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Green internet hub to be pioneered in Manchester

09/07/2007

Manchester is to host the world's first large-scale energy-saving hosting facility and internet hub, it has been announced.

Situated in Central Park on the east side of the city, the facility will use wind turbines and solar panels to generate its own renewable energy, as well as re-using the heat generated by the servers.

It is hoped that the combination of 'green' technology and ultra-fast broadband will attract high-tech firms to Manchester, which is already the UK's second hub for internet traffic.

"This is exactly the sort of development we want to encourage, building on Manchester's enviable track record in developing digital industries, while leading the way in building greener sustainable cities," said local councillor Neil Swannick.

Property developer Ask:Goodman and internet hosting company UKFast.Net have joined forces with the city council to create the pioneering facility, which is expected to be operational by the second half of next year.

A recent report in the US calculated that the electricity used by internet hosting facilities and data centres accounts for 0.8 per cent of total global electricity use.


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