The capacity of Italian data centers will grow from 287 MW in 2024 to 1 GW in 2028 and 2 GW in 2031, +600% in seven years

This is what emerges from “Market Research 2025 Status of Data Centers in Italy” presented by Ida (Italian Data Center Association) during the “Data Center Symposium” in Rome

Leading this race are hyperscalers, protagonists of a new expansion phase that aims to bring the cloud “closer to end users”. The construction of new availability zones in various Italian regions allows for improved performance, efficiency and data sovereignty, as well as stimulating the creation of local hubs.

The capacity of submarine cables in the Mediterranean, which will grow tenfold in the next five yearsis a determining factor for the birth of new digital hubs. Genoa and Palermo are candidates as strategic hubs, together with Barcelona and Crete, in an interconnected ecosystem that strengthens Southern Europe’s position in global data traffic.

At the same time, hyperscalers are pushing AI adoption. AI not only accelerates the time-to-market of investments, but increases the demand for energy and energy density, “potentially introducing a new class of data center products and opening up investment opportunities in areas beyond the large Italian markets (Milan and Rome)”.

The engine of this growth is represented by investments. According to Ida, the overall expenditure for the construction and equipping of data centers will reach 21.8 billion euros within five years, without considering IT equipment costs and operating expenses.

The peak will be reached in 2029, with almost 5 billion euros of new investments, l supported by demand for colocation and hyperscale services. The capacity of Italian commercial data centers it will reach 1,522 MW, almost six times that of 2024, with an average CAGR of 40%. Currently, 343 MW of plants are under construction, while 1,684 MW are already planned. “This impulse not only favors the development of digital infrastructure, but also stimulates related sectors such as energy, construction and telecommunications, consolidating Italy as a strategic hub for technological innovation,” highlights the report.

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The sector of Data Center is also a powerful employment generator. The supply chain today employs almost 14,000 units Fte between construction, installation, safety and services. Added to these are 6,800 indirect jobs generated by local related industries.