In the race for data centers, spotlights on still usable mines
The race to build new data centers has begun and, among the potential sites, mines are also being considered. Especially those that are dormant but still have a valid infrastructure and...
Italy is considering repurposing abandoned mines as sites for new data centers, taking advantage of their stable temperatures and existing infrastructure. The first such data center, Intacture, has been opened in a dolomite mine in Predaia, Trentino, at a depth of 100 meters, and features a supercomputing platform for artificial intelligence.
Another project, "Digital Vault Sulcis", is underway in a former coal mine in Nuraxi Figus, Sardinia, which will be powered entirely by renewable energy. A third project, Digital Metalla, has been proposed in the Iglesiente region of Sardinia, which would use the natural temperature stability and water resources of the site for cooling.
Experts see benefits to using abandoned mines for data centers, including reduced land use and stable temperatures, but also highlight the need for careful planning and risk assessment.
Written by urgent.news from Il Sole 24 Ore's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
