The UK MOD has chosen a data centre designed by Ark Data Centres based on its energy efficient design.

The Ministry estimates that the data centre will cut 14,000 tons of carbon over 10 years under normal operation.

The facility will replace the MoD’s existing host site in Bath, Somerset.

The data centre in Corsham will be customised according to the MOD’s security requirements and meets HM Government’s data classification parameters.

Ark Data CIO Centres Steve Webb said: "We surveyed the existing MOD data centre and designed an Ark environment that is far smaller, more flexible and accommodates all of the department’s needs, future-proofed with room to grow.

"This includes a link to the MOD’s Information Systems and Services (ISS) headquarters building at Corsham – which happens to be next door to our site – so that ISS can conveniently work with the new data centre.

"This is a great example of how the MOD can benefit from secure sharing in a very high efficiency environment."