Metronode has been selected for the Federal Government’s panel for the provision of greenfield data centres to government agencies, with the company’s two greenfield sites in Melbourne and Canberra selected as part of the pane.

Metronode general manager, Malcolm Roe, said both sites will use the BladeRoom modular data centre technology which delivers “environmental benefits and real energy savings to the end user.” According to Roe, the panel appointment demonstrates the “quality and reliability of Metronode’s data centres, but it also reaffirms the market’s commitment to a more environmentally friendly data centre operation.”

“The appointment will assist us in growing our portfolio of secure long term leases with high quality tenants, and in delivering consistent and reliable returns for our stakeholders and investors.
“For every 500 racks or 1,000kW of load, Metronode’s new generation data centres will save government agencies up to $1 million per annum on energy charges alone compared to the existing Government facilities.”

Roe said Metronode, which is owned by Leighton Contractors, has commenced construction at its new Melbourne facility and has secured planning approval for its new Canberra data centre, located in Mitchell. According to Roe, when it is fully developed, Metronode’s Melbourne facility will be capable of supporting over 12MW of IT load.

The government panel will be in place for five years, and Roe said that Metronode’s greenfield sites allowed for significant growth, allowing demand to be met throughout the panel’s lifespan. Agencies procuring data centre facilities from the panel will enter into 10-year leases, with an option to extend the lease for five years.

By Peter Dinham, www.itwire.com