Equinix invests USD $124 million in new Hong Kong data centre

Equinix has announced an initial investment of USD $124 million for the construction of a new data centre in Hong Kong. Named HK6, the facility aims to address the growing demand for high-performance data infrastructure and will become part of Equinix's existing network of data centres in the city.

The new centre will be interconnected with Equinix's five other data centres in Hong Kong. These centres serve as vital nodes for data and economic exchange between multinational enterprises, local firms, and companies in mainland China, particularly those in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Joanne Hon, Managing Director of Equinix Hong Kong, expressed excitement over the development: "We are thrilled to begin construction of our sixth data centre in Hong Kong, as it represents a significant milestone in innovation and growth. HK6 will be Equinix's largest investment in Hong Kong in the past decade, further strengthening the city's digital infrastructure and showcasing our unwavering confidence in this dynamic market."

The facility will be located in Tsuen Wan, about 1.5 kilometres from Equinix's carrier-dense campus consisting of HK1, HK2, and HK3 data centres. Upon completion, the 17-storey HK6 data centre will house 3,550 cabinets, with the first phase set to open in the first quarter of 2026, initially providing 1,000 cabinets. The data centre will support high-density AI workloads using liquid cooling technology, which is noted for its efficiency in handling the heat generated by high-performance computing components.

Equinix highlighted that the new HK6 facility will be powered entirely by renewable energy. The company aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, aligning with global sustainability goals and supporting Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050. Joanne Hon added: "This strategic investment solidifies Hong Kong's position as a crucial gateway for data exchange between China and the global community."

The Greater Bay Area, which comprises 11 major cities with a combined GDP of approximately USD $2 trillion in 2023, presents significant digital opportunities and a fertile ground for growth. Equinix's expanded presence in Hong Kong is aimed at capitalising on these dynamics by enhancing digital connectivity between Hong Kong, the GBA, and the international community.

Equinix's Tsuen Wan location will complement its existing sites in Shatin and Tseung Kwan O, creating a distributed network across the Western, Eastern, and Northern parts of Hong Kong. This network is intended to support the business continuity strategies of both local and international firms, making Hong Kong a prime destination for hyperscalers and network edge services.

The company has also been involved in sustainability initiatives in the region, deploying an AI-driven approach to regulate temperature and optimise energy management in its data centres. This approach is expected to reduce energy consumption by 5% and save approximately 200 MWh per site annually, contributing to Hong Kong's transition to a low-carbon future.

Currently, Equinix operates 264 data centres across 72 metropolitan areas in 33 countries. In the Asia-Pacific region alone, the company has 58 data centres spanning key markets including Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and now Hong Kong. Most recently, Equinix also announced its entry into the Philippines market.