Checklist · free
Data Center Site-Selection Checklist
Power-first site evaluation checklist: grid capacity and timeline, energy price, latency, incentives, water, hazards, connectivity.
Power (decides everything)
- Grid connection: available MW today vs after upgrade; utility queue time in writing
- Tariff: $/kWh now and 5-year trajectory (see electricity benchmarks)
- Renewables: PPA/Direct PPA availability, on-site generation rights
- Backup fuel logistics and permits for gensets
Location & risk
- Flood plain, seismic zone, extreme heat days per year
- Latency to target users/exchanges (ms) and subsea cable proximity
- Airport distance, road access for equipment delivery
- Political/regulatory: data residency laws, moratoriums (Singapore precedent, Malaysia 2026 non-AI restrictions)
Incentives & cost
- Tax holidays (e.g. Thailand BOI: 8-year corporate income tax exemption, duty-free equipment)
- Land: purchase vs long lease; foreign ownership rules
- Build cost benchmark for the market ($/MW — see cost guide)
Ecosystem
- Carriers on-site or nearby; IX access
- Skilled workforce: electricians, mechanical, NOC talent pool
- Vendor logistics: racks/UPS/cooling supply chain (see suppliers)