The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced its first investment in a data center in the Asia-Pacific region, approving a green loan of 26.8 million dollars for the development of a new energy-efficient facility in Thailand.

“This investment provides a strong case study for the data center market for green financing, promoting resilience and sustainability, while enhancing the potential of Thailand’s digital economy,” said Anouj Mehta, Country Director for Thailand at the ADB.

The loan agreement was signed with GSA Data Center 01 Company Limited, which will develop a 25.6-megawatt facility. GSA is a joint venture between Gulf Development, one of Thailand’s largest independent power producers, and Singtel, a leading telecommunications company based in Singapore.

Thailand continues to attract significant investment in digital infrastructure, particularly in data centers. Global technology companies including Microsoft, Apple, Google, Huawei, Amazon, and Alibaba, along with local firms, have contributed to the growing network of data facilities across the Kingdom. These centers play a critical role in supporting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, which are central to Thailand’s transition toward a high-tech economy.

While data centers are vital for digital development, they are also known for high energy consumption. This has led to increased attention on the environmental impact of such facilities, particularly regarding emissions associated with electricity usage.

In response, there is growing support for sustainable and energy-responsible development in the sector. The ADB, a longstanding advocate of green financing in Asia, stated that the GSA data center is designed to meet international sustainability standards. The facility aims to achieve Tier III certification with a power usage effectiveness rating of 1.4, an uptime of 99.982 percent, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.

This project underscores Thailand’s progress in aligning digital expansion with environmental responsibility and reflects the country’s strategic commitment to sustainable infrastructure development.