Meet Cloud Carrier, a company on a mission to lead Australia’s technology landscape with hyperscale, next-generation liquid-cooled data solutions.

Recognizing a critical gap in the market for supporting today’s most demanding computational tasks – from AI and large language models (LLMs) to machine learning and high-performance computing (HPC) – Cloud Carrier’s chief technology officer, Matt Bigeni, shared with DCD how they developed Data Building One (DB1), the first in a series of master-planned, state-of-the-art data centers in Australia’s Southern Highlands.

Leading Australia’s high-density, sustainable data center expansion

The rise of data centers in the APAC region is fueled by digitalization, increasing cloud and data sovereignty requirements, and governments driving growth through sustainability initiatives, and a demand for secure, resilient infrastructure.

Cloud Carrier’s Southern Highlands Data Campus (SHDC) is a standout addition to Australia’s data center ecosystem, spanning 67 hectares (165 acres) in the Southern Highlands, with an expansion capacity of up to 300MW.

The site offers unique advantages: a cool climate enables industry-leading water efficiency, while onsite water harvesting facilities store and reuse water sustainably. Situated between Canberra and Sydney, the SHDC benefits from both proximity and security, positioned on a large, secure campus that allows for seamless multi-building expansion.

Designed with cutting-edge liquid cooling technology, the SHDC is optimized for high-density, sustainable operations, tailored to meet the demands of government and enterprise workloads. “Our data centers are purpose-built to support the latest generation of GPUs and beyond,” Bigeni notes. “With up to 300MW expansion capability and onsite power generation, SHDC is equipped to handle future growth while prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainability.”

DB1: Where high performance meets eco-friendly innovation

At the heart of the SHDC is DB1, a 15MW facility that marks the first of Cloud Carrier’s several planned high-performance buildings on the campus. DB1 is distinguished by its integration of next-generation liquid cooling technology, which enhances efficiency and performance while keeping emissions low.

DB1’s infrastructure combines direct liquid cooling (DLC) and immersion-cooled tank technologies, achieving industry-leading rack densities – over 140kW per rack with DLC and 160kW per tank with immersion cooling.

DB1 -Front view
DB1 site – Cloud Carrier

This design delivers over 17.5 times and 20 times the density of conventional air-cooled centers, respectively, setting a new standard in high-density data environments. Now fully constructed, DB1 has been commissioned and is ready to provide cutting-edge services to its clients. As Bigeni explains:

“By offering a flexible, scalable fit-out that adapts to each client’s needs, Cloud Carrier is not only advancing the data center industry but doing so with sustainability at the forefront.”

Designing, engineering, and constructing infrastructure for sustainability

When it comes to designing and constructing data centers, flexibility and scalability are key. Cloud Carrier takes this further by offering tailored fit-outs that align with each client’s needs. However, with any new player in the industry, clients may wonder how to ensure these offerings are truly reliable.

DB1 - LC MEC
DB1 LC MEC – Cloud Carrier

“Our design process emphasizes the integration of a native liquid-cooled infrastructure, which not only sets new benchmarks for ultra-high rack density but also significantly enhances the performance of critical workloads like AI,” explains Bigeni.

In addition to its innovative infrastructure, Cloud Carrier is focused on sustainability. With onsite water harvesting capabilities, the company aims for zero utility water usage, significantly reducing emissions. The SHDC serves as a prime example of sustainable design, achieving a power usage effectiveness (PUE) of less than 1.10 – substantially outperforming traditional data centers.

This efficiency translates to a 74 percent increase in energy savings and a 72 percent reduction in carbon emissions. Additionally, with a 1.3 million-liter water harvesting system, DB1 is on track to achieve an impressive NABERS rating (the National Australian Built Environment Rating System) of 5.5 to six stars, out of six.

What to expect from Cloud Carrier

Bigeni highlights that as Cloud Carrier expands its capabilities, the focus will be on enhancing its liquid-cooled infrastructure and introducing AI-driven services to boost operational efficiency. Additionally, new facilities will be developed to support ultra-high rack density and energy-efficient designs, all while providing flexible, scalable solutions tailored to each client’s unique requirements.

The company remains dedicated to reducing emissions and achieving zero water usage through onsite water harvesting, enabling it to meet both current demands and future sustainability objectives. Ultimately, Cloud Carrier aspires to be a trusted partner, consistently delivering high-performance, reliable, and environmentally responsible data center solutions that align with the needs and values of its customers.

For more information on Cloud Carrier's liquid-cooled campus, visit cloudcarrier.com.