Merlin Properties has begun construction of a data centre complex in Lisbon together with data centre provider Edged Energy, after increasing its capital by almost €1 billion. According to the two companies, the new development will have five data centres and is designed to provide 180 megawatts (MW) of critical power, using exclusively renewable energy.
The design of the new complex aims to optimise energy consumption, with an average PUE of 1.15, representing significant water savings, estimated at almost 2.7 billion litres per year, compared to traditional data centres. Jakob Carnemark, CEO of Edged Energy and founder of Endeavour, emphasises the commitment of both companies to sustainable development and technological innovation in the region.
In addition, the complex will include an innovative cooling system developed by ThermalWorks, which supports high energy demands required for artificial intelligence and advanced computing applications. This system can handle up to 70 kW per rack with air cooling and up to 200 kW per rack with integrated liquid cooling systems, achieving a reduction in energy consumption of up to 74% compared to the global average. The collaboration between Merlin and Edged could expand the complex's capacity to 300 MW in the long term.
Ismael Clemente, CEO of Merlin Properties, highlights Portugal's strategic position in the data industry due to its strong telecommunications and energy infrastructures, in an economic environment conducive to investment.
The first phase of the project is scheduled for completion in 2027. Merlin has already established three data centres in Barcelona, Madrid and Bilbao-Arasur, and plans to continue its expansion in Bilbao-Arasur later this year, with a view to reaching a capacity of up to 300 MW.
