ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Philippines.
Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has successfully energized a new 115-kV switching station for ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Philippines’ (STT GDC) hyperscale facility in Fairview, Quezon City. STT GDC Philippines, a joint venture of Globe Telecom, Ayala Corporation, and Singapore-based STT GDC, operates data centers in Metro Manila, Cavite, and Davao.
The partnership between Meralco and STT GDC involved constructing the switching station within STT GDC’s Polaris Data Center—the first of its kind in Meralco’s franchise area. This in-building, dual-feed switching station ensures a stable power supply and enhances the data center’s operational efficiency. STT GDC emphasized that this collaboration is vital for sustainable and responsible operations.
“This is a statement to the international community that the Philippines can build a world-class infrastructure that shows that we are more than ready to support enabling the digital Philippines,” said STT GDC Philippines president and chief executive officer Carlo E. Malana.
Harmonic System Inc. and Meralco subsidiary MIESCOR jointly constructed the new 115 kV sub-transmission lines, providing reliable and redundant electric service to the data center. Meralco’s energy services unit, MSERV, supplied and installed key data center electrical equipment, including high-voltage gas-insulated switchgear, oil-immersed transformers, and medium-voltage dry-type transformers.
“Meralco works closely with data center operators such as STT GDC to cater to their unique requirements. We are fully committed to providing reliable power and energizing critical infrastructure that will support the growth and development of the hyperscale industry in the country,” concluded Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie L. Aperocho.
Meralco’s support for data centers aligns with the current administration’s socio-economic agenda, particularly concerning energy security and infrastructure development.
Data center industry in PH
The Philippines’ data center market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing digital adoption across various industries. In 2024, the market was valued at approximately $633 million and is projected to reach $1.97 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.89%
This expansion is attributed to the rise in cloud services, investments in artificial intelligence, and the proliferation of big data and IoT technologies.
As of 2024, the Philippines housed 23 data centers across nine markets, with Manila hosting 12 facilities.
Notably, the upcoming data center capacity is expected to add around 500 MW upon full build-out, nearly six times the current capacity.
This surge includes over $3 billion in planned investments by the end of 2025, which will add more than 124,000 rack spaces.
Major players in the Philippine data center landscape include ePLDT Inc., ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, and Digital Edge. ePLDT stands as the most significant data center operator in the country, followed by the joint venture of Globe Telecom and ST Telemedia
These operators are expanding their infrastructure to meet the growing demand for data storage and processing solutions.
The government’s support for digital transformation and renewable energy initiatives further bolsters the data center industry’s growth. The Department of Energy aims to increase renewable energy capacity to 35% by 2025 and 50% by 2040, encouraging data center operators to adopt sustainable practices.
In summary, the collaboration between Meralco and STT GDC exemplifies the Philippines’ commitment to developing robust and sustainable data center infrastructure, positioning the country as a competitive player in the global digital economy.