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The companies signed a memorandum of understanding covering a joint feasibility study that could pave the way for data center developments integrated with power generation facilities.
MGEN brings expertise in conventional and renewable power, while VITRO, an ePLDT subsidiary within the PLDT Group, contributes data center development, connectivity and relationships with prospective hyperscalers.
Data center development
Reliable and competitively priced electricity is increasingly important to data center development, particularly as hyperscale and AI workloads raise demand for high-density computing infrastructure.
“This collaboration reflects the growing convergence between the energy and digital infrastructure sectors. Power is increasingly becoming a critical factor in where and how data centers are developed,” MGEN president and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio said in a statement.
“By bringing together our respective capabilities, we can explore solutions on how reliable, cost-competitive, and sustainable power can be integrated into the development of digital infrastructure,” Rubio said. Technical, commercial studies
Under the agreement, the companies will conduct technical and commercial studies covering potential sites, generation capacity, renewable resources, connectivity requirements, data center specifications and possible commercial structures.
MGEN will identify potential locations where data centers could be integrated with generation facilities and evaluate power supply arrangements. VITRO will lead data center design and site studies, connectivity planning and discussions with prospective hyperscalers and other locators.
Hyperscale investments
VITRO REIT Inc. president and CEO Victor S. Genuino said the partnership could produce a more integrated proposition for companies considering Philippine data center investments.
“Improving the cost and reliability of power is one of the key objectives of this collaboration, as energy remains a decisive factor in attracting hyperscale and AI investments to the country. VITRO is committed to working closely with the energy sector to help secure ample, stable, sustainable, and affordable energy for the digital infrastructure that supports the Philippines' digital economy,” Genuino added.
The partnership comes as the Philippines seeks to accommodate growing demand for digital infrastructure by bringing power availability and connectivity considerations earlier into data center site selection and development. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
