Start Campus has officially launched its SIN01 data center in Sines, Portugal. This marks the completion of the first building on the company’s flagship campus, which is poised to become a major player in the global data center market.
SIN01: The First of Six Planned Buildings
Capacity and Initial Specifications
SIN01 is the inaugural facility of a planned six-building campus designed to deliver up to 1.2GW of total IT capacity. Initial projections for SIN01 estimated a capacity of 14MW, with the potential to expand to 26MW. While current specifications have not been confirmed, earlier plans indicated the facility would span 5,000 square meters (approximately 53,800 square feet) across six data halls.
Environmentally Friendly Cooling Technology
The SIN01 facility integrates Nautilus cooling technology, which utilizes surrounding seawater for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling. This approach aligns with Start Campus’ commitment to sustainability.
Why Sines? Portugal’s Strategic Advantages
An Alternative to Constrained Markets
Start Campus has positioned Portugal as a strategic alternative to more congested data center markets. Key advantages include abundant renewable energy, reliable grid access, competitive power pricing, and a purpose-built supply chain tailored for data center operations.
Connectivity and Subsea Cables
Sines offers unparalleled connectivity with the presence of the EllaLink subsea cable and several upcoming projects, including the Medusa, New CAM Ring, Nuvem, and Olisipo cables. This positions the region as a vital interconnection hub for Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Challenges and Leadership Changes
Corruption Scandal and Leadership Transition
Start Campus faced significant challenges in 2023 when it was implicated in a corruption scandal that led to the resignation of the Portuguese government. Several executives were arrested during the investigation, though charges against former CEO Afonso Salema have since been dropped. Robert Dunn has been appointed as the permanent CEO, bringing stability to the organization after serving as interim CEO since November 2023.
Restoring Credibility
Despite these setbacks, Start Campus has worked to restore its reputation and position itself as a leader in the global data center industry. The launch of SIN01 is a testament to its resilience and commitment to innovation.
Industry Presence in Portugal
Competition in Lisbon and Beyond
While most data centers in Portugal are concentrated in Lisbon, Sines is emerging as a competitive alternative. Companies such as AtlasEdge, Claranet, Edged, Tata Communications, and Equinix have established a strong presence in the region, leveraging Portugal’s strategic location and infrastructure.
Collaboration with DE-CIX
In September 2024, Internet exchange operator DE-CIX announced that it would offer interconnection and cloud services from the SIN01 facility, further enhancing its appeal to global customers.
FAQ Section
What is the capacity of SIN01?
The initial capacity of SIN01 is estimated at 14MW, with the potential to expand to 26MW. Final specifications have not yet been confirmed.
Why is Sines an ideal location for data centers?
Sines offers abundant renewable energy, competitive power pricing, reliable grid access, and connectivity via several subsea cables, making it a strategic alternative to constrained markets.
What is Nautilus cooling technology?
Nautilus cooling technology uses seawater to efficiently cool data centers, reducing environmental impact and improving energy efficiency.
How many buildings are planned for the Start Campus?
The Start Campus will include six buildings, with a total IT capacity of up to 1.2GW.
Who is the current CEO of Start Campus?
Robert Dunn is the permanent CEO of Start Campus, having taken over in November 2023.
