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New digital energy player in town: Dubai-based digital energy investor HodlerInvestments and Abu Dhabi-based energy and tech investor EHC Investments are partnering up to launch Nexgen Energy Infrastructure to support hosting global data center operators in the UAE, KSA, and Egypt, according to a statement (pdf) released on Thursday. Nexgen aims to support the creation of a digital energy market to supply critical energy infrastructure that will utilize wasted energy, such as flared gas, to attract global data center operators.
What’s digital energy infrastructure, Enterprise? Digital energy infrastructure refers to integrating digital technologies with traditional energy systems to enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, according to the International Energy Agency. It includes smart grids, digital meters, energy management systems, and IoT devices that monitor and control energy usage. It can improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, enhance grid reliability, and better integrate renewable energy sources.
The game plan: The joint venture aims to establish equitable digital energy infrastructure projects suitable for modern data center applications in evolving markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Nexgen will use Holder’s digital energy platform, PermianChain, to develop critical energy infrastructure that monetizes wasted energy — like flared gas — to power AI and blockchain data center infrastructure. Its goals include reducing CO2 emissions and supplying energy to global data center operators, the statement said.
The timeline: Projects in each of their targeted countries are already in motion, with the partners working on securing the necessary licenses and permits, El Masri said. He expects construction to begin on the projects in 1Q 2025 if all goes as planned.
A chunk of the funding will come from Hodler’s digital energy infrastructure fund: Hodler and Abu Dhabi-based investment conglomerate Gewan Holding had revealed plans last month to set up a closed-ended, USD 250-500 mn digital energy infrastructure fund. The fund has already secured soft commitments worth at least USD 250 mn, and in-kind contributions from undisclosed lead investors, as well as offtake agreements with partners looking for connectivity and energy for mining and AI operations. It is currently awaiting regulatory approvals.
