• ByteDance plans a major data center investment in Brazil.
• Project could initially involve 300 MW capacity, aiming for eventual expansion.
• Plans to collaborate with energy firm Casa dos Ventos in Ceara state.
• Brazil aims to become a global hub for the data center industry.
• The investment aligns with renewable energy initiatives in the region.

ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, is reportedly considering a significant investment in a data center located in Brazil, leveraging the country’s robust wind energy resources. The investment discussions include a partnership with renewable energy producer Casa dos Ventos to establish this facility in the Pecem port complex, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and South China Morning Post.

The data center project is positioned to further solidify Brazil’s status as a central player in the fast-developing data center industry in Latin America, particularly as the country capitalizes on its ample renewable energy sources. Initial discussions focus on a data center with a capacity of 300 megawatts (MW), with potential expansion plans to reach up to 900 MW, indicating total project demands may approach 1 gigawatt, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

This investment aligns with ByteDance's broader strategy, as the company recently signaled plans to invest $8.8 billion in data centers across Thailand over the next five years. As Brazil transitions toward becoming a global hub for technology, the Pecem area has been selected due to its strategic advantages, including proximity to submarine cable landing stations and a concentration of renewable energy generation, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

Casa dos Ventos has taken initiative by applying for grid connection for their own data center project in Pecem. Despite facing initial denial from Brazil’s national grid operator ONS due to stability concerns, the country's Mines and Energy Ministry is currently evaluating options for enhancing grid capacity to support data center expansions throughout Pecem and similar regions, as reported by South China Morning Post and Reuters.

In a statement, Casa dos Ventos emphasized its commitment to making the Pecem port a center for technological advancement and energy transition, highlighting its role in developing not only the largest data center in Brazil but also a green hydrogen project that relies on renewable energy from its portfolio, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.