ADB, GSA Sign $26.8-M Loan to Build Thailand’s First Green Data Center

ADB’s first regional data center loan highlights urgency of greener digital infrastructure

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a local currency green loan worth THB900 million (about $26.8 million) with GSA Data Center 01 Company Limited (GSA) to fund the construction of a 25.6-megawatt green colocation facility in Samut Prakan, Thailand.

ADB has signed a $26.8M loan with GSA to build Thailand’s first 25MW green data center — designed for energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

The project is positioned as a regional milestone, marrying the twin goals of digital growth and sustainability.

The facility will be highly energy-efficient, with a designed power usage effectiveness (PUE) of 1.4, well below the industry average. It is slated to meet Tier III certification standards, which ensure 99.982 percent uptime, and is targeting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. Commercial operations are expected to begin in 2025.

“This is ADB’s first lending in the data center sector in Thailand, and in the region as well,” said ADB Country Director for Thailand Anouj Mehta.

“As the demand for digital services grows, it is crucial to prioritize energy efficiency and renewable energy sources in this sector to significantly reduce our carbon footprint, support environmental goals, and pave the way for a greener, more resilient digital infrastructure.”

The deal underscores how Southeast Asia’s accelerating digitalization is testing energy systems. Data centers are essential for cloud services, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and e-commerce, but they are also highly energy-intensive.

Analysts warn that without sustainable solutions, emissions from the sector could rise sharply.

Most of the new facility’s space will be leased to large technology companies, AI firms, and graphics processing service providers.

GSA will also offer tenants renewable energy certificates and procurement options, supporting Thailand’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2065.

ADB’s Bio Circular Green Growth technical assistance, backed by the Republic of Korea e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund, supported the project with environmental and social due diligence.

Yupapin Wangviwat, Chief Financial Officer of Gulf Development, one of GSA’s parent companies, said, “The green loan arrangement for our first data center in Thailand marks a pivotal step in advancing our digital infrastructure strategy. The participation of ADB and other financial partners demonstrates strong institutional confidence in both our long-term vision and our commitment to sustainability.”

Founded in 2022, GSA is a joint venture between Gulf Development, Singtel, and AIS. Its entry highlights the increasing alignment between digital expansion and environmental goals across the region.

For ADB, the partnership sets a precedent for green financing in one of the most energy-hungry segments of the digital economy.