Australia excels with energy-efficient innovation

New data centre technology that will use half the electricity of an average data centre system has been officially launched today by Richard Marles MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry.

The Datapod system has been engineered for optimum efficiency with the aim of reducing the electricity consumption of the data centre by up to 50%.

“This new system is an example of data centre technology that is both practical and green,” Marles said.

“It is highly mobile and adaptable technology that can be deployed at short notice, such as to a disaster area like the recent bushfires in Victoria. It will also meet the needs of businesses requiring cost-effective data centre infrastructure.

“This is the type of innovation that the Australian government is committed to supporting.”

The Datapod system represents an alliance between APC by Schneider Electric and an Australian company, Datapod (Australia).

The project has the potential to create up to 30 new Australian jobs and generate revenue of up to $150 million.

“This project shows that investment in innovation is a smart investment. It is a project that will create new opportunities for Australian small and medium enterprises as well as creating new jobs,” Marles said.

“Because ICT is pervasive across industries and in our daily lives, it is well placed to contribute to transforming the Australian economy.”

The information and communications technology (ICT) industry provides employment for around 400,000 Australians.

Earlier this year, the Australian government established the Information Technology Industry Innovation Council to deliver strategic advice on innovation priorities for the sector and to champion IT innovation for economic, social and environmental aims.