Digital Realty, a global provider of data centre solutions, has started construction on its first data centre in Rome, named ROM1. The facility, located in Italy’s capital, is designed to support advanced artificial intelligence technologies and provide access to a broad network of global and regional connectivity providers. Positioned as a strategic hub, ROM1 will connect to multiple subsea cable systems, facilitating links between Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

The ROM1 facility complements Digital Realty’s existing Mediterranean data centres in Athens, Marseille, Zagreb, and Crete’s HER1 site. It also aligns with the company’s plans to develop a future interconnection hub in Barcelona. Spanning 2.3 million square feet, the Rome campus will offer an initial IT capacity of over 3MW, with potential for significant expansion, positioning it as one of Italy’s largest data centre complexes upon completion in 2027.

The data centre will operate entirely on renewable energy, reflecting Digital Realty’s commitment to sustainability. This focus ensures that the facility meets modern environmental standards while supporting the growing demand for digital infrastructure in key markets.

Alessandro Talotta, Digital Realty’s managing director, stated: “Rome is not only a key economic hub in Southern Europe, but also a critical entry point to the broader Mediterranean - a region that is fast emerging as a vital gateway for global connectivity. ROM1 represents a major milestone in our strategy to build out a dense network of highly connected, sustainable data centre hubs across key growth markets, enabling our customers to scale their digital infrastructure and reach across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.”

The ROM1 facility strengthens Rome’s role as a central node for digital connectivity in Southern Europe. By integrating with subsea cable systems, it enhances data exchange capabilities across continents, supporting industries that rely on high-performance computing and global communication networks. The project aligns with Digital Realty’s broader strategy to expand its network of sustainable, interconnected data centres to meet the needs of enterprises scaling their digital operations.

This development positions Italy as a key player in the global data centre landscape, fostering innovation and connectivity. The ROM1 facility will provide a robust platform for businesses to deploy advanced technologies, contributing to economic growth and sustainable digital transformation in the region.