Italy is the hub of European connectivity

The Data Centre sector, globally, attracts investments, and in Italy has recorded from 2013 to 2021 transactions for 750,000 sqm and a value of EUR 650 million. This is confirmed by the latest Report published by Cushman & Wakefield entitled 'Italy Data Centre', which defines the market in our country as not yet mature, but in strong expansion. 

Italy is becoming a focal point for connectivity between Europe, the Middle East and Africa, thanks to the multi-fibre submarine cable that will connect Telecom Italia Sparkle's Sicily Hub in Palermo with the new landing station in Genoa, directly connected to Milan's rich digital ecosystem.

There are currently 80 Data Centres in Italy, the importance of which appears even more crucial in light of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) that focuses on digitisation, with around 21% of PNRR resources (around EUR 40,32 billion) earmarked for energy transition, sustainable mobility, education, research and healthcare.​​

Lombardy is followed by Rome, which is increasingly interesting for investors, especially because it covers the needs of residents and companies in central and southern Italy.

In the more general sphere of real estate investments, the data centre sector is seen as a strategic asset, but one that presents atypical characteristics, with operating, constructing and maintenance costs equal to several multiples of the costs expected for other assets.

It is positive that the data centre sector globally attracts investments not only from real estate companies, but also from private equity funds and infrastructure providers. 

The digital sector is one of the most energy-intensive and among the world's largest emitters of CO2, so the popularity of Green Data Centres, designed to have minimal environmental impact, is growing. In fact, 25 companies and 17 associations have agreed on a self-regulatory initiative to make data centres in Europe climate neutral by 2030. 

The stated targets are: