the environment since coastlines are cleaned-up, plastic is prevented from entering the ocean and additional income for local communities is provided.
AQ Compute is pursuing the goal of making the life cycle of data centers in Europe more sustainable. To this end, the company is aiming at a low carbon footprint design, utilizing clean energy and heat reuse in its data centers.
Creating easy access to waste management
At CleanHubs in India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Tanzania, teams intercept waste before it reaches the ocean by collecting it directly from households as well as waterways. After the waste has been collected, it is sorted into different categories so each material can be disposed of correctly. Recyclable plastic is sold to local recyclers, non-recyclable plastic is processed in the most environmentally friendly way available, avoiding open dumping and burning.
The progress of the plastic collection can be tracked in real time via the online impact report.
Please read the entire press release.
AQ Compute, Press contact:
Beilquadrat GmbH, Sascha Lindemann, Phone: 040-8821532-27, Email: sascha.lindemann@beilquadrat.de
World Oceans Day
One Ocean,
One Climate,
One Future – Together
World Ocean Day is an international day that takes place annually on 8th of June. The concept was originally proposed in 1992 by Canada’s International Center for Ocean Development (ICOD) and the Ocean Institute of Canada (OIC) at the Earth Summit – UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Ocean Project started global coordination of World Ocean Day starting in 2002. “World Oceans Day” was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2008. The international day supports the implementation of worldwide Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fosters public interest in the protection of the ocean and the sustainable management of its resources.
At AQ Compute we are supporting this important day for our oceans, our natural environment and our world – together with CleanHub. We will be sponsoring a clean-up of a beach in Ambon, Indonesia, organised by CleanHub.
Expansion of AQ-OSL1: AQ-OSL1B and AQ-OSL1C go live in Q1 2025
PRESS RELEASE
AQ Compute expands its data center in Norway:
AQ-OSL1B and AQ-OSL1C go live in Q1 2025
- AQ-OSL1B & AQ-OSL1C will expand the company’s existing AI-ready data center close to Oslo by 15 MW gross power; joint expandable power supply is 171 MW
- Reason for the expansion is the continued high demand of the industry
- Renewable energy, different cooling solutions and excess heat reuse to lower operational costs and reduce carbon footprint
Hamburg / Oslo, 30 May 2024 – To reflect the growing demand for AI-ready data centers, European colocation data center provider AQ Compute today announces the expansion of its AQ-OSL1 facility near the Norwegian capital Oslo.
AQ Compute’s data center, AQ-OSL1 in Hønefoss near Oslo, has already been designed as an AI-ready and colocation facility. The site has been in operation since February this year. The existing data center AQ-OSL1A has 6 MW IT power today, which will be expanded by 15 MW gross power – with the two expansion stages AQ-OSL1B and AQ-OSL1C. The expansion will be entirely liquid-cooled, with an integrated closed loop cooling circuit to increase energy efficiency and avoid water wastage. For the cooling of the racks, rear door heat exchangers (RDHX), immersion cooling and direct to chip cooling technology will be available, meeting the requirements of efficient AI-ready operations in a sustainable way.
“AQ Compute is excited to announce the expansion of AQ-OSL1. Our first data center is in operation since February, and Norway has already proven to be an ideal location for data centers. With the expansion of AQ-OSL1 we aim to meet the increasing demand for AI-ready data centers, while our sustainability concept supports our clients in reducing their environmental impact”, says Andreas Myr, CEO of AQ Compute Norway.
Following the standard of AQ-OSL1A, the expansion will have 24/7 remote hands services available and 24/7 security on site to guarantee the best possible support for AQ Compute’s clients.
Please read the entire press release.
AQ Compute, Press contact:
Beilquadrat GmbH, Sascha Lindemann, Phone: +49 170 22 77 224, Email: sascha.lindemann@beilquadrat.de
Nomination on Green Colocation by Datacenter-Insider
We have been nomindated for the Green Colocation award by DataCenter-Insider!
At AQ Compute, we take pride in our sustainability-first approach to data center development. Our stems of sustainability are rooted in the legacy of our parent company, Aquila Group, which started to focus on climate change mitigation in 2007.
When building data centers suited for ultra high density AI workloads we face several challenges and opportunities to innovate, and we have been able to create a design that is built around sustianable delivery of these dense workload requirements. Having delivered our first 100% pre-let 6MW facility earlier this year, we’re excited to walk the talk and demonstrate how we take action toward our ambitious sustianability objectives.
With thanks for DataCenter-Insider for the wonderful nomination.
