A recent article published by la Repubblica highlights how 2026 is set to be a pivotal year for the data center sector in Italy, with forecast double-digit growth and an increase of +15%, the highest in the European landscape.
According to the Q4 Data Centre Commercial Report by BCS Consultancy, cited in the article, Italy is strengthening its role as a strategic hub between Europe, Africa and Asia thanks to its geographic position and the growing demand for digital infrastructure driven by artificial intelligence. Milan and Rome are emerging as the main hubs for new investments and hyperscale developments.
La Repubblica also points out the main challenges accompanying this growth, including rising electricity demand, the need to strengthen power grids, and delays in authorization procedures for electrical connections, which currently represent one of the major barriers to the development of new infrastructure.
The Data Center Observatory Report by the Politecnico di Milano forecasts €25 billion in investments between 2026 and 2029 for the construction and fit-out of new data centers. However, to remain competitive, the article warns that swift action on permits and energy infrastructure will be essential.
In an interview reported by la Repubblica, Sherif Rizkalla, President of the Italian Data Center Association (IDA), describes this phase as a true “infrastructure supercycle,” with subsea cable capacity in the Mediterranean expected to increase tenfold in the coming years. Projections indicate an additional 110 MW in 2025, 250 MW in 2026, over 1 GW in 2028, and up to 2 GW by 2031, representing a 600% increase compared to 2024.
Investments over the next five years are expected to reach €21.8 billion.
According to la Repubblica, this growth positions Italy as one of the most dynamic markets in Europe for digital transformation. However, to fully seize these opportunities, the country will need to accelerate the simplification of authorization processes and strengthen energy and network infrastructure.
Read the full article:
https://www.repubblica.it/tecnologia/2026/01/23/news/data_center_nel_2026_atteso_il_boom_di_investimenti_in_italia-425113257/
