Asia Pacific data centre operator AirTrunk and a renewable energy platform ib vogt, have started commercial operations at a 29.99 megawatts alternating current (MWac) solar project in Malaysia. 

The project supports AirTrunk’s operations in the country and was developed under Malaysia’s Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP).

According to the companies, it is the first renewable energy virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) for a data centre under the programme.

Under the long-term agreement, the solar facility developed by ib vogt will supply renewable energy to Malaysia’s grid. The project comes as data centre power demand continues to rise across the region, driven by cloud and AI infrastructure growth.

Damien Spillane, chief customer and innovation officer at AirTrunk, said the project shows how digital infrastructure growth and the energy transition can develop together. Securing a renewable energy supply is becoming increasingly important as demand for cloud and AI infrastructure grows across the region. 

“This long-term collaboration contributes new renewable energy capacity to Malaysia’s grid while supporting AirTrunk’s commitment to match 100% of electricity consumption across our data centre platform with renewable energy by 2030.” 

AirTrunk is reportedly preparing to file for a Singapore-listed real estate investment trust (REIT) IPO soon, as it continues expansion across Asia Pacific and beyond. In Malaysia, the operator plans to invest MYR12 billion, or about US$3 billion, to develop two data centres in Johor.

With operations now underway, the project supports Malaysia’s renewable energy targets under the CGPP and links rising data centre power demand with new renewable generation.

ib vogt is a utility-scale renewable energy development platform with a global footprint. The company has operated for 20 years and has a 15-year track record in utility-scale solar PV plants, alongside a growing portfolio of wind and battery energy storage system projects.

The company focuses mainly on OECD markets and operates as an independent power producer.

ib vogt said the AirTrunk project reflects its focus on developing tailored energy solutions for corporate customers. Renewable energy procurement will remain important as hyperscale data centre growth increases power demand across the region.

David Ludwig, CEO of ib vogt APAC, said the project supports the company’s work with partners on decarbonisation. ib vogt delivered the project safely and responsibly, and added that the company aims to support local economic development in the communities where it operates.