Collaboration between Streamcast and Enemalta moves ahead
The first phase in the development of the international data centre, within the underground tunnels, where once stood the oldest part of the Marsa Power Station, has been concluded in a record time of eight weeks.
Last November, Enemalta plc and Streamcast Technologies Inc., part of the Streamcast Group, signed an agreement for the development of a global data centre in Malta. The aim of the pilot project was to develop a high-end data centre with an investment of around €5m.
The Enemalta tunnels provide a strong and stable structure with low temperatures all year round. This presented an ideal location for data centres that require highlevel protection from natural elements and security. Moreover, the low ambient temperatures enable the equipment to operate at its maximum efficiency. The chosen site features a direct internet connection through fibre optic cables that Enemalta has implemented between Malta and Sicily. This is also linked to the underground tunnel network spread across the country, used in the distribution of electricity to our customers.
Different teams from Enemalta together with Streamcloud engineers, worked together to install the electrical infrastructure, airconditioning and other sophisticated equipment, which is only featured in state-of-the-art data centres. Other contractors have implemented several kilometres of fibre optic cables to connect the new data centre site in Marsa with Enemalta’s established connection between Maghtab and Ragusa in Sicily.
The data centre, which will be used by Streamcast customers worldwide, is designed with high end facilities that support 24x7 operations. This means that, in the event of a system malfunction or during scheduled maintenance, the failover systems will automat- ically takeover thus eliminating downtime.
Ing. Fredrick Azzopardi, chairman Enemalta plc, stated that: "The agreement reached between Enemalta and Streamcast will not be the last partnership of this nature. The team for business development is in talks with many other local and international companies to further expand the portfolio of our company, not only in the global market of data centres, but also in new sectors.”
Ing. Jason Vella, chief Executive officer of Enemalta plc, explained that: "Following the signing of the agreement with Streamcast, sustained and dedicated efforts developed this project into reality. The project was completed in a record time of eight weeks, thus demonstrating a strong sense of commitment, among all stakeholders. After completing this project Enemalta and Streamcast will closely monitor operational parameters and conduct other studies to plan further developments. If the desired results are attained, larger data centres in other parts of this underground structure will be developed. This first data centre marks a new era for Enemalta.”
Nimish Pandya, chairperson, Streamcast Group also shared his vision and stated: “The Streamcast Group’s philosophy and belief has always been to enrich the human life experience through technology. We have currently achieved this for millions of people across India, South East Asia and Mena with rapidly growing plans to enter into other regions of the world. With partners like Enemalta and exceptional talent like the Streamcloud team, we are confident of delivering a complete spectrum of services, which we at Streamcast call D-to-D, that is, Data Centre to Device.”