Kazakhstan signs memorandum to build data center costing up to $3 bln

ASTANA. May 5 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan's Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development has signed a cooperation memorandum with an international consortium including Dornan Engineering Group and Ample Solutions Hong Kong during the GITEX AI forum, the ministry said.

The agreement aims at the construction of a high-reliability Tier III-IV data center in Kazakhstan with a capacity of 50 to 200 MW. Total investment in the project is estimated at between $1.5 billion and $3 billion.

A gas-fired power plant with a capacity of up to 250 MW will also be built to supply electricity to the facility, with estimated investment of $200 million to $400 million.

A site for the project is currently being selected, with priority given to locations near existing gas infrastructure.

"Kazakhstan has a unique geographic location, a cold climate and relatively affordable electricity. These factors create favorable conditions for the deployment of international data centers and the development of digital infrastructure," Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Minister Zhaslan Madiyev was quoted as saying.

The ministry said the project aims to develop digital infrastructure, attract foreign investment and strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a regional technology hub.