Please vote for us: Willkommen beim Datacenter-Insider AWARD 2024
#Podcast: Greening Data Centers: How the Industry is Reducing Environmental Impact
Data centers are adopting energy-efficient technologies and green solutions to minimize their environmental footprint.
The data center industry is known to be a power guzzler and is estimated to consume up to 2-3% of the world’s energy supply, although accurate estimates are hard to come by. How can data centers maximize sustainable performance and minimize environmental impact while providing enough capacity to meet rapidly growing global data demands?
While there are no linear formulas to address these challenges, there are many steps we can take together as an industry, and more importantly as people, to ensure that our actions are sustainable and considerate of our planet.
Using clean and renewable energy through highly efficient infrastructure is a great solution to reducing carbon pollution.
Stefanie Casall, our Director for Brand and Marketing, talks to Ciaran Flanagan, Global Head of Data Centers at Siemens, on the LCP Delta – Talking New Energy podcast, now available on Apple podcasts: Talking New Energy: Greening data centres on Apple Podcasts
AQ Compute and Stelia set new standard for AI-ready infrastructure
PRESS RELEASE
AQ Compute and Stelia set new standard for AI-ready infrastructure
- On the path to AI-ready data center portfolio and resilient network capable of AI workloads.
- AQ Compute and Stelia jointly focus on leading the AI infrastructure innovation wave with AI-ready data center and cloud-like connectivity solutions worldwide.
- The companies provide high density compute capacities in combination with high bandwidth connectivity to create a truly connected digital ecosystem and a resilient and dynamic network.
- The partners are jointly sponsoring NVIDIA GTC in San Jose.
Hamburg, 15 March 2024 – AQ Compute’s first data center AQ-OSL1 recently became operational in Hønefoss, near Oslo. Now, the Europe-based provider of colocation data centers and built-to-suit solutions collaborates with the London-based Network as a Service company Stelia. The company provides multi-terabit usage-based internet connectivity for accelerated compute environments, private and public clouds and colocation data centers. Together, AQ Compute and Stelia plan to enable the development of ultra high-performance computing (HPC) around the world and contribute to the massive growth that artificial intelligence and machine learning applications are bringing to the market.
Henry Daunert, CEO of AQ Compute: “The data center sector is the cornerstone to the growth of digitalization. The future relies on connectivity and bandwidth too; as such, we are privileged to announce our partnership with Stelia, an ultra-high bandwidth network service provider, enabling multi-terabit internet connectivity for accelerated compute environments. AQ Compute is developing a pan-European portfolio of state of the art, AI and cloud ready data centers to enable ultra high-performance computing (HPC) around the world and to support the massive growth of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. With AQ Compute´s high density compute capacities in combination with Stelia´s high bandwidth connectivity services, we aim to create the leading connected digital ecosystem for AI companies.”
Offering AI-ready, sustainable solutions for the future
Since 2010, the number of internet users worldwide has more than doubled. Global internet traffic has increased 25-fold during that time. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are playing an increasingly big role and generate specific energy and connectivity demands – also potentially with significant implications for data center energy use in upcoming years. [Source] The requirements for data center providers hosting AI and machine learning models, which needs to have a resilient and dynamic network infrastructure, are highly distinct from those for regular data centers.
AQ Compute and Stelia have anticipated the need for this change and are creating targeted solutions for these growing markets.
The key advantages which AQ Compute and Stelia can offer their clients through the collaboration include:
- Customized solutions: Together, the companies are building data center ecosystems tailored to clients’ needs, with AQ Compute’s sustainable, high-quality colocation facilities and Stelia’s cloud-like Naas offerings.
- Future-proof connectivity: With AQ Compute´s high density compute capacities in combination with Stelia´s high bandwidth connectivity services, the companies create connected digital ecosystem for AI companies. The partnership aims to provide a resilient and dynamic network which is ready for the massive AI demands.
- Next level network capacity: Stelia’s scalable Naas infrastructure, starting at 120 Tbps per location, ensures clients’ AI projects run at high speed, backed by over 150 Tier 1 carriers and partners.
Dan Scarbrough, Chief Revenue Officer at Stelia, commented: “The data center environment is structurally transitioning to an AI-led world. It’s vital that innovative builders like AQ Compute and Stelia collaborate in strategic partnerships to offer AI service providers a new generation of foundational technologies. Our wholly owned private backbone will support connectivity for their first campus in Hønefoss, giving access to over 150 Tier 1 carriers, cloud providers, GPU service providers and IXPs at terabit speeds. Stelia will continue to accelerate the world’s best ideas with AQ Compute as they extend their data center platform to other cities.”
