#Data Infrastructure #Gibraltar #Pelagos Data Centres

Pelagos Data Centres Unveils Ambitious New Facility

Pelagos Data Centres has announced the development of a significant data centre poised to deliver up to 250 megawatts (MW) of capacity by 2033. This facility will be strategically located near the Port of Gibraltar, marking one of the largest development projects in the territory's history. The state-of-the-art data centre was unveiled during an event attended by key local officials, including Gibraltar's Chief Minister, Hon. Fabian Picardo.

Investment and Size

The ambitious project is a massive undertaking that is expected to attract investments in the region of £1.8 billion. Spanning a site of approximately 20,000 square meters, the centre will be developed in five phases, reflecting careful planning to ensure it meets both current and future digital demands. This initiative represents not only a milestone for Pelagos Data Centres but also an important chapter in Gibraltar's economic development, positioning it as a crucial hub for digital infrastructure in Europe.

A Transformative Project

Funding for the Pelagos Data Centres project is sourced entirely from private investments and has garnered the support of the Government of Gibraltar. This transformative project aims to fortify Gibraltar's digital economy amid the increasing demand for data centre services across Europe. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent, the need for scalable and efficient data centres is more urgent than ever. Pelagos aims to cater to this burgeoning demand, thus playing a pivotal role in meeting the continent's future data needs.

The first operational phase of this data centre is predicted to commence in late 2027, with subsequent phases rolling out approximately every 18 months. A significant feature of the project is its independent power sourcing, which will allow the data centre to operate without relying on Gibraltar's existing power grid. Additionally, it will include a public leisure facility designed to serve the local community and enhance public amenities.

Local Impact

The socioeconomic benefits of this project are substantial, projected to create up to 500 jobs during the construction phase and around 100 permanent jobs once operational. Pelagos Data Centres is committed to hiring and training local staff extensively, thus providing opportunities for community involvement and economic uplift. The initiative is also expected to stimulate demand for local services, invigorating Gibraltar's digital and technology sectors.

Commitment to Sustainability

Building to Tier III standards as defined by the Uptime Institute, the facility will prioritize high availability and reliability while adhering to international certifications related to information security and energy efficiency. The architects of this project are dedicated to sustainability, proposing that the data centre will use a combination of renewable energy sources and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to minimize environmental impact. With aspirations to achieve net-zero operational emissions by 2030, Pelagos is committed to implementing advanced cooling systems designed to enhance water efficiency.

Conclusion

At its heart, the Pelagos Data Centres project signifies more than just an infrastructure investment; it represents a vision for Gibraltar's digital future and its role in the global tech landscape. With emphasis on speed and efficiency in delivery, Gibraltar is positioned to become a leading jurisdiction for data services, aiding in fulfilling the extensive requirements of AI and other advanced technologies in the coming decades. Key figures in Gibraltar’s government express optimism for this initiative, underscoring its potential to reshape the region's economic landscape while also addressing the community's needs.

As preparations for construction progress, a detailed briefing will be conducted in early 2026 to discuss the engineering and design elements of this pioneering project, promising to keep the community informed and engaged throughout this transformative journey.