NSW, Australia – Cloud Carrier, a privately owned Australian company specialising in innovative data centre solutions, has announced the launch of the Southern Highlands Data Campus (SHDC). This new campus, located in New South Wales, is set to redefine data centre standards in the country, offering advanced infrastructure designed to meet the growing demands of modern workloads.
A Leap Forward in Data Centre Design
The SHDC is a substantial addition to Australia’s data centre ecosystem, spanning 67 hectares in the Southern Highlands with the capacity to expand up to 300MW. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art liquid cooling technologies, positioning it as a frontrunner in high-density and sustainable data infrastructure.
Data building one (DB1) is a 15MW facility, is the first of a series of data centres within the campus. DB1 is distinguished by its native next-generation liquid cooling solutions, which significantly enhance the efficiency and performance of the data centre. This facility is designed to handle the most demanding computational tasks, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and High-Performance Computing (HPC), offering ultra-high-density deployments that are increasingly critical in today’s digital economy.
Innovative Cooling Technologies
DB1’s design marks a departure from traditional data centre cooling methods. The facility fully supports Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) and Immersion Cooling, enabling unprecedented rack densities. DLC supports up to 100kW per rack, which is 12.5 times denser than conventional air-cooled facilities. Meanwhile, immersion cooling allows for up to 160kW per tank, pushing the envelope further with a 20-fold increase in density.
These innovations are particularly relevant as industries shift towards more data-intensive applications, necessitating infrastructure that can support higher workloads without compromising efficiency or sustainability. Cloud Carrier’s approach with SHDC demonstrates a forward-thinking strategy that aligns with the evolving needs of both government and enterprise clients.
A Focus on Sustainability
Beyond its technical advancements, SHDC is also a model of sustainable design. The campus boasts a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.10, a significant improvement over traditional data centres. This efficiency translates into a 74% increase in energy savings and a 72% reduction in carbon emissions. Additionally, DB1 features a 1.3 million-litre water harvesting system, contributing to its projected NABERS rating of 5.5 to 6 stars.
Implications for the Industry
The introduction of SHDC and DB1 by Cloud Carrier represents more than just an expansion of data centre capacity in Australia; it signals a shift towards more sustainable and efficient infrastructure. As the digital economy continues to grow, facilities like SHDC will be critical in supporting the next generation of technological advancements, from AI and ML to other high-performance computing needs.
Cloud Carrier’s investment in this next-generation campus underscores the company’s commitment to leading the way in data centre innovation, ensuring that Australia’s digital infrastructure is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
About Cloud Carrier
Cloud Carrier is a privately owned and operated Australian company specialising in data centre infrastructure, with a focus on high-density, secure, and sustainable solutions. The Southern Highlands Data Campus is the latest example of their commitment to advancing Australia’s IT infrastructure capabilities.
