Foundation stone unveiled for Arnes data centre
Minister Igor Papič, Prime Minister Robert Golob, and Director of Arnes Marko Bonač | Author Boštjan Podlogar/STA
The investment in the data centre in Maribor will ensure ultra-high-speed internet connectivity for public research organisations and enable the storage of large amounts of valuable research data, the operation of a supercomputer for the artificial intelligence factory and the introduction of new digital services.
It is designed to be sustainable, as it will be built in the area of the Dravske elektrarne power plants. It will be directly connected to the Mariborski otok hydroelectric power plant via an electrical cable, thus utilising the energy potential of the Drava River for its operation. Since the operation of the centre and the supercomputer will generate excess heat, the unveiling of the foundation stone was followed by the signing of a letter of intent to participate in the project "Use of excess heat from the Arnes data centre and supercomputer in Maribor". Prime Minister Robert Golob gave the following address: "When I addressed the United Nations General Assembly in September and said that the future belongs to those who can combine science, technology and solidarity, I had this very project in mind. It combines three extremely important elements: data collection, supercomputing capacity and an artificial intelligence factory." He also highlighted the sustainability component, as the data centre combines clean energy from the Drava River while making use of waste heat to provide heating for the city of Maribor.
The project of construction of the new data centre is being carried out by Arnes, which will also be the centre's operator. "With the new data centre, we are laying the foundations for a stable, secure and powerful infrastructure for Slovenian science and higher education," said Arnes Director Marko Bonač. "This is a long-term investment in open science, technological independence and sustainable development – in the service of knowledge accessible to the entire Slovenian research community. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, which has decided to include the construction of this centre in the Slovenian part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan."
*Note – Full news items are available in Slovenian.
