Pelagos Data Centres Unveils Ambitious 250 MW Data Facility near Gibraltar Port

Pelagos Data Centres Plans Major Development in Gibraltar

In a landmark announcement, Pelagos Data Centres has unveiled an extensive plan to establish a state-of-the-art data center in Gibraltar, anticipated to deliver an impressive capacity of 250 megawatts (MW) by the year 2033. This ambitious project was formally presented at an event hosted by Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, and has been described as the largest ongoing development in the region's history in terms of financial value.

Investment and Phasing

The Pelagos Data Centre is projected to attract approximately £1.8 billion in investments, cradled within a 20,000 square meter site close to the port of Gibraltar. The construction will occur in five phases, with the first becoming operational by the end of 2027 and subsequent phases rolling out approximately every 18 months. This initiative, completely funded through private investments, is set to redefine Gibraltar’s digital landscape and significantly contribute to the local economy.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The economic ripple effect from this project is expected to be substantial. Construction of the data center could generate up to 500 jobs, while around 100 permanent positions will be available once the facility is completed. Currently, Pelagos employs 50 individuals across its London and Gibraltar offices and plans to recruit locally for operational roles after the center's launch. This endeavor not only promises job creation but also supports the growth of Gibraltar’s burgeoning tech sector, enhancing its appeal as an investment destination.

Infrastructure and Environmental Commitment

Designed with Tier III standards outlined by the Uptime Institute, this facility emphasizes high availability and reliability. In its commitment to sustainability, it will operate independently of Gibraltar's existing grid, using a mix of renewable energy sources and liquefied natural gas (LNG), seeking to achieve net-zero operational emissions by 2030. Cooling systems will minimize water consumption, and discussions are ongoing regarding initiatives to harness waste heat for communal projects.

The Chairman of Pelagos, Konstantin Sokolov, remarked on the transformative nature of this project, stating, "The scale of this venture marks a new chapter for Gibraltar and Europe’s digital capabilities. Just as electricity and the internet reshaped society, artificial intelligence (AI) stands as today's pivotal technology, redefining entire industries and communities. Our new facility lays the groundwork for the next wave of AI-driven innovation, positioning Gibraltar as a strategic hub for European talent to harness this ground-breaking technology."

Government Backing and Future Prospects

Supporting this significant investment, Chief Minister Picardo expressed enthusiasm for the immense economic advantage Pelagos Data Centres will bring, highlighting the positive impact on the entire community. He is optimistic about the project’s rapid progression, emphasizing the need for Gibraltar to set the benchmark in infrastructure delivery.

In addition to fostering economic benefits, the Pelagos facility aims to cater to increasing European demands for data center capacity, solidifying Gibraltar's role as a crucial digital infrastructure node capable of supporting the broader needs of the UK and continental Europe. The swift incorporation of AI technologies across multiple sectors underscores the urgent call for scalable, high-performance data centers, which this project aims to fulfill.

Looking Ahead

Further technical briefings and press conferences are slated to occur in early 2026, coinciding with the estimated launch of construction activities. These sessions will provide detailed insights into engineering, design, and the overall implementation plan of the Pelagos Project. As it stands, the Pelagos Data Centres initiative represents a bold step toward positioning Gibraltar as a leader in the digital age, capable of catering to the overwhelming demands of future technologies.

For more information about Pelagos Data Centres and its upcoming projects, please visit [official website link].