Jointly sponsoring NVIDIA GTC in San Jose
From 18-21 March, NVIDIA GTC, a global conference for accelerated compute professionals, is taking place in San Jose, California and brings together developers, engineers, researchers, inventors and IT experts. Focusing on topics like artificial intelligence, computer graphics, data science, machine learning and autonomous machines, the conference offers the ideal platform for AQ Compute and Stelia to connect and exchange with like-minded innovators and builders to delve into the latest technologies that are transforming industries, from accelerated computing to generative AI and beyond. Stelia and AQ Compute are located at booth 1825.
Please read the entire press release.
Contact:
Beilquadrat GmbH, Sascha Lindemann
Phone: +49 170 22 77 224, Email: sascha.lindemann@beilquadrat.de
AQ Compute Partners with NexGen Cloud to Deliver Net Zero AI Supercloud
PRESS RELEASE
AQ Compute Launches AI-Ready Data Center in Norway, Partners with NexGen Cloud to Deliver Net Zero AI Supercloud
- AQ Compute’s inaugural data center, AQ-OSL1, is operational in Hønefoss, near Oslo, Norway.
- AQ Compute’s maiden facility is designed as an AI-ready colocation data center.
- NexGen Cloud is the inaugural tenant with 6MW of AI capacity.
- AQ Compute and NexGen Cloud’s net zero collaboration will power European AI infrastructure.
- AQ Compute and NexGen Cloud are contributing to the decarbonization of the data center sector.
HAMBURG/LONDON/OSLO – February 27, 2024 – AQ Compute, a provider of colocation data centers and built-to-suit solutions with a strong focus on sustainability, today announces the launch of its AI-ready data center in Norway and a partnership with NexGen Cloud, a sustainable GPU Cloud and Infrastructure-as-a-Service provider, to drive decarbonization in the IT sector and facilitate AI computing in Europe. AQ Compute’s inaugural facility, AQ-OSL1 in Hønefoss near Oslo, is designed to accommodate AI workloads and provide colocation services, serving as the backbone for NexGen Cloud’s operations. This collaboration underscores a commitment to sustainability and innovation in the data center industry.
Data centers are consuming increasing amounts of electricity worldwide, and the rapid growth of AI is expected to exacerbate the problem. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that data centers consume more than 1% of the world’s electricity, approximately 48.6 TWh, and emit as much CO2 as the commercial airline industry. The industry’s energy consumption could increase further from 85.4TWh to 134.0 TWh by 2027, driven by the high power requirements of AI applications. Some estimates suggest that the information and communications technology industry’s annual electricity demand could grow to 8,000 TWh by 2030, representing 20.9% of the projected total electricity demand [Source: Energypost.eu].
AQ Compute can support NexGen Cloud’s AI workloads. To become AI-ready, AQ Compute incorporates ultra-high-density cooling coupled with heat capture through RDHX and direct liquid cooling, increasing the temperature the data center can run at and reducing cooling costs and water consumption. As a result, AQ Compute is able to run its ultra-high-density data centers more efficiently, minimizing the clients’ PUE and supporting their sustainability goals, enabling the deployment and growth of AI applications. Using water to remove the server’s heat, NexGen Cloud can improve its energy efficiency while wasting almost no water. The collaboration helps to achieve that NexGen Cloud’s $1 billion European AI supercloud will be net zero, planned with more than 20,000 NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs and providing enterprises with access to one of the world’s most powerful GPU-accelerated platforms.
“AQ Compute has set out to deliver sustainable and efficient solutions for the data center and colocation industry. Considering the growing importance of AI technology, we are excited to cooperate with NexGen Cloud to create a sustainable path for implementing this new technological advancement. We are proud to set an industry standard for AI-ready data centers by providing a modular and low-carbon design powered by clean energy. We will continue to lead the way to a highly efficient and environmentally sustainable data center industry and enable our clients to reduce their carbon footprint and implement the technologies of the future,” said Henry Daunert, CEO of AQ Compute.
Building process of AQ-OSL1
Located in Hønefoss, near Oslo, AQ-OSL1 offers accessibility and high-power availability. Despite its geographical location at the edge of Europe, Norway is increasingly moving to the center of European data traffic by expanding network connections. Access to power from renewable sources and a cool climate make Norway an ideal location for data centers. Due to the availability of clean energy, low electricity prices and cold cooling water, Norway is an attractive location for building large data centers, where 98% of the electricity is generated from renewable sources. As a result, Norway’s existing energy sector expertise can help it achieve a successful energy and climate transition.
