Data center investments in Italy exceed 25 billion euros

Italy is seeing a massive influx of private capital into digital infrastructure, with seven investment programs designated as having preeminent national strategic interest. The Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy estimates the total value of these investments at over 25 billion euros.

In the Milan metropolitan area, data center activity is expanding rapidly. A mapping by Politecnico di Milano shows 33 active data centers in the area, accounting for approximately 68% of Italy's total installed power. While existing facilities average under 10 MW, new construction projects are targeting 30 MW, and some projects under evaluation could reach up to 300 MW. This growth is repurposing former industrial sites but also driving demand for land, energy, and water.

A major project, the K2 hyperscale campus, is planned for the municipalities of Zibido San Giacomo and Lacchiarella near Milan. This project involves an estimated 5.3 billion euro investment with a planned capacity of 400 MW. Additionally, the Digital Vault Sulcis project in Sardinia is part of the broader strategic expansion. The shift toward data centers represents a significant transformation of the regional economy, moving from traditional manufacturing to high-tech digital services.