CtrlS sets up world’s tallest data centre in Chennai

CHENNAI: A purpose-built data center park established by CtrlS Datacenters of Hyderabad at an outlay of Rs 4,000 crore that would position the country as a leading ‘data hub’ in the region, was formally inaugurated by chief minister MK Stalin here on Tuesday.

Accompanied by his cabinet colleague, Industries Minister TRB Rajaa and CtrlS Datacenters founder-CEO Sridhar Pinnapureddy, Stalin virtually inaugurated the Chennai Datacenter Park, established in Ambattur Industrial Estate in the city.

The company had signed a memorandum of understanding with the state government in November 2021. Calling it ‘Namma’ datacenter, Pinnapureddy said, “CtrlS is pleased to announce the launch of the biggest data center in Chennai. These are two interconnected buildings of 45 MW and 28 MW capacity.” Incidentally, at 92 m, this is the world’s tallest data center, where the steel used exceeds that of the Eiffel Tower of Paris. Unlike in Hong Kong, where the data center facilities also house other offices, this is a purpose-built data center of CtrlS.

CtrlS is touted as Asia Pacific’s largest Rated 4 hyper scale data center service provider. Established 17 years ago, it entered Chennai a decade ago through a tie up with BSNL. But things did not work out, causing the break-up five years ago. Having a presence in 900 cities, it decided to enter Chennai once again, after seeing enormous scope for data consumption.

Noting that the company has made significant investment in the new AI-ready hyperscale facility, he said, this would enable an indirect investment of about Rs 50,000 crore as the stage is set for generating 500 direct and 9,000 indirect jobs.

The state’s energy sector is also expected to benefit from an estimated power revenue of Rs 800 crore annually, reinforcing TN’s financial strength and commitment to sustainable industrial development, as per a release.

The group turnover is at $500 mn, he said, noting that data centers contribute $250 million. “We have been growing at 30 per cent year on year,” said Pinnapureddy, who hinted that the company is slated to hit the capital market soon, following the board approvals.

CtrlS is among the three top players in India.

The inauguration marks a significant step in the company’s commitment to expand India’s digital infrastructure and would position the country as a leading ‘data hub’ in the region. The establishment of the data center park coincides with a study that has pegged the capacity of the city’s data centre to double by 2026 with ongoing projects set to add 2.6 million sq ft, as per a release.

Chennai facility joins CtrlS other hyperscale data centers in places like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida and Kolkata.

It had earlier announced a $2 billion investment for six years, of which $300 million has already been spent across India, Pinnapureddy said, in response to a query.

Asked about the Rs 4,000 crore investment, he said, it was largely through internal accruals, customer advances and debt. While 15 of its data centers are operational, it has plans to cover 22 cities in three years.

As part of its overseas exploration efforts, the company has forayed into Thailand, making it the first international market to enter.

PLANS and FEATURES

Located in Ambattur Industrial Estate

Supports upto 72 MW IT load

Comprises two buildings

Quake-resistant (upto 7.5) and flood-proof

Planned for LEED Platinum certification

CtrlS Datacenters began operations in 2007 in Hyderabad

Operates 15 data centers across 8 key markets

National presence with 250 MW (IT load) of combined data center capacity

Pipeline of data centers in Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai and other digital hubs

Plans to explore new overseas markets in South East Asia, Middle East

Thailand marks its first international foray

To add 1 GW data center capacity by 2030