The Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) of Greece has entered into a partnership with Serverfarm, a global data centre developer, to establish a joint venture named Gemini. This initiative aims to construct and operate hyperscale-ready data centres in the Greater Athens Area, utilising sites owned by IPTO. The first notable project under this agreement will be a data centre campus designed with a capacity of 130 megawatts (MW).
Under the terms of the joint venture, IPTO will ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply for the data centre operations. The partnership will leverage strategically located sites to facilitate access to optical fibre networks and other essential operational resources. Serverfarm, contributing its extensive expertise in property development and operational management, will enhance the project’s framework.
The Gemini joint venture aspires to set a benchmark for data centre services within Greece, with an overarching goal of establishing a robust digital ecosystem aimed at addressing the increasing demands from both local and international cloud service providers and content delivery networks. The design of the data centres will prioritise energy efficiency while incorporating renewable energy sources to mitigate environmental impacts.
"This alliance symbolises a significant milestone for Greece’s digital transformation, poised to lay the foundation for a flourishing data-driven economy," stated Manos Manousakis, Chairman and CEO of IPTO. He elaborated on the importance of the venture, emphasising its potential to leverage synergies and cultivate mutually beneficial business opportunities. The goal is to turn Greece into a pivotal energy and data hub, considering its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Avner Papouchado, the Founder and CEO of Serverfarm, expressed optimism regarding the venture’s potential. He noted, "As leading tech and hyperscale organizations continue to expand into Greece, we see a great opportunity to leverage our expertise in this region.” He further highlighted the importance of the partnership with IPTO, suggesting it underscores their mission to invest in transformative projects that yield long-term value. According to Papouchado, while the Greek data centre market is still one of the more underserved markets within Europe, the geographical advantages position it ideally as a data gateway between continents.
The agreement between IPTO and Serverfarm indicates a progressive step for Greece's infrastructure, aiming to enhance digital capabilities while supporting the growing global demand for data centre services.
Source: Noah Wire Services