Singapore Launches New Standard to Reduce Data Centre Energy Consumption by 30%

Strategic Insights -

Singapore has launched a new standard to guide data centre operators and users in deploying energy-efficient Information Technology (IT) equipment, with the aim of reducing IT energy consumption in data centres by at least 30 per cent, according to the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). The new standard, SS 715:2025: Energy Efficiency of Data Centre IT Equipment, promotes best practices such as workload consolidation and virtualization to improve equipment utilisation. In addition, IT equipment must be capable of operating safely at temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius. Data centre users can apply for the IMDA's grant to upgrade their equipment in line with the new standard. The rising adoption of artificial intelligence is expected to increase energy demand from data centres further, with IT equipment accounting for around 60 per cent of total energy use in a typical data centre.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new standard, SS 715:2025: Energy Efficiency of Data Centre IT Equipment, aims to reduce IT energy consumption in data centres by at least 30 per cent.
  • The standard guides users in selecting IT equipment that meets international energy efficiency benchmarks.
  • The standard promotes best practices such as workload consolidation and virtualization to improve equipment utilisation.
  • IT equipment must be capable of operating safely at temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius.
  • Data centre users can apply for the IMDA's grant to upgrade their equipment in line with the new standard.
  • IT equipment accounts for around 60 per cent of total energy use in a typical data centre.
  • The rising adoption of artificial intelligence is expected to increase energy demand from data centres further.

Statistics:

  • 30 per cent: reduction in IT energy consumption in data centres aimed by the new standard.
  • 60 per cent: percentage of total energy use in a typical data centre accounted for by IT equipment.
  • Upto 35 degrees Celsius: operating temperature for IT equipment as specified in the new standard.

Sources:

  • Xinhua News Agency
  • Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)