INFRASTRUCTURE FOR AN INTELLIGENT FUTURE
EDGNEX Data Centers by DAMAC has announced an AI-focused data center in Jakarta, Indonesia, marking its second facility in the country and one of the largest developments of its kind in Southeast Asia. Funded by a $2.3 billion investment, the project will reach a capacity of 144 megawatts, supplying the soaring demand for AI infrastructure and digital transformation across the region. The facility will feature high-density AI racks and aims for a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.32, aligning with EDGNEX’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency. Following the land acquisition in March 2025, construction is underway, with the first phase set to be operational by December 2026. The company says the center will help bridge critical digital infrastructure gaps and reduce latency issues that have limited the country’s hyperscale capabilities. The project is part of DAMAC Group’s broader $3 billion push into Southeast Asia, where it also holds developments in Malaysia and Thailand.
Photo courtesy of Oracle
ORACLE SCALES UP IN MOROCCO
Oracle has officially opened a new research and development center in CasaNearshore Park, signaling a major step forward for Morocco’s digital economy. The seven-story facility is expected to host over 800 engineers, developers and technicians, with plans to grow the number of jobs to 1,000 by 2027. The launch event was led by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch and attended by U.S. Consul General Marissa Scott and Digital Transition Minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, highlighting the importance of Morocco as a rising tech hub in the region. Oracle EVP of R&D Craig Stephen noted that more Moroccan engineers are choosing to stay or return to work in the country, reflecting the appeal of the growing tech hub. Currently, over 300 people are employed at the site, which features a modern workspace including a 120-seat auditorium, 55 meeting rooms, wellness spaces and prayer rooms. Oracle’s commitment to talent development is also evident in its internship program: In 2024, 92% of recommended interns were hired, and only 6% of over 5,000 applicants will be selected for 2025. The center in Casablanca plays a critical role in Oracle’s global R&D efforts, supporting advances in AI, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure and software engineering while contributing to Morocco’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Photo courtesy of Element 25
HEAVY METAL FOR CLEAN ENERGY
The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) will provide a loan of up to A$50 million to Element 25 to support the expansion of its Butcherbird manganese project in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King announced the funding will help triple manganese concentrate production to 1.1 million metric tons annually, which is projected to add approximately $909 million to Pilbara’s gross regional product. The project is also expected to generate around 150 construction jobs and 230 operational roles over its estimated 18-year lifespan. Manganese, a mineral vital to electric vehicle (EV) batteries, is considered a critical mineral by Australia, the U.S., Japan and South Korea. Element 25 will supply high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) feedstock from Butcherbird to its planned processing facility in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, with surplus concentrate sold to alloy and steel customers. Managing Director Justin Brown emphasized the global significance of the site, calling Butcherbird a “long-life production hub” that is essential to advancing battery-grade manganese projects. Demand for manganese is expected to skyrocket with major automakers and battery manufacturers who are exploring lithium manganese-rich chemistries.
Reports compiled and written by Alexis Elmore and Evan Secor
