Pantheon AI data center project planned for Topusko

The Pantheon AI data center project in Topusko, Croatia, is being developed as a major investment potentially valued at up to 50 billion euros. Aimed at supporting artificial intelligence and global corporations, the project is expected to create 3,000 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent positions, while generating hundreds of millions of euros in tax revenue.

Project manager Mario Gudelj stated that the first phase of the center is scheduled to begin operations in 2029. To address concerns regarding resource consumption, Gudelj emphasized that the project will not increase electricity prices or threaten local water supplies. The investors plan to finance a renewable energy infrastructure worth over 500 million euros to power the facility, rather than drawing from existing suppliers like HEP. Once completed, this infrastructure is intended to be handed over to the Croatian transmission system operator (HOPS) to strengthen the national grid.

While the project promises economic growth, experts have raised concerns regarding the scale of resource requirements. At full capacity, the center could consume approximately five terawatt-hours of electricity annually, which is more than 1.5 times the consumption of Zagreb and over a quarter of Croatia's total electricity usage. Additionally, the facility will require significant amounts of water for cooling, though developers claim they will utilize site-specific water sources rather than the public water supply.