AQ Compute and NexGen Cloud – AI-ready
NexGen Cloud will start with 6MW IT capacity, which can be extended to 14MW IT. The excess heat will be reused for the facility, equipment and neighboring plot. The data center is designed as an AI-ready and colocation data center with open space, flexible partitions, compartments, cabinets and private halls with an available IT area of approximately 1,700 m2. High power density blocks to liquid-cooling computing capacity are available. Its large plot size offers space for further data center buildings.
“The AI market is expected to grow expeditiously over the next 12 to 24 months and as such it is imperative to decarbonize as much of the data generated as possible,” said Chris Starkey, CEO of NexGen Cloud. “By partnering with AQ Compute and housing the data created within our AI Supercloud in their data center in Norway, which is powered by renewable energy and cooled with water, we are not just innovating technologically, we are pioneering a sustainable shift in the way AI data is stored. We are not only the first to be doing this in Europe but hope to jointly set the industry standard at the same time.”
About NexGen Cloud
NexGen Cloud is a sustainable European cloud IaaS, specialising in building large-scale HPC and GPU infrastructure, commanding a global presence with a first-mover advantage in Europe. Since its inception in 2020, NexGen Cloud has built one of the largest GPU fleets on the continent, fortified by the ownership of the most in-demand chips in the world, including NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs. NexGen Cloud is on a mission to democratise the accessibility of accelerated compute on a global scale by building a safer, greener, and more affordable cloud. The company’s vision is to become the world’s number one supplier of GPUaaS solutions through its cutting-edge platform, Hyperstack, whilst continuously supporting and expanding future technologies. All of NexGen Cloud’s solutions are built with the aim of tackling three of the main concerns in the current cloud market – cost, transparency, and accessibility.
Please read the entire press release:
in English, in German, in Spanish, and in Norwegian.
Please read more about the news on NexGen Cloud’s website:
https://www.nexgencloud.com/news/nexgen-cloud-and-aq-compute-advance-towards-net-zero-ai-supercloud
https://www.hyperstack.cloud/blog/company-news/nexgen-cloud-and-aq-compute-advance-towards-net-zero-ai-supercloud
AQ-OSL1: Pioneering sustainable AI infrastructure
AQ Compute launches maiden data center in Hønefoss, Norway, pioneering sustainable AI infrastructure
Partnership with NexGen Cloud marks milestone in decarbonizing the IT sector
We are proud to announce the completion of our first facility, AQ-OSL1, in Hønefoss near Oslo, Norway.
Our approach to data center design includes a strong focus on sustainability, with AQ-OSL1 carefully designed as an AI-enabled data center facility. The center’s infrastructure is designed to support the most demanding AI workloads while maintaining the highest standards for energy efficiency and environmental protection.
In a landmark partnership that signals our shared commitment to decarbonizing the IT sector, we have joined forces with NexGen Cloud, a pioneering provider of sustainable GPU Cloud and Infrastructure-as-a-Service solutions. Together, we are leading the transition to a net-zero AI supercloud by leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive innovation while minimizing carbon footprint.
NexGen Cloud’s choice of AQ-OSL1 highlights the data center’s capabilities with an initial allocation of 6 MW of AI capacity. This collaboration not only drives the development of AI infrastructure in Europe, but also sets a precedent for sustainable practices within the data center industry.
Henry Daunert, CEO of AQ Compute, expressed his excitement about the potential of the collaboration: “Our partnership with NexGen Cloud is an example of our shared vision of using technology for positive environmental impact. By combining our expertise in sustainable data center solutions with NexGen Cloud’s innovative AI capabilities, we are able to drive significant change in the IT landscape.”
The launch of AQ-OSL1 is an important milestone in our mission to pave the way to a greener and more sustainable future for the data center sector. With the increasing demand for AI computing, initiatives like this underline the importance of combining technological innovation with environmental responsibility to pave the way for a better and more sustainable future.
Please read the entire press release:
in English, in German, in Spanish, and in Norwegian.
Please read more about the news on NexGen Cloud’s website:
https://www.nexgencloud.com/news/nexgen-cloud-and-aq-compute-advance-towards-net-zero-ai-supercloud
https://www.hyperstack.cloud/blog/company-news/nexgen-cloud-and-aq-compute-advance-towards-net-zero-ai-supercloud