Thailand is moving to align its booming digital economy with climate goals, unveiling plans for its first green-certified data center in Samut Prakan province. The project, called GSA Data Center 01, is backed by a US $26.8 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and will focus on cutting energy use, improving efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions.
Several news sources report the facility will meet international environmental benchmarks, with strict standards for power usage effectiveness, water conservation, and renewable energy integration. Once completed, it’s expected to become one of the region’s most energy-efficient digital infrastructure projects.
The initiative comes as Thailand rapidly expands its role as a regional technology hub. Earlier this year, the government approved more than $2.7 billion in investments for data centers and cloud services, reflecting surging demand for cloud storage, AI systems, and digital connectivity. But with this growth has come increasing pressure to manage electricity consumption and environmental impact, especially as traditional data centers are known for their heavy reliance on fossil-fuel power.
Thailand’s first green-certified data center in Samut Prakan aims to combine digital growth with sustainability, backed by ADB financing Photo Courtesy Asian Development Bank
Officials and industry analysts say projects like GSA are essential if Thailand is to meet its energy and climate targets. Under the Power Development Plan 2024–2037, the country is aiming for 51 percent of its power capacity to come from clean or renewable sources by 2037, with that share rising to 74 percent by 2050. The government has also pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and net zero by 2065.
The plan includes not only scaling up renewables but also introducing hydrogen blending in gas-fired plants and studying the use of small modular nuclear reactors by the mid-2030s. For experts, weaving these policies into large-scale tech projects could prove decisive in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
For many in the industry, the data center’s construction represents more than just a technical milestone. It suggests that Thailand’s digital future doesn’t have to come at the expense of sustainability. If GSA Data Center 01 delivers on its promises, it could serve as a blueprint for green data centers across Southeast Asia, attracting sustainable investment while reducing the sector’s carbon footprint.
Still, questions remain. Will the facility be able to sustain its environmental performance as demand for digital services continues to climb? And can other projects replicate its model quickly enough to keep pace with Thailand’s ambitious energy transition goals?
Construction is underway, and the answers will likely shape how Thailand positions itself not only as a digital leader but also as a country that can grow its economy while staying true to its climate commitments.
