The $2.7-billion Narra Technology Park, touted to be the country’s first and largest hyperscale data center with 300-MW capacity, is expected to generate about 2,000 quality jobs over the project’s three-phased development.
This developed following the contact signing Tuesday, June 11, of the lease between the Provincial Government of Tarlac (PGT), led by Governor Susan Yap, and Narra Technology Park Development Inc. (NTPDI) for the 47-hectare facility, the first phase of which is expected to start commercial operation by the fourth quarter of 2026. Each phase has 100-megawatt power capacity for a total of 300 MW for the three phases. The lease is good for 50 years, renewable for another 25 years.
William Johnson, the Managing Director of NTPDI, said that throughout its three-phase construction, the project is expected to generate over 1,500 direct labor jobs for local communities. Once operational, it will create about 200 high-quality, skilled jobs in IT operations, maintenance, cybersecurity, and other areas.
The data center will offer the flexibility to be operated by a single offtaker, making it a unique addition to the Philippines' digital infrastructure landscape.
Johnson said they chose New Clark City (NCC) in Tarlac due to several factors. Firstly, he cited the availability of large tracks of land available in the area for a project of this magnitude, a challenge in the land-constrained areas of Metro Manila.
Secondly, NCC's master-planned environment provided an ideal setting for the development of a modern hyperscale data center hub. Additionally, NCC's proximity to Metro Manila ensures excellent connectivity to the capital region. “We also chose Tarlac due to its proximity to Clark Freeport and access to critical infrastructure such as power, water, and fiber, as well as the availability of competent labor in the area,” he said.
These factors collectively make NCC in Tarlac an optimal location for the Philippines’ pioneering hyperscale data center, positioning the country for significant advancement in its digital infrastructure, Johnson added.
The NTPDI is committed to environmental sustainability, actively implementing initiatives to minimize Narra Technology Park’s ecological impact. “We prioritize reliability and sustainability by incorporating energy-efficient technologies, clean renewable energy sources, and advanced cooling systems to reduce carbon footprint and energy consumption,” added Johnson.
Additionally, NTPDI is pursuing green certifications such as the Philippine Green Building Council’s BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) certification for their LEED-compliant designs. For instance, the cooling system design considers factors like climate, temperature, and humidity to balance energy efficiency, operational effectiveness, and environmental considerations. The goal is for Narra Technology Park to be powered by 100 percent clean renewable energy within the first five years of operations.