Gulf is actively exploring significant new investments in data center projects, with feasibility studies underway for one to two additional facilities. Company executives anticipate final decisions on these ventures will be made by the close of the year.
Ambitious Growth Strategy
This expansion initiative is a key component of Gulf’s overarching objective to achieve approximately 2,000 megawatts (MW) of service capacity within the next three to five years. The company’s strategic roadmap includes substantial investments in electricity generation to power its burgeoning data center operations. Furthermore, Gulf is focusing on securing renewable energy sources through direct power purchase agreements with data center clients.
Analysis suggests an average investment of US$6-7 million per MW for data center projects anticipated between 2026 and 2030.
Commitment to Sustainability
Smith Banomyong, Chief Strategy Officer at Gulf, emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainable practices. He highlighted that Gulf’s facilities are engineered to minimize both electricity and water consumption. The implementation of advanced water-cooling systems and energy-efficient building designs are central to these efforts, aiming to significantly reduce resource utilization.
Call for Regulatory Framework
Mr. Banomyong also called upon the government to establish specific regulations for data centers. He drew parallels with legislative frameworks in Singapore and South Korea, which provide robust safeguards for sensitive data and promote industry development.
New Entity for Expansion
To facilitate its planned expansion, Gulf has established a dedicated entity, Gulf Edge Data Center 02 Co (GEDC02).
Current and Upcoming Projects
- GSA Data Center 01 (Samut Prakan): This operational facility, a joint venture with Singtel and Advance Info Service, currently boasts a 25MW capacity. It is recognized as Thailand’s first data center to employ liquid cooling technology specifically for artificial intelligence (AI) chips.
- GSA02 (Chon Buri): This project is currently under development and is slated for commercial operation in mid-2027 with a projected capacity of 38MW.
- GEDC (Rayong): This 100MW project is actively under construction and is expected to be operational by late 2027.
Financial Outlook and Digital Infrastructure
Gulf projects a total capital expenditure of 130-140 billion baht over the next five years. A significant portion, approximately 10%, is earmarked for investment in digital infrastructure, underscoring the company’s strategic focus on this sector.
AI Discussions Underway
The company is also engaged in confidential discussions with potential investors regarding expansion into the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, with further details to be released at a later stage.
