With an eye on the bigger picture, but also on the major needs emerging in the field of artificial intelligence, PPC is moving forward with its plans to create a data center in Attica, and specifically in Spata, with a capacity of 25 MW.
However, according to sources with knowledge of the matter, this is just the first step that prepares the next and bigger step in full alignment with the group’s strategic aspirations.
It is worth remembering that PPC has signed an agreement with Emirati Damac and on Monday the joint venture Data in Scale was set up within GEMI, which will take on the development of the project. The company has an initial share capital of 4 million euros and is 55% owned by CAIO Holding Company Limited, a company with interests in Damac based in London, and 45% by the Greek company. It is worth noting that this project is the first in a series of similar investments planned jointly by the two groups.
At the same time, PPC is reportedly in negotiations with a technology giant to create a significantly larger unit at the former brown coal mines in Western Macedonia. The area has significant comparative advantages and allows PPC to think about the next step on a significantly larger scale in relation to the upcoming investment in Spata. Initially, the area of the former brown coal fields belongs to PPC, which solves the issues of land availability.
A second parameter that makes Western Macedonia an ideal location for such investments is the large available workforce that was found unemployed due to delignification. A third advantage of the region over others for the development of such investments is the proximity of the significant solar potential that is being developed in the region. As is well known, data centers consume enormous amounts of energy, especially an infrastructure that is expected to far exceed the 25 MW of the Spata project.
The advantages
The existence of significant renewable potential, combined with the existence of a wider infrastructure of cables, etc., allows for drastic cost containment. The company’s large photovoltaic power will cover the enormous needs for cheap energy that this specific investment will require for the installation and cooling of servers. As for data transfer, the Fiber-to-the-home network that the group is developing will contribute.
The business plan
Finally, it should be noted that the development of AI and telecommunications infrastructures is an organic part of PPC’s updated business plan both to serve its own needs and customers, and to provide services to third parties on more “wholesale” than “retail” terms. It should be noted that PPC’s imminent agreement in Western Macedonia to set up a data center follows moves by international players such as Data4, Microsoft, Google, Digital Realty and Amazon Web, which are located in Greece, considering that its privileged position as a hub between Europe, Asia and Africa makes it an ideal location for international connectivity projects.