Portugal has taken a decisive step on the global landscape of data centers with the launch of SIN01, the first building of the SINES DC campus, an ambitious project located in Sines. This facility, now operational, marks the beginning of a new era in which Portugal aims to become a key node for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) workloads and high-performance computing (HPC), thanks to its abundant renewable energy, competitive prices, and strategic connectivity.
A New Engine for Portugal’s Digital Economy
SIN01 is the first of six planned buildings on the SINES DC campus, designed to reach a total capacity of 1.2 GW. This project positions Portugal as an attractive alternative to traditional data center markets in Europe, which are facing increasing energy and space constraints. With abundant natural resources, a robust power grid, and a growing commitment to sustainability, Portugal is emerging as a new hub for digital infrastructure.
Key Features of SIN01:
- Initial capacity: 14 MW, expandable to 26 MW.
- Size: 5,000 m² spread across six data halls.
- Innovative cooling: The campus employs Nautilus cooling technology, which utilizes seawater for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.
Strategic Advantages of Portugal
1. Leadership in Renewable Energy
The availability of renewable energy is one of the project’s cornerstones. With two-thirds of its energy coming from sustainable sources, Portugal reinforces its commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of digital infrastructure.
2. Strategic Connectivity
Sines is a critical node for international data flows, connected to key submarine cables such as EllaLink, and soon Medusa and Nuvem, which will enhance connectivity between Europe, South America, and Africa.
3. Competitive Costs
Compared to other European data centers, Portugal offers more accessible electricity rates, solidifying its appeal for data-intensive applications such as AI and cloud computing.
Overcoming Challenges to Build an Innovative Ecosystem
Although SINES DC faced challenges due to a corruption investigation that led to changes in its leadership, the company has recharted its course under the direction of its new CEO, Robert Dunn. Charges against the former CEO, Afonso Salema, have been dropped, and the project continues to advance with a renewed focus on innovation and transparency.
Despite these challenges, SINES DC has been recognized as a transformative initiative to make Portugal a key player in the global digital economy. Strategic partnerships, such as the one established with DE-CIX to offer interconnection and cloud services, strengthen its market position.
A Promising Future: Towards Europe’s Most Sustainable Data Center Ecosystem
The SINES DC campus plans to significantly expand its infrastructure, attracting hyper-scale companies, cloud providers, and large corporations seeking scalable and sustainable solutions.
Upcoming Key Milestones:
- The campus aims to reach its total capacity of 1.2 GW by 2029.
- It will continue developing partnerships with submarine cable operators and connectivity providers to strengthen its position as a strategic node in international data exchange.
Conclusion: SINES DC, the Gateway to the Future
The successful launch of SIN01 positions Sines as a key player in the European data center market. Leveraging its geographical, economic, and environmental advantages, Portugal is becoming a preferred destination for next-generation digital infrastructure. As AI, HPC, and cloud services drive exponential growth in data demand, the SINES DC campus is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming the global digital economy.
via: LinkedIn