Greece is experiencing an unprecedented boom in the data center market, driven by the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its soaring demand for both data and energy. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, the need for robust data infrastructure has propelled investment in data centers across the country.
PPC’s Strategic Move into Data Centers
Recently, the Public Power Corporation (PPC) of Greece signaled its intent to transform former lignite mining regions in Western Macedonia into hubs for data center infrastructure. According to the company’s president, PPC is initiating a major investment cycle in the sector, ensuring both the necessary energy supply and suitable land for these facilities.
Discussions at a recent event in Athens, organized by American think tanks GMF and CSIS, hinted at potential collaborations with U.S. tech giants to capitalize on these future data center facilities in Western Macedonia.
Energy-Backed Growth Strategy
PPC’s development plan outlines an initial phase featuring 300 MW of data centers in Western Macedonia, supported by a diverse energy mix. This includes a 350 MW natural gas plant, 1.3 GW of photovoltaic capacity, 300 MW of battery storage, and two pumped hydro storage units of 320 MW and 240 MW, respectively.
According to PPC’s schedule, the first 300 MW phase is expected to be operational within two years, thanks to streamlined permitting processes. A second phase, expanding capacity to 1 GW, could be completed within three years, contingent on agreements with hyperscalers—large-scale cloud service providers. PPC has confirmed ongoing negotiations with major hyperscalers and data center developers.
Collaborations and Future Investments
Since late last year, PPC has been working on a joint venture, Data In Scale, in collaboration with EDGNEX Data Centers of DAMAC, to develop a data center in Spata. Further details on PPC’s investment roadmap will be unveiled during the official presentation of its “Gateway to Development” plan for Western Macedonia, which will be attended by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Digital Realty Expands Presence in Greece
The data center momentum in Greece extends beyond PPC. On Thursday, April 3, PPC’s announcements in Kozani will be followed by the inauguration of Digital Realty’s HER1 facility in Heraklion, Crete, next Tuesday. This move marks the company’s strategic expansion into the Eastern Mediterranean, a region rich in subsea data transmission cables. Additionally, Digital Realty is constructing its fourth data center in Koropi (ATH4), while its ATH3 facility recently became operational.
