Italy approves €6.8B for strategic data centers and energy storage
The Italian government has approved two strategic investment programs for the development of data centers in Lombardy and Sardinia, totaling approximately €6.8 billion. These projects are part of a broader national strategy to enhance digital competitiveness and support artificial intelligence development through increased computing and storage capacity.
In Lombardy, K2 Strategic Infrastructure Italy S. r. l. will develop a hyperscale campus in the Milan metropolitan area with an investment of €5.3 billion and a capacity of 400 MW. In Sardinia, Energy Vault Sulcis S. r. l. will establish the "Digital Vault Sulcis" in the former Monte Sinni coal mine area, involving a €1.49 billion investment for an Edge AI data center with 30 MW capacity, integrated with renewable energy production and storage.
Additionally, the Basilicata region has authorized two significant battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Melfi and Picerno. These projects, with an authorized capacity of 348 MW, aim to stabilize the electrical grid by managing the intermittency of renewable energy sources.
Entities: Alessandro Beduschi · Carmine Cicala · Giacomo Zamperini · Laura Mongiello · Region of Lombardy
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lombardy opened a €2.5 million fund for modernising livestock facilities in mountain municipalities, with applications accepted until 8 September 2026. (Regione Lombardia)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The battery‑storage systems are intended to store excess renewable generation and improve grid stability. (Regione Basilicata)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The authorisations for the battery‑storage projects were issued by the Regional Energy Office under assessor Laura Mongiello. (Regione Basilicata)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Two farms in Lecco province receive a combined grant of more than €72 000. (Regione Lombardia)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Applications for the Basilicata forest‑nursery scheme must be submitted within 90 days of the official notice. (Regione Basilicata)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lombardy invests over €2.8 million to support agricultural pest prevention under the PAC 2023‑2027 Rural Development Programme. (Regione Lombardia)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Basilicata's forest‑nursery support scheme can cover up to 70 % of eligible costs, providing a maximum grant of €42 000 per company for investments up to €60 000. (Regione Basilicata)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Basilicata approved battery‑energy‑storage projects of 198 MW in Melfi and 150 MW in Picerno, totalling 348 MW of authorised capacity. (Regione Basilicata)