The data center project planned for the so-called “Triangolone” area, located between Zanica, Azzano San Paolo, Orio al Serio, and Grassobbio, continues to fuel discussion around the relationship between infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and territorial planning.
The feature published by L’Eco di Bergamo also highlights the position of IDA – Italian Datacenter Association, the organization representing data center developers and operators in Italy. Regarding the recent amendments introduced by the Lombardy Region to the legislation governing data center developments, IDA expresses “cautious optimism,” recognizing that some of the proposed measures reinforce principles that are already central to the design and construction of digital infrastructure.
The association emphasizes the importance of promoting data center development that is compatible with local communities, mindful of resource consumption, and well integrated with the energy network, noting that many of the projects currently under evaluation involve already urbanized, brownfield, or redevelopment areas.
At the same time, IDA highlights the need for clear and predictable regulatory conditions to ensure that projects can be translated into tangible investments. For the sector, regulatory certainty is a key factor in attracting capital, planning long-term developments, and supporting the growth of the digital infrastructure required by the country.
As noted by the association, the stakes are significant. Current estimates point to a potential €36.9 billion in infrastructure investments and approximately 26,000 full-time jobs between 2026 and 2036. These figures confirm the strategic role of data centers in supporting Italy’s digital transformation and economic competitiveness.
The ongoing discussion in Lombardy once again underlines the importance of finding the right balance between economic development, sustainability, and local community engagement, in a context where data centers are becoming increasingly critical infrastructure for the growth of the digital economy.
