Milestone Visit to Delska's New Data Center
The President of Latvia recently made a significant visit to Delska's newly established 10 MW data center in Riga. This facility is designed to lead the way in sustainability within the Baltics, showcasing the country’s commitment to harnessing technology for a greener future. Delska's CEO, Andris Gailitis, shared insights about the data center's capabilities in handling artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads, underscoring its critical role in enhancing European digital sovereignty.
Importance of Data Centers in Latvia
Data centers like the one operated by Delska are vital for the growth of technology companies throughout Latvia, as they contribute significantly to the nation’s digital resilience. President Rinkevics emphasized during his visit that recognizing both the challenges and opportunities presented by data center service providers is essential for enhancing Latvia's competitive edge in the global market.
Innovative Infrastructure
Throughout the visit, it became apparent that Delska has adopted a forward-thinking approach in establishing its data center. By planning carefully for capacity and focusing on developing a sustainable, energy-efficient infrastructure, Delska aims to deliver uninterrupted services to its clients. The state-of-the-art facility encompasses a 7,100-square-meter modular site, which supports an impressive 250 kW of rack capacity and is poised for future growth with provisions to expand up to 30 MW.
Global Trends in the Data Center Sector
Gailitis outlined key global trends influencing the data center industry, notably the rapid integration of AI solutions and increasing energy demands in Europe’s established hubs. As companies face capacity limitations, many are seeking to relocate their infrastructure to regions equipped with ample energy resources and expansion potential. This shift highlights the burgeoning competitiveness of the Baltic states as prime data center locations.
Investment and Growth Potential
With an investment exceeding 30 million euros, Delska’s new facility demonstrates substantial export potential. Its advanced capabilities are not only set to support local needs but also aim to draw international customers, showcasing Latvia as a significant player on the data center stage.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability emerged as a key focus during the President's visit to Delska. The data center operates entirely on renewable energy sourced from wind farms, solar parks, and hydroelectric power in Northern Europe. Backup generators utilize Neste MY Renewable Diesel, and the facility has committed to directing generated maintenance electricity back to consumers to minimize waste. Additionally, Delska is actively collaborating with the municipal heating company in Riga to explore innovative solutions for reusing waste heat in residential buildings.
Advanced Cooling Solutions
Delska has engineered its data center to achieve power usage effectiveness (PUE) below 1.3. Employing hot-aisle containment strategies and cutting-edge cooling technologies—including Weiss Technik Vindur® CoolW@ll systems and Trane chillers—the facility supports both air cooling and direct-to-chip liquid cooling solutions tailored for high-density GPU workloads.
Certification and Future Plans
The facility has earned the Uptime Institute Tier III Design certification and is on track for Tier III Facility Certification, expected to be achieved in the upcoming month. To mark this achievement, Delska is planning an official opening event for the EU North Riga LV DC1, scheduled for April.
About Delska
Delska stands as one of the foremost data center operators in the Baltic region, boasting over 26 years of expertise in IT and network infrastructure. The organization provides a wide range of services, including cloud computing, server rental, colocation, network security, and managed services, operating a notable 19 MW of facilities in Latvia and Lithuania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the President of Latvia visit Delska's data center?
The visit aimed to recognize the innovative contributions of Delska's data center towards sustainability and digital advances in the region.
What makes Delska's data center unique?
Delska's data center is noted for its sustainable practices, powered entirely by renewable energy, and designed with advanced cooling solutions.
How large is the new data center facility?
The data center spans 7,100 square meters and supports significant rack capacity for growth and expansion.
What certifications does the facility have?
The facility has achieved Uptime Institute Tier III Design certification and is set to receive Tier III Facility Certification soon.
What services does Delska provide?
Delska offers a comprehensive array of services, including cloud solutions, server rentals, colocation, and managed IT services, enhancing network infrastructure across the region.
