Data centres must store two days' water, have backup power on site
KUALA LUMPUR: Data centres must maintain on-site water storage equivalent to at least two days’ supply and have backup generators to help prevent disruptions to public utilities, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Data centres must maintain a two-day water supply on-site and possess backup generators, stated the Dewan Rakyat. Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof made these remarks in response to a question about potential disruptions to public utilities during droughts or supply interruptions. Fadillah explained that data centre proposals undergo assessment by the Data Centre Task Force (DCTF) before being approved, with areas having low water reserve margins excluded from consideration.
To ensure water sustainability, data centres are required to use alternative water sources like recycled water and rainwater harvesting. In case of critical supply levels, mitigation measures may include water rationing. Regarding electricity, Fadillah mentioned that every data centre application is reviewed by the Energy Focus Group before consultation with the DCTF.
Data centres are incentivized to generate their own electricity through the Solar for Self-Consumption initiative and are also mandated to obtain at least 30% of their energy from renewable sources. As of August, contracted electricity demand from data centres was 2,346 MW, with actual consumption at 1,374 MW, or 58.5% of contracted capacity.
The minister clarified that Malaysia's stance on nuclear energy procurement is to first address international treaty obligations and IAEA standards before considering it as part of the energy mix.
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