Request for Proposal (RFP): Powering the Digital Economy The Data Center Imperative

I. Introduction

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) invites proposals from qualified consultants/contractors to conduct research on the economic value and environmental costs of powering the digital economy, with a sectoral focus on sustainable energy solutions for data centers in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region.

II. About APF Canada and ABAC 

APF Canada is an independent, not-for-profit organization focused on strengthening ties between Canada and Asia through research, education, and convening activities. The Foundation produces a range of research outputs, including reports, policy briefs, case studies, surveys, and digital media, and provides Asia Competency training for Canadian organizations and students. APF Canada serves as the Secretariat for Canada’s APEC Business Advisory Council members. 

This project is being conducted on behalf of ABAC and the AI & Digital Innovation Working Group. The intended audience is senior business leaders from ABAC and APEC policymakers. 

III. Project Description and Objectives

Across APEC, the growth of data centers is a prerequisite to meet the increasing computing requirements of the digital economy. There has been a surge in demand for data center capacity as businesses and consumers increasingly rely on digital services, from AI, cloud computing and data analytics to e-commerce and streaming. Both the growth of data centers and the adoption of AI rely on the availability of electric power, with electricity use by the 13 largest data centers (mostly in the APEC region) expected to double by 2026. 

More and more major tech companies are beginning to explore more sustainable solutions to power data centers like nuclear power, hydrogen and solar power. Solutions are required to balance the digital economy’s demands with APEC climate goals. The research project aims to:

• Define and assess the data center dilemma, incorporating relevant reports on GHG emission offsets.


• Identify the top five best practices to sustainably power data centers with clean energy being deployed in 2025 and beyond.


• Propose actionable strategies for private sector companies to sustainably power data centers while balancing costs, efficiency, and competitiveness.


• Forecast the implications of blockchain, AI, emissions, and grid requirements on sustainable energy use.


• Explore policy and regulatory mechanisms to support the private sector’s transition to sustainable energy solutions.

IV. Project Scope

The research will focus on five to seven APEC economies with active and growing data center markets, ensuring a diverse representation of geographic locations and climates. Key research questions include:

1. What sustainable energy options are accessible, cost-effective, and sufficient for powering the digital economy in APEC economies?


2. What practical, low-cost strategies can businesses implement to improve data center energy efficiency?


3. What policies and incentives can promote renewable energy adoption for data centers?


4. How can businesses and policymakers collaborate to ensure access to clean, affordable energy for data centers?


5. What regulatory frameworks and government incentives can support sustainable energy adoption and efficiency improvements in data centers?

The project will also build upon findings from APEC’s 2023 report on Promoting Energy Efficient and Resilient Data Centers in the APEC Region, incorporating insights from data center operators, cloud providers, and renewable energy experts. 

As this issue is not specific to APEC only, the project team will investigate collaboration and input from SGTech’s Digital Trust Advisory, ASEAN, the World Bank, UNCTAD, OECD etc. to discern how other regions are tackling this dilemma. APF Canada will provide connections to relevant partners and stakeholders. 

V. Deliverables & Milestones

The consultant will be responsible for delivering:

1. Succinct Research Report, including:

    a. Evaluation of the problem in target economies, as well as APEC more broadly at a high-level 

    b. Best practices & case studies from target economies 

    c. Recommendations for APEC policymakers and private sectors 

    d. Annex: Member economy placemats (these are meant to be visual economy case studies – for e.g. 1-2-            page/economy-level stock take of the key indicators, stats, best practices or solutions applicable to                    them) 

2. Virtual Presentation (mid-July 2025) of preliminary findings at ABAC III (Preparation of 10-minute presentation with speaker notes and deck) 

3. Preparation of an Event Presentation (mid-October 2025) to be delivered at ABAC IV (Preparation of presentation deck, speaker notes, etc.).

VI. Project Timeline

     Milestone Date

1. Project Kick-off  - April 2025


2. First Draft of Report - July 1, 2025


3. Virtual Presentation of Preliminary Findings - July 1, 2025


4. Final Report Submission - September 1, 2025


5. Final Presentation at ABAC IV - October 2025

These deadlines are non-negotiable due to ABAC’s approval processes and scheduled events.

VII. Qualifications & Requirements

Interested consultants should demonstrate:

• Proven expertise in digital economy research, energy policy and/or sustainability.


• Experience in conducting sectoral analysis and working with APEC economies/nomenclature.


• Strong analytical and written skills, with the ability to synthesize complex topics into clear, actionable recommendations.


• Experience engaging with private sector stakeholders and policymakers.


• Experience delivering projects on behalf of private sector stakeholders, using the appropriate tone and language.

VIII. Proposal Submission

Qualified consultants should submit a proposal including:

1. Technical Proposal

• Approach and methodology


• Work plan and timeline


• Key personnel and qualifications

2. Financial Proposal

• Detailed budget, including professional fees and any additional costs

3. Relevant Experience

• o Examples of similar projects completed


• o Reference from past client


• o Writing Sample

IX. Application process

Applications should include and upload all required documents below MERGED as ONE PDF file. 

• Cover letter detailing experience and suitability for the role;


• Résumé detailing professional background, skills, and professional experiences relevant to the responsibilities outlined in this RFP;


• Ten-page (maximum) proposal outlining approach, proposed methodology, timeframe and a budget for each activity (refer to VIII. Proposal submission);


• Name, title, and contact information (email and phone number) for two professional references. References will only be contacted if the applicant is short-listed and the application is evaluated.

X.  Submission Deadline

Proposals must be submitted no later than Sunday, April 6, 2025 (11;59 PM PT) with the subject line: “Proposal – Powering the Digital Economy RFP.”

XI.  Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance and quality of the proposed methodology (30%)


• Qualifications and experience of the consultant (30%)


• Feasibility of the work plan and timeline (20%)


• Cost-effectiveness and value for money (20%)

XII. Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding this RFP, please contact: Amanda Doyle, Senior Program Manager, APEC Networks Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Email: [email protected] 

APF Canada and ABAC Canada look forward to receiving your proposals and working together to advance sustainability in APEC’s digital economy.